June 07, 2024

Are there Medical Uses for our masks?

Before finding your answer below, check out our blog about

healthy lung, lung transplant, chemotherapy, influenza, MCS.

The Cambridge Mask is not suitable to be used in a hospital setting by members of a health care team as it is not a single-use item and hence you would not want to dispose of it after contact with an infected patient. The hospital you work at will have an infection control policy that should be used when dealing with infected patients. 

A Cambridge Mask could be used to reduce your risk of respiratory infections when you are not at work, for example, is worn when in public settings or around others with respiratory infections. Other measures that can also be helpful include maintaining a good level of hand hygiene, avoiding crowded areas, and keeping your distance from others (airborne transmission of respiratory pathogens is reduced significantly over a distance of greater than 2m).

Attached are the usage guidelines which give the recommended number of hours of use before the mask would need replacing. These guidelines are based on the use of the mask to protect against pollution. The AQI (air quality index) in Blackpool tends to be in the good or moderately unhealthy range and hence the mask should be replaced after it has been worn for 340 hours. You can find the AQI in your local area by doing a simple internet search.

This article covers:

Tuberculosis

Tuberculosis is an infection caused by bacteria. I believe you are aware that it usually affects the lungs but can involve the kidneys, bones, spine, brain, and other parts of the body.

The Cambridge Mask works by using a three-layer filtration system to block the entry of particulate into the respiratory tract, in addition, it also blocks the entry of bacteria and viruses.

The user must ensure a proper fit to ensure correct filtration.

Asthma

Allergies and asthma interfere with lives more than most people realize. It becomes difficult to do yard work, go on vacation, or even commute to work. There are a lot of potential triggers out there.

The Cambridge Mask works by using a three-layer filtration system to block the entry of particulate into the respiratory tract, in addition, it also blocks the entry of bacteria and viruses.

The user must ensure a proper fit to ensure correct filtration.

Lung Transplant

Lung transplantation or pulmonary transplantation is a surgical procedure in which a patient's diseased lungs are partially or totally replaced by lungs that come from a donor. Hygiene becomes more important in everyday living due to the immunosuppressant drugs which are required every day to prevent transplant rejection. Lack of a strong immune system leaves transplant recipients vulnerable to infections.

The Cambridge Mask works by using a three-layer filtration system with the three-layers entry of particulate into the respiratory tract, in addition, it also blocks the entry of, bacteria and viruses. This will be of benefit for someone with COPD as reduced lung function and respiratory reserve increases the risk of the adverse effects of pollutants. In addition, people with COPD tend to be, more susceptible to respiratory infections. This could be particularly important both pre-and post a lung transplant surgery. The mask should reduce the chance of you contracting respiratory infections if worn when in public settings or around others with respiratory infections.

COPD

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a type of obstructive lung disease characterized by long-term breathing problems and poor airflow. The main symptoms include shortness of breath and cough with sputum production. COPD is a progressive disease, meaning it typically worsens over time. Emphysema is an example of this.

The Cambridge Mask works by using a three-layer filtration system to block the entry of particulate into the respiratory tract, in addition, it also blocks the entry of bacteria and viruses. This will be of benefit for someone with COPD as reduced lung function and respiratory reserve increases the risk of the adverse effects of pollutants.

In addition, people with COPD tend to be more susceptible to respiratory infections. This could be particularly important in both pre-and-post lung transplant surgery. The mask should reduce the chance of contracting respiratory infections if worn when in public settings or around others with respiratory infections. Other measures that can also be helpful include maintaining a good level of hand hygiene, avoiding crowded areas especially other healthcare settings, and keeping your distance from others (airborne transmission of respiratory pathogens is reduced significantly over a distance of greater than 2m).

The mask does not actively heat the air, but will act as a barrier to cold air, and will reduce the loss of humidity which can also trigger coughing in COPD.

We would caution that in some cases a person with a respiratory disorder may find wearing a mask uncomfortable as it will slightly increase the work of breathing. If the individual uses oxygen during normal daily activities, it will be difficult to use a Cambridge Mask as it needs to fit snugly to your face which is unlikely to be possible whilst using an oxygen delivery system. The ‘pressure drop’ or inhalation/exhalation resistance rate on our mask is 8-13 mm H20.

Cystic fibrosis

Cystic fibrosis affects the cells that produce mucus, sweat, and digestive juices. It causes these fluids to become thick and sticky. They then plug up tubes, ducts, and passageways. The symptoms vary and can include coughing and repeated lung infections.

The Cambridge Mask blocks particles down to size PM0.3 and provides the benefit of blocking many microbes including bacteria such as Pseudomonas and fungus and fungal spores, although these can be of variable size.

As such it should provide a barrier as long as the mask is a good fit.

This test involves testing the mask against penetration by a fine spray of sodium chloride (salt) and is the accepted standard for respirators designed to protect against particulate matter such as pollutants from traffic.

The flu attacks the lungs, nose, and throat. Young children, older adults, pregnant women, and people with chronic disease or weak immune systems are at high risk. I believe you are aware that the symptoms include fever, chills, muscle aches, cough, congestion, runny nose, headaches, and fatigue.

Chemotherapy

Chemotherapy treatment can last for anywhere from 3 to 6 months. During that time, a patient is considered immunocompromised; not able to fight infection. After finishing chemotherapy treatment, it can take anywhere from about 21 to 28 days for the immune system to recover.

The Cambridge Mask blocks particles down to size PM0.3 and provides the benefit of blocking many microbes including those which can cause infections in people with weakened immune function, such as patients on chemotherapy regimens. The mask should provide protection to you from respiratory infections, as long as it is a good fit, alongside other measures such as maintaining good hand hygiene, avoiding contact with people with infections, and avoiding crowded situations.

Influenza

Influenza spreads by airborne respiratory droplets (coughs or sneezes), skin-to-skin contact (handshakes or hugs), saliva (kissing or shared drinks), and by touching a contaminated surface (blanket or doorknob).

The Cambridge Mask blocks the entry of bacteria and viruses. This should reduce the chance of contracting respiratory infections if worn when in public settings or around others with respiratory infections. Other measures that can also be helpful include maintaining a good level of hand hygiene, avoiding crowded areas especially other healthcare settings, and keeping your distance from others (airborne transmission of respiratory pathogens is reduced significantly over a distance of greater than 2m).

MCS

Multiple chemical sensitivity (MCS), also known as idiopathic environmental intolerances (IEI), is a disputed chronic condition characterized by symptoms that, the affected person attributes to low-level exposures to commonly used chemicals.

Symptoms are typically vague and non-specific. MCS is a complex condition and is not currently well understood. What is currently recognized as MCS may be a variety of different problems with different underlying causes. Cambridge Masks work by virtue of trapping small particles. This trapping occurs by size (it has been shown to block >99% of particles of size 0.3 microns and up), and also by the chemical charge. Depending on which chemicals are causing sensitivity problems a mask may block them and reduce the associated symptoms, without specific information it is difficult to be more definite than this. If you check our Amazon reviews there are many comments from MCS sufferers saying how much the mask has helped them

“Use this for chemical sensitivities due to a chronic illness. I've tested it a few times and it really seems to work. I don't get the symptoms I did without it.”

“These masks work for my chemical sensitivities 99% of the time. I'm very grateful.”

Neutropenia

Neutropenia is when the body has very low levels of certain white blood cells (called neutrophils), the body's main defense against infection. Cancer and its treatment also may cause other problems with the immune system, making it important to avoid crowds of people who could expose your child to viruses.

The Cambridge Mask blocks particles down to size PM0.3 and provides the benefit of blocking many microbes including those which can cause infections in people with weakened immune function, such as after a transplant. The mask should provide protection from respiratory infections, as long as it is a good fit, alongside other measures such as maintaining good hand hygiene, avoiding contact with people with infections, and avoiding crowded situations.

Molds - Pseudonymous

Pseudomonas is the versatile "blue-green pus bacteria" that opportunistically infect people, especially those who are immunocompromised. It rarely causes infection in healthy individuals but it is a major cause of hospital-acquired (nosocomial) infections. It tends to infect people with immunodeficiency or burns and those with indwelling catheters.

Infection with Pseudomonas can lead to urinary tract infections, sepsis (bloodstream infection), pneumonia, pharyngitis, and many other medical problems. Pseudomonas can colonise the lungs of patients with cystic fibrosis (CF) and contribute to the chronic progressive pulmonary disease and death rate in CF.

Cambridge Mask’s innermost layer is made from activated carbon cloth which is able to trap bacteria and viruses, preventing them from reaching the wearer's lungs. The Cambridge Mask blocks particles down to size PM0.3 and provides the benefit of blocking many microbes including bacteria such as Pseudomonas and fungus and fungal spores, although these can be of variable size. As such it should provide a barrier as long as the mask is a good fit.

Molds - Mycotoxins and Ochratoxin/Trichothecene

Ochratoxin and trichothecene are different types of mycotoxins. They aren't actually alive like mold spores. So when we talk about "killing mycotoxins" it really means breaking down mycotoxins and their toxicity so they are no longer dangerous to humans.

When people are around toxic mold they are usually exposed to airborne mycotoxins by breathing them in. These mycotoxins end up in the lungs and cause breathing problems and other severe symptoms. (Source. https://moldpedia.com/mycotoxins)

Cambridge Mask’s innermost layer is made from activated carbon cloth which is able to trap bacteria and viruses, preventing them from reaching the wearer's lungs. The Cambridge Mask blocks particles down to size PM0.3 and provides the benefit of blocking many microbes including ochratoxin and trichothecene, although these can be of variable size. As such it should provide a barrier as long as the mask is a good fit.

Angina

The masks are wonderful for keeping the face warm - we have a lot of customers in London who use them during the Winter commutes through town. We have been told by our Medical Consultant Dr. Harriet Leyland that the air is simply slowed down by the mask as you breathe in so it feels warmer, but we certainly notice the difference ourselves. Our team uses the masks at the Beijing office in Winter when it can get to minus 20 in Jan/Feb and the mask really helps!

Patient Visit

The Cambridge Mask works by using the three-layers filtration system to block the entry of particulate into the respiratory tract, in addition, it also blocks the entry of bacteria and viruses. This should reduce the chance of you contracting respiratory infections if worn when in public settings or around others with respiratory infections. Other measures that can also be helpful include maintaining a good level of hand hygiene, avoiding crowded areas especially other healthcare settings, and keeping your distance from others (airborne transmission of respiratory pathogens is reduced significantly over a distance of greater than 2m).

Your question about whether to wear a mask when you visit a patient is more difficult to answer. It is likely that the mask would reduce the risk of transmission to the patient as the trapping process will work in both directions. However, the hospital that is looking after them will likely have their own guidelines and procedures based on their experience of looking after patients or babies who are ventilator dependent. For example, they may provide single-use masks for staff and visitors when in contact with the patient. We would suggest that you speak to them and ask for their guidance.

If you have further questions, please contact us by email at info@cambridgemask.com or Chat button on our sites to connect with our Customer Service Team.