How to Use N95 Masks Properly During Wildfire Emergencies?

Wildfire smoke is an assemblage of many gases, particulate matter, airborne droplets, as well as respiratory disease-causing microbes. When inhaled, these things reach the lungs and cause irritation that leads to severe coughing. In some cases, these temporary respiratory conditions aggravate to become chronic conditions. All this can be prevented, at least to some extent, by covering your mouth and nose by wearing an N95 respirator. However, how to use N95 masks in a way that they are beneficial during a wildfire is a question often asked.

In this article, we will address the question of how to use N95 masks and what advantages they provide when used against wildfire smoke.

Choosing the Best N95 Masks

While learning how to use N95 masks properly during wildfire emergencies, it is important to look into the following first:

1.      Look for NIOSH Approval

The National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) is the relevant authority under the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). One of its jobs is to check the respirators available in the US market and give them approval if they meet the necessary requirements.

If a respirator has been approved by the NIOSH, it indicates that the product is up-to-the-mark and performs its job in the best way possible. To identify if a respirator has been approved by the NIOSH, look for the ‘NIOSH’ or ‘N95’ label on the mask. While learning how to use N95 masks, keep in mind that the products with ‘P100’ labelled on them are also a good choice.

2.      Choose the Right Size

For best results, it is essential to choose an N95 respirator that has the right size according to the wearer. Wearing a mask that is too small or too large does not provide the necessary results as a smaller mask does not cover mouth and nose properly while a bigger one does not ensure a snug fit or sealing. In both cases, the advantages of an N95 mask cannot be achieved.

3.      Choose the Right Shape

N95 masks are available in three cup shapes:

• Flat fold shape
• Duckbill shape
• Cone shape
• Boat shape
• Bifold shape

All of these vary in terms of their cup shape that ultimately changes the way the mask fits around the mouth and nose. While learning how to use N95 masks, all of these shapes should be analyzed and compared while keeping the patient’s comfort in view. Whichever shape seems more comfortable and breathable to the user should be given preference.

4.      Check for a Snug Fitting Material

The N95 masks are usually made up of multiple layers that block the entry of airborne particles with high efficiency. One of these layers contain materials like non-woven polypropylene that keeps the mask elastic while retaining its snug fitting property.

Ideally, a good N95 respirator for you is the one that gets pulled towards your face upon inhalation or breathing in. This ensures snug fitting that is one of the essential steps while learning how to use N95 masks.

5.      Adjustable Head Straps/Ear Loops

While learning how to use N95 masks, it is good to know that these come with two kinds of fitting mechanisms. Some of these masks are affixed with head bands that come over the user’s head and keep the mask snug fit. However, the others have ear loops that are to be worn around the ears and support the cup of the N95 mask.

Although both are used by the public, the NIOSH recommends N95 respirators with headbands owing to their better snug fitting.

How to Use N95 Masks during Wildfire Emergencies?

While learning how to use N95 masks, the following steps should be kept in mind while wearing the respirator as per the CDC:

• Place the N95 mask on your mouth and nose in a way that it covers both properly. The headbands should be over your head at this point. Adjust the lower headband around the base of your neck while the upper headhand must go around the crown of your head.
• If your N95 respirator has a nose piece bar, you need to adjust it to achieve a sealed fitting around the nose. For this purpose, press the nose piece bar from both sides of the nose until it is pressed and adjusted according to the shape of your nose.
• If you are using a reusable N95 respirator, make sure to keep it clean and dry as long as you are using it.
• While learning how to use N95 masks, remember that if your N95 respirator is dirty, the breathing process becomes laborious. At this stage, there is a need to replace the respirator with a new one.
• If you wear a hat, a cap, a bandana, a scarf, or any kind of head covering, wear your N95 respirator first and then do the head coverings.
• In individuals who have a beard, it is difficult to achieve a sealed fit when an N95 mask is worn. Therefore, ideally, the N95 and other respirators are for clean-shaven people.
• For extra protection, always perform a ‘user seal check’ every time you wear a mask. This involves checking the positive and negative pressure every time a mask is worn.

How Can I Confirm If My N95 Respirator is NIOSH-Approved?

Generally, the respirator has a ‘NIOSH’ label on it. If not, you can confirm the approval by visiting Knowits.niosh.gov website under the “Approved Particulate Filtering Facepiece Respirators” tab.

Good to Remember

While understanding how to use N95 masks, it is essential to focus on individuals for whom N95 respirators are not a good option. Therefore, the use is discouraged. These include:

• Children under the age of 2
• People who experience troubled breathing while wearing an N95 mask like those with existing respiratory, cardiac, or other health-related conditions
• Individuals who cannot take the mask off by themselves

N95 Masks at Health Supply 770: Features and Specifications

While learning how to use N95 masks, it makes sense to go through some of their well-known brands. After all, these respirators are capable of blocking airborne particles from entering the lungs and thus preventing several respiratory disorders.

Considering how essential N95 respirators are, companies make and market them in different shapes and sizes. 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 with Head Straps– NIOSH Approved, Flat Fold, Lightweight

US$5.88 to $83.88

Product Details

3M Aura 9205+ N95 respirator masks are NIOSH-approved face masks that are highly efficient in their performance. Being prepared using soft yet sturdy material, these N95 respirators have a flat fold shape that helps achieve a snug fit as well as a 100% seal around the mouth and nose. The top strap and bottom strap also keep the mask perfectly fitted around the mouth.

While learning how to use N95 masks, it is important to look for a product that has a chin tab that can make it easy for the wearer to don on, adjust, and keep the mask in place for all day long. These 3M Aura 9205+ N95 respirator masks have this feature that renders them superior to many of their competitors in the market.

In addition, these 3M Aura 9205+ N95 respirators are also lightweight and gentle on the skin as they do not cause redness or irritation. Apart from being approved by the health authorities i.e. NIOSH, these 3M Aura 9205+ N95 respirators are now waiting to be approved by 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 NIOSH as well as CDC-approved products in the market. These should be chosen during a wildfire emergency as these have a high efficiency owing to their snug fit design. In addition, their filtration capacity of up to 99% targets the particles equal to or above the size of 0.3 microns.

Moreover, these Moldex 1510 N95 healthcare respirator & surgical masks are highly effective against the Mycobacterium tuberculosis, the causative agent of tuberculosis or T.B. infection. With their approved efficiency against smoke, smog, dirt, dust, etc., these can be your best choice for a wildfire emergency kit. Furthermore, their capacity to restrict the fluids is nearly 160 mm Hg.

While learning how to use N95 masks, these masks often come to mind as they are already shaped around the nose and does not require the user to ensure the snug fitting. Moreover, the top strap and bottom strap also help fit the mask properly. Thus, any gaps on the edges are effectively sealed. Due to their comfortable construction material that is also free from natural rubber latex, these masks do not cause skin irritation and redness.

The Softspun lining on the inner side of the mask provides extra comfort to the wearer especially when the mask is to be worn for longer periods. Overall, these Moldex 1510 N95 healthcare respirator & surgical masks are budget-friendly, easy to use, and are available in five cool colors.

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

US$39.88 to $154.88

Product Details

3M 8511 Particulate disposable N95 respirators are face masks with an exhalation valve. These are particularly beneficial for those who feel suffocation and shortness of breath while wearing a face mask. The exhalation valve affixed to the design allows the exhaled air to move out of the mask quickly. However, the inhaled air has to pass through the layers of the mask to ensure filtration.

While learning how to use N95 masks, the high efficiency of these 3M 8511 Particulate disposable N95 respirators against the particulate matter of concern i.e. PM2.5 and PM10 comes to mind. This is achieved due to the highly charged microfibers used in their construction.

In addition, the restriction to bacteria and viruses is also significant. Another innovative feature in these products is the presence of a cool flow valve that keeps the inner side of the mask breezy and cool and thus enhances the user’s comfort. As the product is disposable, the wearer must throw away the mask after a single use. To discard the mask correctly, you can find instructions on the websites under the supervision of the health administration.

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

US$178.49

Product Details

8210 N95 NIOSH-approved face masks that ensure a good fit around the nose and mouth. The nose piece metal strip is for further securing the mask and preventing leakage. These 8210 N95 NIOSH-approved face masks are also highly efficient with a filtration efficiency of 95% that is effective against particles of 0.3 microns or more in size.

While learning how to use N95 masks, the importance of head bands is often discussed. Therefore, these 8210 N95 NIOSH-approved face masks have string head bands that are welded in the cup. In addition, their comfortable interior and foamy texture also render them the user’s first choice.

*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 to use N95 masks, 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

As the incidents related to the wildfires are increasing day by day, staying protected with necessary supplies at hand is our best chance of survival. One such item that is of absolute necessity is the N95 mask. An N95 respirator is employed to cover the mouth and nose to achieve a seal fit that does not allow the entry of air into the windpipe without being filtered first.

While learning how to use N95 masks, it is essential to look into the NIOSH-approved respirators as they guarantee protection against the harsh and acrid smoke. Furthermore, wearing and removing these masks is also quick and easy.

Considering their high efficiency against the wildfire smoke, many brands are marketing N95 masks which should be grabbed and included in the wildfire emergency kit. For purchasing different kinds of products while learning how to use N95 masks, reliable vendors like Health Supply 770 should be approached. They ensure the provision of quality products along with satisfactory services.

References

https://blogs.cdc.gov/niosh-science-blog/2025/01/13/protecting-from-wildfire-smoke/

https://www.cdc.gov/niosh/npptl/pdfs/infographic-n-95-508.pdf