How N95 Masks Work

In times when air pollution is one of the biggest causes of death, staying protected is your only chance of survival and longevity. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), air pollution is responsible for 7 million premature deaths worldwide. Among these, nearly 200,000 occur in the US. But there is indeed something you can do about the air pollution. The use of N95 masks while being outdoors and installing good quality HEPA filters indoors can help contain the damage. However, most people often ask how N95 masks work and how efficient they are.

In this article, let us learn how N95 masks work in addition to their efficacy and performance. Some of the top brands of N95 respirators available in the US have also been linked for the reader’s ease.

An Introduction to N95 Masks

An N95 mask is a protective tool that is worn on the face to prevent the entry of airborne particles into the respiratory tract. While learning how N95 masks work, remember that these are effective against dust particles, airborne droplets, mist, viruses and bacteria, smoke, fumes, etc.

Respirator Category

N95 masks fall in the ‘N’ category of the Respirator Rating Letter Class. The letter ‘N’ indicates that the N95 masks are not oil-based products. While learning how N95 masks work, keep in mind that the ‘N’ means that these are not effective against oil droplets.

Filtration Efficiency

In addition to the category, the number ’95’ is indicative of the 95% filtration efficiency of the mask. This value is not as high as that of a HEPA filter which is nearly 100% but remains effective against most airborne materials.

Particle Size

While learning how N95 masks work, it is essential to know that the N95 masks are effective against particulate that has a size of 0.3 microns or more. This indicates that these particles cannot pass through the N95 mask and are thus restricted entry to the air passage way.

Exhalation Valve

The N95 masks also come with an exhalation valve. This one-way valve is usually affixed at the center of the mask. Its job is to ease the process of breathing by making the exhalation easier. When the wearer inhales, this valve does not play a role.

Rather, the inhaled air has to pass through the non-woven layers of the mask to get filtered. However, during exhalation, the air is directed to the exhalation valve which allows it a quick exit. While learning how N95 masks work, it is good to know that the N95 masks with an exhalation valve are ideal for people who feel restricted breathing while wearing a face mask.

How N95 Masks Work?

To understand how N95 masks work, it is essential to look into their construction and understand how they are layered. The following section summarizes both the structure and the working of the N95 masks:

Construction of N95 Masks

N95 masks are often prepared using an electrostatic non-woven polypropylene fiber as their construction material. The structure is arranged in the following way and must be looked into while learning how N95 masks work:

Cup-Shaped Design

The body of the mask constitutes a cup or a molded shell that covers the nose and mouth when the product is worn. It also covers the chin area to create a secure fit.

Filtration Layers

Then, the N95 masks have filtration layers that are as follows:

• A highly breathable outer layer that protects the wearer from the airborne particles by acting as a first layer of defense
• A middle layer that is fibrous in texture
• A soft and comfortable inner layer often affixed with foam near the nose bridge

Tightly-Sealing Nose Strips

The tight sealing edges that seal the N95 masks around the nose and mouth and thus create a controlled environment that is essential while learning how N95 masks work. In most N95 masks, the aluminium nose strips have foam attached to them. This way, the mask neither irritates the user not does it leave marks on the skin.

Head Straps

Two head straps are attached with the N95 respirators to hold the mask in place with a firm grip. These are designed in a way that they do not apply too much pressure on the skin but yet keep the mask sealed around the nose and mouth.

The National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) approves N95 masks that come with head straps, not ear loops. This is because the ear loops are never strong enough to seal the mask in place and, therefore, should not be preferred while learning how N95 masks work.

Working on N95 Masks

When it comes to learning how N95 masks work, keep in mind that the restriction provided to the airborne particles by the N95 masks is primarily due to the fibrous layer. In cloth masks, the fibers can block the entry of particles by trapping them. However, in N95 masks, these fibers have an electric charge on them.

Now, the particles present in the polluted air include dust, dirt, smoke, smog, particulate matter (PM2.5 and PM10), respiratory droplets, etc. Usually, any of these does not carry a charge on it. When a person inhales the air, the airborne particles are attracted by the charged fibers in the N95 mask and thus get stuck in the layers.

This way, the entry of droplets carrying viruses or bacteria as well as other airborne particles is restricted by the N95 mask. As a result, the wearer is protected.

N95 Masks at Health Supply 770: Features and Specifications

The N95 masks are one of the most essential face respirators available in the market. These work as a protective sheet around the nose and mouth and thus keep the wearer safe from inhaling airborne particles. Their effectiveness is well-known as they can filter out up to 95% of the particulate matter.

Considering the importance of wearing masks while learning how N95 masks work, the products of many brands are available in the market. Some of these N95 respirators are also available at Health Supply 770 and have been detailed below along with their features and purchase links:

3M Aura 9205+ N95 Respirator Mask – NIOSH Approved, Flat Fold, Lightweight

US$5.88 to $83.88

Product Details

3M Aura 9205+ N95 respirator mask is an NIOSH-approved product. While learning how N95 masks work, it is important to go through their features and characteristics. For instance, these 3M Aura 9205+ N95 respirators have a flat fold shape and are lightweight. These are easy to don on and they fit perfectly around the face thus generating a sealing effect.

These 3M Aura 9205+ N95 respirators also come with a chin tab that eases wearing the mask for prolonged periods. This way, the mask stays in place and does not slip away. In addition, the chin tab also helps the wearer while donning, positioning, or adjusting the masks.

While learning how N95 masks work, these 3M Aura 9205+ N95 respirators are packed individually to keep them sterile until the packs are opened for wearing masks. Despite the NIOSH approval, these products are yet to get an approval from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

These 3M Aura 9205+ N95 respirator masks are currently on sale at Health Supply 770 with up to 51% price reduction. Hurry up to place an order.

Moldex 1510 N95 Healthcare Respirator & Surgical Mask (20/Box)

US$19.88

Product Details

Moldex 1510 N95 healthcare respirator & surgical masks are one of the best face masks. These can block the entry of microbial agents responsible for causing tuberculosis. In addition, the entry of viruses is also restricted along with the dust, dirt, smoke, smog, etc.

These Moldex 1510 N95 healthcare respirators & surgical masks are 99.9% efficient and have a fluid resistance of up to 160 mm Hg. In addition, the product is free from natural rubber latex which is an irritant to human skin and is known to cause rashes and itching.

Its Softspun lining containing construction allows the product to provide extra comfort especially when the mask is worn for longer. Moreover, the natural contoured surface of the mask also applies a mild pressure on the skin without leaving a mark.

As for the approval from the standard authorities, these 3M Aura 9205+ N95 respirators have been approved by the NIOSH as well as the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The product is overall comfortable, and budget-friendly, and comes in five colors.

3M 8511 Particulate Disposable Respirator, N95, Pack of 80

US$39.88 to $154.88

Product Details

3M 8511 Particulate disposable masks have a filtration efficiency of up to 95% and are constructed with highly charged microfibers. These have high efficiency against small particles in the air such as smoke, smog, PM2.5, and PM10, etc. Their effectiveness in restricting the viruses and bacteria from the inhaled air is also excellent.

While learning how N95 masks work, keep in mind that these products have an additional feature of a cool flow valve system. This valve keeps the face mask cool and breezy and thus the heat or humidity buildup is prevented. As these are non-oil-based products, their ability to restrict oily particles is not up-to-the-mark.

In addition, these 3M 8511 Particulate disposable N95 respirators have an adjustable M-shaped nose clip. This helps seal the mask around the face and thus prevent leakage. Furthermore, these masks also have headbands that enhance the sealing effect without making the wearer uncomfortable.

8210 N95 NIOSH Approved, Mask Face, Respirator Particulate White, Pack of 160

US$178.49

Product Details

8210 N95 NIOSH-approved face masks are the products that are easy to wear and comfortable enough to don on for longer periods. These respirators have a stronger fit around the nose and mouth and therefore do not pose the risk of leakage. The product is also an essential part of the personal protective equipment.

The filtration efficiency of these 8210 N95 NIOSH-approved face masks is up to 95% and these are effective against airborne particles with a diameter of 0.3 microns or less. While learning how N95 masks work, keep in mind that the NISOH prefers masks with head bands rather than ear loops. In this product, the head bands are welded on the mask cup that makes them secure apart from reducing the risk of leakage.

Furthermore, these 8210 N95 NIOSH-approved face masks have foamy texture around the nose clips for the user’s comfort. Their lightweight and comfortable design as well as high breathability makes them the preferred choice among population.

*Note: The prices mentioned in the article are taken from the Health Supply 770 website. These may vary over time.

The N95 masks mentioned in this article while learning how N95 masks work, along with many other medical supplies, can be purchased from Health Supply 770, a reliable name when it comes to medical products. They have a 30-day money-back guarantee and provide your products to you in the shortest possible time. Click the link at the end of the article to check the wide range of products for protection against air pollution.

Conclusion

Air pollution is one of the biggest problems in this day and age. This is because the burning of the fossil fuels in the past decades is now taking a toll on our environment. An example of these consequences is the California fires that are raging from the past few days.

As a protective tool, the use of N95 masks is recommended by the health experts. This is because these masks can filter out harmful particles like dust, smoke, microbes, etc. When it comes to learning how N95 masks work, keep in mind that these have a multilayer structure that filters out every particle with a size of equal to or more than 0.3 microns with an efficiency of 95%.

Owing to their high demand, many brands manufacture and market N95 masks. For purchasing different kinds of N95 masks as well as other respirators, reliable vendors like Health Supply 770 should be approached. They ensure the provision of quality products along with satisfactory services.

References

https://www.who.int/health-topics/air-pollution#tab=tab_2