WHAT MAKES A FACE MASK EFFECTIVE?
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the World Health Organization recommend that masks be worn during the pandemic to reduce the transmission of the virus.
With so many different types of facemasks available (referring to surgical masks and N95 respirator masks) many individuals are learning that not all masks are created equal and it has sowed confusion about the utility of masks.
Scientific data will also show there are performance aspects that can mean the difference between staying healthy or becoming sick.
It is known that masks help wearers who suffer from seasonal allergies and prevent contamination of the surrounding area. They're effective as a “source control" because they can prevent larger expelled droplets generated from coughs, sneezes, speech, heavy exhalation from evaporating into smaller droplets that can travel farther.
Disposable masks vary in protection levels, styles, color, patterns, fit, comfort, purpose and price. So do respirator masks. Are you buying and using the correct facial protection for the procedures performed daily? Here is some information to help you decide.
What Makes a Face Mask Most Effective?
The most obvious parameter is filtration. The other factors are it must fit properly and be comfortable to wear.
Filtration refers to the percentage of particles the mask material blocks. For example, an N95 respirator mask filters at least 95 percent of fine size airborne particles but this becomes meaningless if there are gaps around the mouth that lets air in freely. A properly fitted mask should rest snugly around the mouth and over the chin and nose. Lastly, comfort is an important metric: a mask is no good if it isn’t being worn.
Certification
A quality mask is an important component against the spread of respiratory disease and national regulatory standards assure quality performance standards. N95 masks are certified by the CDC National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH). The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) set standards for how respirators have to fit people in work settings.
For medical and healthcare workers subjected to aerosols, droplets or splatter, disposable procedure or surgical masks are defined by the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) ASTM F2100-11 standard which assigns a numerical rating (Level 1 - 3) for the barrier performance of the material.
An issue this country faces with availability of high-filtration masks is that they may not come from reputable suppliers during times of high demand such as the pandemic global supply chain shortage. Back then, the CDC’s Web site warns that about 60% of KN95 respirators available in the U.S. were counterfeit.
If you are seeking legitmate N95 masks and high-performing surgical masks, we have solutions that you need including American made facemasks and American made N95 respirator masks.
If you are looking for high-performing respiratory products that you can rely on to protect your health and well-being, we have something for everyone. From ASTM Level 3 procedure face masks to American Made NIOSH approved surgical respirators, we only sell quality made, respiratory protection that you can depend on. All you need to do is tap the link and…
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