A surgical face mask is a loose-fitting, disposable mask thats rectangular in shape. The mask has elastic bands or ties that can be looped behind your ears or tied behind your head to hold it in place. A metal strip may be present at the top of the mask and can be pinched to fit the mask around your nose.
A properly worn three-ply surgical mask may help block transmission of large-particle microorganisms from droplets, sprays, splatters, and splashes. The mask may also reduce the likelihood of hand-to-face contact.
The surgical mask three-ply layers work as follows:
The outer layer repels water, blood, and other body fluids.
The middle layer filters certain pathogens.
The inner layer absorbs moisture and sweat from exhaled air.
