Abstract: An eye shield adapted for use either singly or in combination with a protective face mask. The eye shield includes a flexible transparent material which is generally flat in shape. A moldable stiffener is attached to the bottom edge of the transparent material and permits the transparent material to be molded to conform to the wearers nose and cheeks. Means for spacing the transparent material away from the wearer's eyes is attached to the upper edge of the transparent material opposite the moldable stiffener. A single elastic head band, attached to the other two sides of the transparent material, draws the eye shield closely against the face. Whe used in combination with a protective face mask, the bottom edge of the eye shield overlaps the face mask and provides a shingling effect which keeps any harmful fluids or debris on the outer surfaces of the eye shield and face mask.

Abstract: A filter mask for filtering air inhaled and exhaled from the mouth and nostrils while providing a positive facial lock at all edges of the mask. In a preferred embodiment of the invention both the upper and lower edges of the mask are provided with moldable stiffeners for conforming to the shape of the wearer's nose and cheek area and the lower jaw and chin area, respectively. The lower edge is folded so as to form a reverse pleat which conforms to the shape of the lower jaw. A single headband may be used to hold the mask on the head. The peripheral edges of the mask are bound. The mask provides excellent filtration since the positive facial lock around all edges of the mask substantially prevents air from leaking between the mask and the face.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for packaging sterile surgical masks so that individual masks can be dispensed one at a time without disturbing the masks remaining in the dispenser. The method employs stacking surgical masks one upon another and aligning the tie strings so that they have essentially the same direction. The stack of sterile surgical masks with tie strings thus aligned is then inserted into a bag and the bag is tied at one end so as to enclose the masks therein. The bag and its contents are then sterilized and placed in a container. Both the bag and the container are long enough to permit the tie strings to trail loosely behind the stack of masks, and the bag and container are wide enough to permit the tie strings at the sides of the stack of masks to lie loosely and in a generally horizontally aligned fashion, thus permitting the masks to be serially removed without tangling the tie strings.

Abstract: An improved filter mask having a laterally pleated filter medium and a stiffening member parallel to and in the vicinity of the pleats. Lateral opening of the pleats causes the stiffening members to bow outwardly and support the filter medium away from the nose and mouth of the wearer thereby providing greater filtering efficiency and wearer comfort.