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Guide: What Is An N95 Mask?

What you need to know about the N95 mask.

By Louie MissapPublished 3 years ago 4 min read
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Masks, once restricted to particular occupations, are fast becoming present during the coronavirus pandemic. But, all masks are not the same. Filtering facepiece respirators also referred to as N95 masks, are governed and regulated by the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health,

Thankfully, Accumed has expanded production at several facilities globally to help meet the increasing demand for these masks and other alternatives.

Here is a breakdown of what an N95 mask is:

N: This is a Respirator Rating Letter Class. It stands for "Non-Oil," meaning that you can use the mask in the work environment if no oil-based particles are present. R (resistant to oil for 8 hours) and P (oil proof) are the other mask ratings. 

95: Masks ending in a 95 have a 95 percent efficiency. Masks ending at 99 have an efficiency of 99 percent. 99.97 percent effective are masks ending in 100, and that is the same as a filter of HEPA efficiency.

.3 microns: Masks filter out pollutants such as dust, mist, and gases. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention ( CDC), the minimum size of .3 microns of particulates and big droplets would not pass through the barrier. 

Material: An electrostatic non-woven polypropylene fiber is the filtration stuff on the mask.

Valve: An optional exhalation valve comes with some reversible N95 masks. According to the CDC, "The presence of an exhalation valve decreases exhalation resistance, making it easier to breathe and exhale."

N95 masks

An N95 mask is essentially a form of a respirator and provides more security than a surgical mask because when the wearer inhales, it can flush out both large and small particles. The mask is designed to block 95 percent of very small particles, as the name implies. There are valves in some N95 masks that make them easier to breathe through. With this form of a mask, as the wearer exhales, unfiltered air is released.

Prior to using an N95 respirator in the workplace, health care workers must be qualified and undergo a fit test to confirm a proper seal. N95 masks are meant to be disposable, much like surgical masks. Researchers, however, are testing ways of disinfecting N95 masks so that they can be reused.

Some N95 masks have one-way valves that make them easier to breathe through, and even some fabric masks. But because when the wearer breathes out, the valve releases unfiltered air, this form of the mask doesn't keep the wearer from spreading the virus. Some areas have banned them for this reason.

What Makes An N95 Different From Other Face Masks?

N95 masks are so-called because they are a U.S. requirement that allows masks, including droplets containing the coronavirus, to be able to filter out at least 95% of very small particles. They are usually worn, for example, by medical personnel as well as staff at factories that deal with paint or industrial chemicals.

By contrast, surgical masks and simpler fabric masks are primarily designed to avoid the wearer from transmitting germs and are easier to put on and wear. Surgical masks do not establish a seal as strong as N95 masks on the face.

Can The Lifespan Of an N95 Mask Be Extended?

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has given advice on how a small stock of N95 masks that can be found online can best be extended. 

The CDC says that for every process, a new N95 should preferably be used. But the CDC recognizes that health workers may need to reuse masks and decrease mask use due to current shortages.

The CDC states that healthcare workers can wear one mask every day and then store the used mask in a paper bag. They can reuse that mask after five days because viruses like the new coronavirus are expected to degrade during that time.

Are There Enough N95 Masks To Go Around Now?

The demand for N95 masks greatly outstrips existing stocks. Mask makers have been rising production in the U.S. and around the world, but demand remains much higher so far. U.S. officials want N95 masks available to be used by front-line personnel battling the pandemic and also recommend the general public to wear cloth masks.

Because of the demand for the N95 masks, there are a lot of shops which sell it. However, some are not approved by the CDC and NIOSH. If you are looking for high-quality N95 masks, Accumed is the store for you.

The N95 masks for sale on their shop are CDC & NIOSH approved particulate filtering respirator N95 mask for at least 95 percent filtration efficiency against certain non-oil based particles. Get yours today, and keep yourself safe wherever you are. 

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About the Creator

Louie Missap

Louie is the father behind the travel blog Browseeverywhere.com. He has a background in photography, E-commerce, and writing product reviews online at ConsumerReviews24. Traveling full time with his family was his ultimate past-time.

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