As per the Food and Drug Association (FDA), an N95 is a respiratory protective tool that provides a close facial fit and filters minute airborne particles with high efficiency. It is often employed when there is a high risk of getting infected from the airborne microbes or inhaling too much smoke in case of a wildfire. N95 respirators have different types and shapes that often render people confused about how to choose the best N95 mask for themselves or their loved ones.
Wearing an N95 mask keeps the user protected against airborne illnesses
In this article, we will go through some of the features of the product to answer the question of how to choose the best N95 mask.
N95 Mask: What Does it Mean?
An N95 mask is an efficient product that blocks the entry of airborne particles including dust, dirt, microbes, vapors of chemical components, as well as respiratory droplets into the wearer’s lungs. The name N95 has been given to the product based on the rating system. The ‘N’ indicates that the product is ‘Not oil resistant’ and the number 95 is for showing its 95% filtration efficiency.
How to Choose the Best N95 Mask?
While learning how to choose the best N95 masks, it is important to look for the following features:
Look for the NIOSH Approval
The NIOSH stands for the National Institute of Occupation Safety and Health. It is a US federal agency that conducts research on the products and list them as fit or unfit for use at work places. NIOSH also regulates N95 masks.
In case of an approval, the N95 respirator will have a NIOSH stamp or logo on it to indicate that the product meets all the requirements set by agency. All the N95 masks approved by the NIOSH can filter the particles of 0.3 microns or more in size with at least 95% filtration efficiency. The filtration capacity is an essential factor while learning how to choose the best N95 mask.
Check the Appropriate Markings
While learning how to choose the best N95 masks, look for the specific markings on the product. The markings indicate the identification information of the product and are given to it by the NIOSH. The information regarding the product’s model number, designation, etc. can also be estimated by these markings.
Markings and warnings on the surgical-style masks indicate these are NIOSH-approved
Choose a Comfortable Shape
In general, all the N95 masks are shaped in the same way. These usually have a cup-shaped design that fits comfortably and gives enough room to the wearer to breathe and talk. In addition, flat fold and duckbill shapes are also common.
While learning how to choose the best N95 mask, remember that among these, no design is superior to the other. Therefore, the healthcare professionals recommend using whichever type is available or whichever you find more comfortable.
Choose the Right Type
N95 masks are manufactured for use in different environments. For instance, some of these are labeled as ‘standard’, ‘medical’, or ‘surgical’ which should be checked while learning how to choose the best N95 masks. The prior one is fine for use by the general public while the others are specially designed for healthcare providers.
Look for a Good Fit and Seal
While learning how to choose the best N95 masks, there are some other features that need to be looked into. These include the following:
- The N95 should have two strong latex-free head straps or elastic bands that could hold the mask in place firmly and provide a snug fit.
- It should also have an adjustable foam-based nose bridge to ensure the fitting around the face. This helps seal the mask around the nose and thus leakage risk is eliminated. In addition, the user is also comfortable.
Choose the N95 Mask with Exhalation Port
It is believed that the N95 masks with exhalation ports do not provide a secure fit and thus there is a chance of compromised user safety. However, people who experience breathing difficulty while wearing an N95 can use the ones with exhalation ports as they facilitate the airflow. While learning how to choose the best N95 mask, keep in mind that some N95 masks have an added layer of antimicrobial coating to provide the user extra protection.
N95 masks with adjustable nose bridges ensure a secure fit
Check the Breathability
As an N95 mask is employed for blocking the entry of minute particles, it carries multiple layers in its design to filter things out. These layers can, however, make some users uncomfortable as they may feel shortness of breath while wearing the mask.
The problem becomes significant when the mask is to be worn for prolonged periods. Therefore, it is always essential to keep in mind the patient’s comfort level in addition to the filtration capacity of the mask while learning how to choose the best N95 masks.
Evaluate the Durability and Cost
The N95 masks are part of the personal protective equipment that come in both disposable as well as reusable options. The disposable ones are single-use products and must be discarded after one application. On the other hand, the reusable N95 masks can be used more than once. This feature makes the reusable products cost-effective and long-lasting.
While learning how to choose the best N95 mask, remember that both disposable and reusable N95 masks need to be discarded immediately if they are soiled or damaged.
N95 masks are available in both disposable and reusable options
N95 Respirators at Health Supply 770: Features and Specifications
An N95 respirator is a highly efficient product that is employed to block the entry of airborne particles into the lungs. These are worn by the healthcare staff to protect themselves against the diseases. People also wear them in workplaces where there is a high risk of inhaling small-sized particles.
Considering the importance of N95 respirators, these are manufactured by multiple companies. 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
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 a product approved by the NIOSH. These have a flat fold shape and are lightweight to handle. The products are highly effective in limiting the entry of particulate matter as well as airborne particles into the lungs and thus prevent infectious diseases. The chin tab of these N95 masks helps the wearer to don, position, and adjust the product easily.
While learning how to choose the best N95 mask, remember that each piece of 3M Aura 9205+ N95 respirator masks is packed in individualized packs and thus remains clean until the time of use. In addition, these products are yet to be approved by the FDA after the existing NIOSH approval.
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 mask is one of the best face masks while learning how to choose the best N95 mask. It is not only effective against minute particles but also provides protection against bacteria causing tuberculosis. Moreover, these Moldex 1510 N95 healthcare respirators & surgical masks have a fluid resistance of up to 160 mm Hg. In addition, the efficiency against bacterial filtration is 99.9%.
These Moldex N95 masks come in five different colors. The construction material is free from natural rubber latex, a known skin irritant that can cause redness and itching on the face. Their Softspun lining renders the product comfortable for the wearer especially when it is to be worn for prolonged hours. In addition, the natural contoured surface of the face mask keeps the wearer free from much pressure.
While learning how to choose the best N95 mask, it is essential to note that these Moldex N95 masks have been given approval by the NIOSH. In addition, the product has also been approved by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
3M 8511 Particulate Disposable Face Masks for Health and Occupational Safety, N95, Pack of 80
8210 N95 NIOSH Approved, Mask Face, Respirator Particulate White, Pack of 160
US$39.88 to $154.88
Product Details
3M 8511 Particulate N95 disposable masks are highly efficient against airborne particles with a filtration capacity of up to 95%. These masks can trap dust, dirt, viruses, bacteria, as well as other non-oil-based particles. Moreover, a cool flow valve system has been installed in the design that renders the material cool and breezy and does not allow heat and humidity to remain trapped within the mask.
These 3M 8511 Particulate N95 disposable masks also have adjustable M shaped-nose clips that seal the mask effectively while avoiding too much pressure on the wearer. This way, the effectiveness of the N95 mask is enhanced while keeping the user comfortable.
Furthermore, the braided headbands have also been attached to the product that provide a snug fit. While learning how to choose the best N95 mask, it is important to remember that these 3M 8511 Particulate N95 disposable masks or respirators are breathable due to their highly charged microfiber-based design. This renders them useful during wildfire or medical emergencies as well as for occupational safety.
8210 N95 NIOSH Approved, Mask Face, Respirator Particulate White, Pack of 160
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 respirators that ensure a secure fit when donned on. These depict a 95% filtration efficiency along with maximum protection against all kinds of airborne particles. Their welded two-strap design makes sure that the mask fits perfectly on the face and does not allow the air to leak out.
Moreover, the strong yet comfortable nose clip adds to the snug fitting of the product. It also has a foam-based construction to make it softer. In addition, these 8210 N95 NIOSH-approved face masks are also lightweight and can be worn for longer.
While learning how to choose the best N95 mask, keep in mind that these also enhance breathability owing to their advanced electrostatic media. This serves as an ideal characteristic people look for when choosing a mask for occupational safety.
*Note: The prices mentioned in the article are taken from the Health Supply 770 website. These may vary over time.
The correct way to wear masks and remove them afterward
The N95 respirators mentioned in this article while learning how to choose the best N95 mask, 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
In the past few years, people have become more conscious about wearing a mask. This is because the awareness against the airborne diseases has elevated at a tremendous scale. A surgical mask, N95 respirators, as well as other face masks have become well-known to public for all the good reasons.
While learning how to choose the best N95 mask, one must go through the features of the product in detail. Apart from a good quality product, keep in mind that the user’s comfort is also important to consider. In addition, look for the right size, type, and fit. The product must ensure that the seal around the nose and mouth is strong enough to prevent leakage.
As an N95 mask is highly efficient in performance as compared to cloth masks owing to its high filtration efficiency, it is best to keep some of these at home, at the work place, and in healthcare facilities. Moreover, N95 respirators can also be used on a daily basis to remain protected from the air pollution.
For purchasing different kinds of N95 and other respirators while learning how to choose the best N95 mask, reliable vendors like Health Supply 770 should be approached. They ensure the provision of quality products along with satisfactory services.
References
PhD Scholar (Pharmaceutics), MPhil (Pharmaceutics), Pharm D, B. Sc.
Uzma Zafar is a dedicated and highly motivated pharmaceutical professional currently pursuing her PhD in Pharmaceutics at the Punjab University College of Pharmacy, University of the Punjab. With a comprehensive academic and research background, Uzma has consistently excelled in her studies, securing first division throughout her educational journey.
Uzma’s passion for the pharmaceutical field is evident from her active engagement during her Doctor of Pharmacy (Pharm.D) program, where she not only mastered industrial techniques and clinical case studies but also delved into marketing strategies and management skills.
