FDA Clears First Single-Use Face Mask for Children
Designed to be worn in hospitals and healthcare facilities to help reduce the spread of airborne respiratory tract bacteria, viruses, and other pathogens.
The mask is designed to fit children ages 5 years to 12 years. Children do not breathe as forcefully as adults, particularly children with respiratory infections, so the face mask is less resistant to airflow than an adult mask.
“Children are not small adults”
Performance tests reviewed by the FDA showed that air flow and filtering ability of the mask were appropriate for children. The mask, cleared on Sept. 23, 2011, includes specific fitting instructions for the adult who assists the child in using the device. Adult supervision of any child wearing a face mask is an important safety recommendation.
The mask should not be used on patients showing signs of shortness of breath, chest pain, chest pressure, indrawing of the lower chest wall, dizziness, or confusion.