The CDC recommends wearing face covering (e.g., face mask, respirator) in public settings where other social distancing measures are difficult to maintain (e.g., grocery stores and pharmacies), especially in areas of significant community-based transmission. Although neck breathers (laryngectomee and those with tracheostomy) breathe through their stoma, it is recommended that they wear a facemask in addition to covering their stoma with a modified mask or HME.
Ensuring the face mask seal is a vital part of respiratory protection practices. Facial hair that lies along the sealing area of a respirator, such as beards, sideburns, or some mustaches, will interfere with respirators that rely on a tight face piece seal to achieve maximum protection. Gases, vapors, and virus particles in the air will take the path of least resistance and bypass the part of the respirator that captures or filters hazards out. This can allow the COVID-19 virus access to the respiratory tract.
It is therefore recommended that all individuals including neck breathers remove their facial hair prior to wearing a mask. Shaving may be challenging for those who had radical neck dissection because of their facial numbness. Using an electrical shavers allows safe removal of the hair without injuring the skin.
No comments:
Post a Comment