In the medical industry, personal protective equipment is critical for patients and medical professionals alike. During the current COVID-19 pandemic, adequate personal protection equipment (PPE) is more important than ever.
With the need for close interaction between individuals in a healthcare setting, medical personnel are regularly put in the line of fire from fluid-borne and airborne pathogens. Unsurprisingly, the face is the most common site of contamination, as many viruses and bacteria infect their hosts through mucous membranes such as the eyes, nose, and mouth.
Since medical workers and patients are often in close quarters, there is enhanced risk of infection for both parties, even when workers are wearing medical face masks. Face shields offer an extra level of protection for all susceptible mucous membranes on the face, leaving nothing to chance.
How Medical Face Shields Are Manufactured
In light of the recent coronavirus pandemic, a variety of innovative face mask designs have been developed to help protect medical workers on the front lines. The simplest and most common design features a simple visor made of polycarbonate, acetate, polyvinyl chloride (PVC), or polyethylene, secured by a strap, which may be made of elastic or plastic.
Plastic Design’s unique medical face shields feature a simple polycarbonate panel secured with an elastic strap. A synthetic EPDM rubber forehead pad ensures a comfortable and reliable fit. We use state-of-the-art CNC routing equipment to precision cut the polycarbonate shields to exact measurements, and the EPDM foam pad is self-adhesive for added comfort and convenience.
Applications and Uses for Medical Face Shields
Medical face shields offer numerous benefits over traditional medical masks. They are composed of more durable materials that can be easily sanitized for reuse. The ability to reuse shields significantly reduces the pressure on the mask supply due to the COVID-19 crisis. Not only do reusable shields ensure that more healthcare workers can access PPE, but it also reduces the costs of PPE, as they do not have to be replaced as frequently. Since they can be manufactured quickly using extremely affordable materials, shields are a cost-effective replacement for traditional disposable masks.
Face shields have the added advantage of comprehensive coverage. Unlike more common masks and respirators, medical face shields cover the entire face, decreasing the risk of exposure through mucous membranes in the eyes, nose, and mouth. They also make it more difficult for users to touch their faces, further reducing the risk of contamination. Workers in high risk environments can comfortably wear face shields over masks and goggles for additional coverage.
Face shields offer numerous benefits for workers in a variety of healthcare fields, including nurses and doctors, dentists and dental hygienists, veterinary care providers, medical lab workers, and emergency services providers. They offer superior coverage over standard masks, respirators, and goggles, which leave parts of the face exposed. Face shields can also be sanitized for reuse and worn in conjunction with other PPE for extra protection.
Quality Medical Face Shields by Plastic Design Industries
Plastic Design Industries is dedicated to providing low-cost, high-quality face shields to our customers in the medical, veterinary, emergency, and other essential industries. Our extensive range of plastic manufacturing equipment allows us to customize face shields and associated products to meet the particular needs of your industry or application. With over 40 years of experience serving a broad range of industries, including medical, pharmaceutical, food service, and laboratories, we understand that every application has different needs. We strive to meet and exceed our customers’ expectations and industry standards with every product design.
Whether you need easy-to-access face shields for emergency first responders or reusable shields for hospital personnel, Plastic Design’s seasoned experts will work with you to provide the equipment you need to keep front line workers safe. To learn more about our polycarbonate medical face shields and custom designed products for personal protective equipment, view our brochure, contact us today, or request a quote.