Masks

3M Certified N95 Mask

  • NIOSH Approved: N95
  • FDA Cleared for use as surgical mask
  • Helps protect against certain airborne biological particles
  • Fluid resistant and disposable
  • 3M™ Health Care Particulate Respirator<br> and Surgical Mask 1860, N95 120 EA/Case 3M Product Number 1860, 3M ID 70070612364, UPC 50707387419429

30 million N95 masks waiting for buyers

Latest on Double Masking

Double masking can significantly improve protection, new data from the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention shows.

Researchers found that layering a cloth mask over a medical procedural mask, such as a disposable blue surgical mask, can block 92.5% of potentially infectious particles from escaping by creating a tighter fit and eliminating leakage.  More at https://www.cnn.com/2021/02/10/health/double-masking-cdc-study-escape-wellness/index.html

N95 Mask Could End Pandemic

The N95 mask is considered the best at filtering out INCOMING particles due to its unique electrostatic attractive forces.  It also protects those around you from your emissions of “particles”.

The author of this article believes widespread use of the N95 mask could end the pandemic in a matter of weeks.

The filter works by trapping neutral particles like bacteria and viruses before they pass through the mask, protecting the wearer and those around them. It’s similar to how socks might get stuck to a blanket in the dryer. The N95 mask, which costs roughly $5, also fits securely to the face, eliminating most of the leakage that may occur with a loose-fitting cloth or paper mask.  (from CNN)  Complete link to this analysis https://www.cnn.com/2021/01/22/health/face-mask-n95-coronavirus-transmission/index.html

N95 Masks: Real or Counterfeit? Always necessary?

The N95 mask is considered the best at filtering out INCOMING particles due to its unique electrostatic attractive forces.  It also protects those around you from your emissions of “particles”.  See following section for more information.

Unfortunately there is a big industry in faking these N95 gold standard for protection masks.

Before filtering facepiece respirators — a fancy term that includes N95 masks — can be used in any workplace, they must be certified by NIOSH.
For an N95 mask to get a NIOSH stamp of approval, it needs to filter at least 95% of airborne particles.
Here’s your rule-of-thumb: No markings means no approval.
NIOSH-approved masks have an approval label on or within the mask packaging — either on the box or in the users’ instructions. The mask should also have an abbreviated approval marking.
The approval number on your mask should begin with “TC.” The mask should also have a NIOSH logo printed on it. This image from the CDC can help you identify your mask’s markings.
Then, you can check for the approval number on NIOSH certified equipment list.
N95 masks are hard to tolerate and may be best worn in the most dangerous situations like crowded stores, takeouts, meetings etc.  Other times it is felt that more comfortable double cloth or surgical masks may work fine for most dailey casual situations.
If you wear glasses and they steam up, it means you have leaks and the mask is not fitting tightly.  Ear loup masks are less effective than behind the head masks.

N95 masks can also be mistaken with KN95 masks, which meet standards in China yet are not certified by the US National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health.

More at: https://www.cnn.com/2021/02/05/us/counterfeit-masks-how-to-spot-trnd/index.html

Post a Mask Review