A surgical mask is a disposable face covering designed to protect both the wearer and others from the spread of infectious agents. It is commonly used in healthcare settings by medical professionals during surgeries, examinations, or procedures to maintain a sterile environment. Surgical masks typically consist of multiple layers of material to filter out bacteria, viruses, and other particles while allowing the wearer to breathe comfortably. They help prevent the transmission of respiratory droplets and reduce the risk of contamination. These masks are not designed for high-level protection like N95 respirators but are effective for general medical use and everyday situations.