FAQ

Is a protective face shield as effective as a face mask?

Keeping safety guidelines in mind, many are opting for medical masks and dental face shields to keep themselves safe from infection. Face shield visors are widely accepted as personal protective equipment (PPE) by the medical and scientific community. They serve as an effective tool to reduce the transmission of COVID-19. Plastic face shield visors cover the whole face instead of just the nose and mouth and therefore minimize the risk of transmission from confirmed cases and asymptomatic carriers alike. They are most effective when used as a supplement to medical masks.

What is a face shield and how is it different from a face mask?

The main component of a face shield visor is the transparent plastic visor that covers the whole face. This is a vital feature as face masks only cover the nose and mouth although transmission is also possible through the eyes. The safety face shield comes in various designs and can be worn like a helmet that fits your head with adjustable straps. Due to its transparency, people wearing face shields can carry on conversations with more comfort and ease. It’s also an ideal option for the hearing impaired.





What are the pros of face shields compared to face masks?

A reasonable comparison cannot be made as protective face shields and medical masks are designed for different purposes. They are most effective when used in combination. For logistical purposes, we have offered a descriptive answer below.



Safety face shields double your defense when used with face masks. They block direct respiratory particles, reducing exposure by 96% within 18 inches of somebody at the onset of coughing or sneezing.



Dental face shields are reusable unlike face masks. By washing with soap and water or disinfecting, the face shields can be used indefinitely. They also reduce the surface contamination of medical masks, making them last longer and thus more sustainable and economically viable.



Face shields are also cost-effective. In comparison to medical masks, face shields are a worthy investment due to their longer shelf life. They also increase the usage period of face masks so you can cut back on waste and purchases.



Safety face shields are comfortable.Face masks come with rubber band straps or strings which can be quite uncomfortable at times. Face shields don’t have such issues as they are worn around the forehead with padded and adjustable bands.



Most importantly, face shields cover the eyes. COVID-19 is a respiratory disease and enters directly via airways or mucous membranes. Mucous membranes include the eyes. By covering your eyes, you accomplish two things: 1) prevent the habitual rubbing and touching of the eyes and 2) block virus particles from making direct contact with them.



Neither shields nor masks are substitutes for one another — they each have their own applications and are best used as supplementary pieces.



Would it increase a person's safety if a face shield were worn? Absolutely! The PET plastic of the face shield visor fully blocks fluid particles from reaching the face. This is a powerful means of reducing the risk of contamination. Would it increase a person's safety if a face shield were worn? Absolutely! The PET plastic of the face shield visor fully blocks fluid particles from reaching the face. This is a powerful means of reducing the risk of contamination.

Would it increase a person's safety if a face shield were worn?

Absolutely! The PET plastic of the face shield visor fully blocks fluid particles from reaching the face. This is a powerful means of reducing the risk of contamination.

Do safety face shields reduce the need for face masks?

No, protective face shields are not intended to replace face masks. Face shields serve a different purpose from medical masks.



Plastic face shield visors do offer a number of advantages. These face visors keep particulates from getting in your eyes and also keep masks from getting contaminated as quickly. On the other hand, a medical mask filters the air you are breathing and covers the lower part of your face with a tighter fit.



These plastic protective shields are a good COVID-19 preventative measure alongside face masks, hand washing and social distancing. Face shield visors are not commonplace in public just yet. However, as the pandemic continues, more and more people are starting to consider protective gear like dental face shields.

Why don't they just replace masks with shields?

Safety face shields protect your eyes but are open at the base so contaminated aerosols that float around in poorly ventilated spaces can pose a risk.



What works best is a properly fitted medical mask with a dental face shield over it. That way, the mask isn't contaminated as quickly and you are less likely to get respiratory droplets or virus particles in your eyes, mouth and nose.

Do social distancing measures mean that neither masks nor face shields are necessary?

The short answer is no. Studies show that a cough or sneeze can travel further than 2 meters. Other studies show that breathing and talking are also ways that a virus can spread beyond the recommended social distance which is why group meetings are banned in many places. The best way to reduce your risk of infection is by following the combination of safety measures recommended by health experts.

Is hand washing more important than wearing personal protective equipment (PPE)?

Both are important. There are ongoing studies that suggest viruses can remain on different surfaces for a few hours to days. Washing hands when returning home and disinfecting door handles, bags and anything used outdoors can be helpful in eliminating viruses from these surfaces, thus lowering your chances of contamination.

How to clean safety face shields?

After wearing a face shield, it’s very important to sanitize it frequently. To do so, after taking it off, sterilize it with soap and water, a disinfectant or other household cleaner. This will eliminate viruses and bacteria so you’ll be good to go!



To clean foam-padded safety face shields, first make sure you wash your hands. Use disinfectant wipes to clean the front side of the shield first and dry it with a clean paper towel. Then turn the shield over to wipe the inside the visor and continue until the entire product has been wiped down. Allow it to dry off in a clean, ventilated space or with a paper towel.

Can retail workers be protected by wearing face shields?

Even after following all safety precautions, no one is guaranteed certainty. However, if retail workers or any other personnel wear a safety face shield along with a medical mask and maintain social distancing guidelines, they can exponentially reduce the risk of infection.