Face Masks and Hair Nets

Face Masks Overview: Next to gloves, face masks are necessary for many kinds of examination which requires close contact between practitioners and patients. Dentistry is the most familiar of these settings, but masks are necessary in surgery as well. The mask is designed to protect both patient and practitioner from airborne pathogens as well as diseases communicable through bodily fluids. The nose and mouth are particularly vulnerable points of entry for disease, and the protection of these is key to preserving sterile field, especially in lab work and surgery.

 

Types: Fluid-resistant, particle-resistant, with or without particle respirator, tie-on, disposable, etc.

 

Prices for surgical masks vary. Uline offers them at 50 per container, with discounts the more boxes are bought. $10 for 1 box, $9 for 3 boxes, $8 for 10 or more boxes. AllHeart offers face masks in a variety of styles and models, but prices range from $1 - $2 for a box of 100 1- or 2-ply plain masks to $20 for a box of 20 surgical masks with particulate respirators, although these only represent the high and low end of the spectrum.

 

Manufacturers: Uline, AllHeart, etc.

 

Sources: www.allheart.com, www.uline.com

 

Hair Nets Overview: Hair nets and surgical caps serve much the same function as face masks, the emphasis being on protection of the patient and the preservation of sterile field, especially in sensitive areas such as the clean room, lab work and surgery. A cap that is low to nonexistent lint factor is preferred, as this reduces dust and static in the working area. Most head coverings are made of polypropylene, nylon and Kaycel fabric, and meet standards for use in clean rooms and surgery. 

 

Types: bouffant, surgical cap, hair net, etc.

 

Prices for bouffants can range from $28 to $34 for a case of 1000; prices for nylon hair nets range from $46 to $71 for a case of 1000 and surgical caps are around $89 for a case of 500. This information was taken from www.ESDProducts.com and www.ccsteven.com. Alternatively, these products can be found at www.georgetiemann.com for between $16 and $20 for a pack of 100.

 

Manufacturers: CCSteven & Co., George Tiemann & Co., etc.

 

Sources: www.ESDProducts.com, www.ccsteven.com, www.georgetiemann.com.