Hi Boki7276,
I agree that some surgical face masks are uncomfortable. (They
certainly steam up my glasses too!). However, not all masks are as
rigid as the ones your friend seems accustomed to.
This brand is rather comfortable
http://www.eqplus.com/earlonoma50c.html?gclid=COihsZbB7IICFUHUIgodhiKLtg
This one looks comfortable enough and it claims not to fog glasses!
http://www.masksnmore.com/airguardmasks.html
I?ve often worn this type of mask, and it is fairly comfortable. The
nose area is moldable to your face.
http://www.jansenmedical.net/store/product.php?productid=4714
These are the uncomfortable style of mask:
http://store.yahoo.com/mednet-store/prfamafl.html
You could make an effective mask for your friend, if you follow a
pattern similar to the cloth masks you see here:
http://www.breathehealthy.net/
and
http://www.icanbreathe.com/
The site above uses silk fabric and organic cotton.
Remember, air will follow the path of least resistance, so you?ll
want a fairly close fitting mask, with no gaps. Ear loops are more
comfortable than tie-on masks. If you do sew them, make several, as
she will want to change them should they become moist. Make enough for
2-3 fresh masks per day. Once the mask is taken off, it should be
laundered in the hottest possible water and dried in a dryer.
?Cotton mask: If surgical masks are not available, use cotton masks
made from four or five layers of cotton cloth sewn together.?
http://www.cdc.gov/ncidod/dvrd/spb/mnpages/vhfmanual/section4.htm
Using an antimicrobial fabric will make the mask more effective.
http://www.domesticfabrics.com/
http://www.domesticfabrics.com/9_domesticfabrics_prhlt.shtml
http://www.ductsox.com/ductsoxweb/ductsoxproduct.nsf/vContentEntries/Fabric-Specialty+Products+Microbe-X%C2%AE+Antimicrobial+Treated+USDA+Fabric?OpenDocument
If you can?t locate antimicrobial fabric, try purchasing a tee shirt
or other garment and use the fabric to make the mask! Tee shirt fabric
is soft, and this one contains Microban antimicrobial. Wash any fabric
first!
http://www.bdstacticalgear.com/pd_511_loose.cfm
Check larger local fabric shops for Microban fabric, and check local
heath supply stores. The fabric shops may have fabric, while the
health supply store may have towels, cloths or shirts made with
Microban that you can use. Nursing uniform stores may carry Microban
tee shirts as well. Janitor supply stores might carry Microban coated
cloths or teatowels.
Microban Towels
http://www.bedandbathstore.com/product/bath-towels-and-rugs/116758/grand-patrician-ultra-touch-towel-with-microban%ae.html
Here is some interesting information about stages of post-transplant
types of infections:
http://www.marrow.org/PHYSICIAN/patient_care_post_tx.html
Post Stem Cell Transplant
How will I care for myself at home?
"Stem cell transplant patients continue to be at risk for infection
and complications for months or longer after transplant. You will play
a very important role in the recovery process by following the
self-care guidelines you will be given by the stem cell team.
? Infection precautions
You will be given specific information about precautions you should
take and symptoms that may be cause for concern. Most patients are
encouraged to avoid crowds, gardening, pets, and contact with people
who are ill. Since your skin is the first line of defense against
infection, careful skin care is also essential.
? Home environment
Your home will need to be thoroughly cleaned before your return, and
you will be encouraged not to perform housecleaning functions for some
time. You will also be given guidelines about handling pets and plants
in the home.
? Nutrition
Good nutrition plays an important role in your recovery. Our
dietitians will give you information about foods likely to be
appealing to your appetite as well as helpful in your recovery.
? Physical activity
Throughout your transplant, it is important to get enough exercise to
build your strength. When you return home, you will be encouraged to
continue with some type of daily activity."
http://www.nmh.org/nmh/specialtiesandservices/servicescenters/sct/main.htm
?Often patients will wear protective masks when venturing outside the home.?
http://cpmcnet.columbia.edu/dept/medicine/bonemarrow/bmtinfo.html
These tips were found on a children?s transplant site, but still apply to adults:
?Most infections following transplant come from organisms within the
body (e.g., cytomegalovirus, mouth and gut bacteria). Good hand
washing by parents, visitors, and healthcare workers can help decrease
the risks of infections from bacteria and fungi.?
? Keep your child away from anyone who has recently been inoculated
with a live virus (chicken pox, polio).
? Keep your child away from barnyard animals and all animal feces.
? Have all carpets shampooed before the child returns home from the transplant.
? Avoid remodeling your home while your child is recovering.
http://www.patientcenters.com/childcancer/news/marrow_stem.html
If your friend is at a point after her transplant where she can
safely travel, a cloth mask will work fine for general protection. I
would still keep your friend away from people who are actively
infectious, such as those with colds and flu. You are very thoughtful
to think of her protection and comfort. While you?re at it, keep her
bathroom stocked with antibacterial soap and lotion. Keep hand
sanitizer in the car and around the house.
Good luck and enjoy your visit! If any part of my answer is unclear,
please request an Answer Clarification, and allow me to respond,
before you rate.
Sincerely, Crabcakes
Search Terms
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Surgical masks + post stem cell transplant
Microban fabric
Microban tee shirts
cotton medical face mask |
