Face shields: providing additional layers of protection

In an effort to help reduce the spread of COVID-19, many Australians are currently required to wear face masks and shields when working in essential services. Some are required to wear a face covering whenever they leave their homes. As a result, different varieties of face coverings have been designed and put to the test, to add a layer of protection from sneezes, coughs or other airborne particles.

Whilst some people are choosing to wear masks or cloth coverings, others are opting for face shields or a combination of both for extra protection. Why? Face shields are comfortable to wear — they’re also re-usable, and can easily be disassembled and cleaned with most cleaning products.

The Ned’s Head Personal Protective Face Shield is the product of a South Australian luxury speaker manufacturer and an international award-winning industrial design company who have joined forces to beat pandemic PPE shortages, creating a face shield with their award-winning, latex-free, sticker-free and adhesive-free design — all made in Australia from recyclable materials.

Professional industrial designers with medical design experience took part in the research and design process to ensure the shields uphold good protection while also being comfortable to wear.

Speaking to the unique design, Ned’s Head Director and founder of ARID (Andrew Rogers Industrial Design) Andrew Rogers said, “We wanted to create something that people would actually be willing and able to wear all day. Something comfortable, lightweight and suitable for professionals not wanting FACESHIELD plastered across their forehead.”

That’s the thing about face shields — they’re comfortable and provide many other benefits for the wearer. Face shields are also a good alternative for people who cannot wear face masks, including those with asthma. The design allows for compatibility with face masks, making them an additional safety barrier for anyone who’d still like to wear a cloth mask underneath whilst also protecting their face and eyes with a shield.

Studies have shown that people can catch viruses through eyes via droplets, so whilst regular face masks offer no protection for this, face shields can provide spray resistance. One cough simulation study in 2014 suggested that a shield could reduce a user’s viral exposure by 96% when worn within 18 inches of someone coughing. Wearers can feel confident to wear this protection indefinitely with no deterioration in performance.

Ned’s Head face shields are made from lightweight materials: a breathable foam headband that is not sweaty like plastic or elastic and an anti-fog coating so that people can comfortably wear glasses underneath. The face shield design encourages good hygiene habits by reminding the wearer that they cannot touch their face or eat or drink while wearing the shield.

As an added bonus, shields allow for better visual communication than a face mask, as you can easily see the wearer’s facial expressions.