High quality PPE has become more important than ever

As we move into a new decade, the medical world is still reeling from an assault by a uniquely devastating pandemic. As we move into a new decade, the medical world is still reeling from an assault by a uniquely devastating pandemic. COVID-19 outbreak, originating in China over a year ago, has affected how medical teams operate at every level while transforming the supply needs of private and public practices. But what exactly do we define high quality? And where can the private practice or private individual source the best PPE for their money?

The importance of quality

The world is crying out for high quality, medical-grade Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) which has to be sourced, developed, regulated and supplied by medical supply companies globally. From suitable face masks to gloves, sanitizers and aprons, medical practices worldwide are in need of affordable solutions for this huge and seemingly never-ending disaster.

Ultimately, this failure to source proper PPE costs lives. And when it comes to COVID-related PPE, the facial mask is hot property.

With demand still soaring as the pandemic continues to spread and mutate, the classic N95 medical-grade mask has sold out across hundreds of online stores while its Chinese manufacturers struggle to meet demands. On top of this, a new market has emerged for largely unregulated fabric masks with everything from charcoal filters and gas mask style attachments to floral designs. In this confusing market, it has become more important than ever for legitimate regulation. Thankfully, the World Health Organisation has provided it.

(https://www.who.int/emergencies/diseases/novel-coronavirus-2019/advice-for-
public/when-and-how-to-use-masks)

Fabric masks should be made of three layers of fabric:
• Inner layer of absorbent material, such as cotton.
• Middle layer of non-woven non-absorbent material, such as polypropylene.
• Outer layer of non-absorbent material, such as polyester or polyester blend.

Surgical Masks vs Homemade Cloth Masks

Despite these international regulations, many have still opted to use homemade cloth masks for daily wear. Combined with the obvious lack of regulation and uniformity in manufacture here, these masks also offer a much lower level of protection when compared with surgical masks.

The surgical-grade masks used by hospitals and medical practices worldwide are a key device to have in any medical setting. They help in much the same way as the WHO guidelines explain, protecting the patient against infectious agents and the wearer against splashes of potentially contaminated fluids.

At Armoury Solutions, we have worked with manufacturers to source high-end masks with superior protection capabilities. Our surgical mask of choice is the Handanhy Surgical Face Mask (link to product).

Handanhy are industry leaders in air filtration and respirators with a long history in providing high quality face masks for both surgical and non-surgical  environments.

Each mask exceeds the standards required, both in terms of specification and comfort. They also have a high filter performance coupled with a low breathing resistance to ensure sustained protection over long periods. For staying safe and protecting others, this really is a great choice.