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What Is A Face Shield Made Of?

Following the outbreak of Covid-19, the demand for personal protective equipment and safety face shields in Australia has increased. Now, these protective devices are making their way to public homes. While these devices are not new in the healthcare field, they are quite new to most people. 

Despite many other protective gears, masks and face shields are the ones easily accessible, especially in preventing direct contact with the Covid-19 virus. In particular, wearing a safety face shield adds another layer of defence by protecting the entire face against viral particles. Studies show that viral droplets can quickly spread between people. Moreover, airborne viruses can remain in the air for a period of time. Protective face shields can therefore act as a safety measure for those making regular contact with people. 

But with the many products available, how do you know the ones you buy are effective and long-lasting? And are face shields all the same?

What Are Face Shields?

Face shields are generally protective devices worn by a person for the protection of the facial area. For instance, in the medical setting, doctors, nurses, and other healthcare professionals wear medical face shields to block the outward transmission of viral particles.

Face shields are plastic coverings crafted in different forms and varieties. Because their main purpose is to add a layer of protection from viruses and other infectious airborne particles, manufacturers are putting different materials as well as designs to test. 

At this time, to reduce the spread of Covid-19, many governments including Australia encourage the public to wear a face shield. Given the nature of work for some people, they are required to wear medical protective face shields whenever they leave or enter their homes.  

What Is the Purpose of a Face Shield?

Whilst some people choose to wear masks and other protective clothing, others are opting to wear a combination of face shields and masks for maximum protection. Some individuals though wear a face shield over a mask due to convenience and comfort. However, wearing face shields alone will not protect the wearer from airborne particles and small speech droplets. Likewise, masks on their own are not effective from coughs and sneezes.

With this in mind, the purpose of a face shield is to provide additional protection for a longer time. Compared to a mask, face shields are a better alternative because they are likely to be worn properly. If you are a person who constantly comes in contact with people especially where physical distancing is not possible, wearing a face shield is highly useful. Studies also reveal that viruses, including covid strains, can enter the eyes and ears through droplets. Hence, wearing regular masks will not offer ultimate protection. 

Benefits of Wearing a Face Shield 

Other than its main purpose of providing protection, a face shield offers comfortability for some individuals who cannot wear masks. People with asthma are particularly benefiting from this function. 

For people who touch their face, eyes and hair with their hands, face shields act as a barrier to prevent contaminated hands from reaching the face.

Face shields are also reusable. You can simply disassemble their parts for easy cleaning too. You can use most of the cleaning products to disinfect them. 

Another important benefit of a face shield is its universal fit design that you can adjust to your convenience. You don’t have to test it for fitting.

How Are Face Shields Made? 

Face shields are manufactured with three important components, the visor, frame and suspension system.

Visor- The visor is the lens or the window made from different plastic materials such as polycarbonate, propionate, acetate and polyvinyl chloride. They also come in different models either disposable, reusable and replaceable. Some are made scratch-resistant, allowing you to prolong the lifespan of the shield. 

In choosing your face shield, clarity is crucial. This is why manufacturers are looking for the perfect material to use. Acetate provides the best clarity but polycarbonate materials are the ones widely used. However, the visors also pose a problem when it comes to optical quality. Some face shields do not have anti-glare or anti-fogging mechanisms. Hence, quality face shields are treated with special coatings to reduce eye strain and glare.

Frame- This component is also made of plastic that is adjustable or non-adjustable. Other designs include metal-clip frames to allow the attachment of eyewear into the visor. For convenience, manufacturers offer detachable frames to replace the visor.

Suspension System- The suspension system refers to the plastic headband wrapped around the head to maintain or hold the face shield in place.

How To Wear A Face Shield 

Just like masks, face shields are easy to wear. Directions on how to wear the face shield may vary because of designs, styles and models.

1. Make sure that your hands are clean. Hold the straps of the face shield with both hands. Avoid touching the front portion of the face shield.
2. Expand or adjust the elastic using your thumb and make sure that the foam rests on your forehead.
3. Check if your face is fully covered. Make adjustments so that it totally covers the sides of your face. To ensure maximum protection, the forehead band should be 3 cm above your eyebrow and your bottom shield must sit below your chin.
4. If your visor does not hold its place, tighten the elastic clips on the side of the shield. However, not all face shields have similar designs.
5. Once you are comfortable with the placement, always remember to never move your face shield. Never push it upward.
6. Use face shields as long as you need to, especially if you are in a public place. 
7. In case you need to remove or adjust your face shield, make sure to wash or disinfect your hands thereafter to avoid contamination.

Why Choose Dexcon Global? 

Are you looking for the best face shields Australia?  Dexcon Global can help you. We are a leading provider of the quality personal protective equipment face shield and other medical  PPE products. We have joined forces with leading global manufacturers to produce quality medical devices that guarantee a real and exceptional outcome. Call us today.