When a regular face mask doesn't offer enough protection for a certain job, and a full-face respirator is not practical, a protective shield face mask offers your eyes protection from liquid hazards such as infectious droplets. If a full-faced disposable face shield is excessive, then a surgical mask with eye shield may fit your application. Some styles are equipped with a slim, aluminum wire that helps the mask bend over the nose for maximum filtration. Others have soft foam padding to prevent eyeglasses from fogging, or latex-free secures so they're safe for use by people with allergies.

Face shields come in a few different styles to suit different medical, retail, and food service operations. A full face shield protects against droplets while allowing the user to choose which face mask they may wear. A face shield without an attached face mask may be useful for settings in which it is important not to muffle your speech.

A face mask with an attached eye shield lends itself well to medical applications in which eye protection may be beneficial. Procedural face masks have an anti-fog coating in order to not interfere with the task at hand. The fluid resistant ratings vary depending on brand and material. The highest quality face shields are manufactured by Medline, a trusted hospital brand with decades of expertise. A medical grade or n95 face mask can be paired with a Medline face shield for hospital grade protection.