Shop Face Shields 

Infectious disease experts and other healthcare professionals have emphasized the importance of face coverings in times of disease outbreak. Compliance is especially important in the wake of diseases that often go undetected due asymptomatic persons, or individuals who are sick without showing symptoms. Face masks have been commonly mandated, but not everyone likes to wear a mask. Some people don’t mind masks, but they want some additional protection due to a risky profession or compromised immunity. Could face shields be the answer?

What is a Face Shield?

A face shield is a clear, plastic or Plexiglass panel worn over the face. It is usually secured to the head with a headband, such that the face shield extends from the forehead down beyond the chin. These pieces of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) are integral to the medical profession. They are worn by healthcare professionals during surgeries and a variety of other medical procedures. Face shield use has become increasingly common in the wake of the ongoing COVID-19 (Coronavirus Disease) pandemic as well.

 What Does a Face Shield Protect You From?

Humans unknowingly emit airborne particles, or aerosols, all the time. Talking, sneezing, laughing, and even breathing can send thousands of droplets from the mouth and nose into the air. These droplets may subsist for hours.

Face shields are designed and constructed to protect the wearer from these aerosols. This is especially important when the aerosols are emitted from someone with a viral infection. Because viral infections are transmitted via human secretions, it is important to guard the mucus membranes against contact with any potential infection sources. Mucous membranes exist in the eyes, nose, and mouth. Face shields effectively protect these points of entry.

Because some infectious persons don’t exhibit symptoms, such as the case with COVID-19, it is important to protect oneself even in the presence of others who are seemingly healthy.

Many physicians support the use of face shields, in conjunction with other precautionary procedures, to slow the spread of COVID-19. In fact, face shields have been widely utilized to keep healthcare professionals safe whilst treating COVID-19 patients. For instance, the medical staff wears face shields while intubating COVID-19 patients to protect themselves from viral particle exposure.

Many experts support the adoption of face shields by those who work outside of healthcare. If the general public were to sport face shields at work, at the grocery store, or when out with friends, they, too, could benefit from the protection that face shields have to offer.

Are Face Shields Effective?

A 2014 study by Lindsley and colleagues showed that face shields reduced exposure to an influenza-based aerosol by 96% at a distance of 18 inches. At a distance of 6 feet, the commonly-recommended distance for social distancing precautions, exposure was reduced by 92%. Surface contamination of a respirator was decreased by 97% as well. These results are promising because, as is the case with COVID-19, the influenza virus is often spread through droplet transmission.

Face shields are effective at keeping the wearer safe from infection for several reasons. For one, face shields are nearly impossible to wear incorrectly. This makes them an especially good option for children and those who find it challenging to wear masks for an extended period.

Another advantage face shields have over masks is their composition and construction, which directly affect their effectiveness. While face shields are made up of a rigid, synthetic material, face masks are made of breathable cloth. This means that while a face shield provides a physical barrier between the wearer and any viral trace particles, a face mask only filters out some of these particles.

Furthermore, face shields fully cover the eyes, nose, and mouth. Face masks, however, only cover the nose and mouth, leaving the mucus membranes of the wearer exposed to aerosols.

Another benefit? Face mask wearers are often tempted to adjust their masks and touch their faces. They could unknowingly transmit viral material from their hand to their face, drastically increasing the probability of infection. Face shields are less cumbersome, so wearers are less inclined to engage in this behavior. 

Purchase a Face Shield Today

Face shields are part of an effective solution to the problem of viral infection transmission. Doctors have relied on them for centuries, and they are now more and more commonly worn by the general populace. Not only are face shields largely effective at preventing aerosol contact, thereby protecting the wearer from infection via viral particle contraction, but they are breathable and comfortable as well, and generally pleasant to wear. They are easy to clean and re-usable, and they will help you feel more at ease in the face of social situations.

DMB Supply understands the widespread adverse effects that COVID-19 has had on communities across the nation. Keeping loved ones safe as everyone attempts to regain a semblance of normalcy will prove challenging. We at DMB Supply are committed to doing our part in keeping Americans safe and healthy by providing means of reducing infection transmission. Our products are FDA approved and shipped right out of our New York Warehouse. Bulk orders are available.

Purchase a DMB face shield today, and let us help you stay healthy.