The disposable respiratory face masks have earned great attention because of the spreading of the virus, although they have been used for a long time in other purposes like occupational safety etc. N95 face mask is assigned to a (NIOSH) National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health rating that is referred to masks that engage a specific standard for particle transmission. The N95 face mask is made to filter up to 95 percent of airborne particles. These N95 masks are also worn by the people who suffer from contagious sickness to avoid dust particles or other microbes from leaving the nose and mouth of the patient and keeping the others at risk.
Whereas these masks do not insulate against the transmission of particles with 100 percent accuracy and they can be adequate in anticipating the spread of infection. Their name is also due to the filter capacity of percentage of removal of dust and airborne particles during testing. So, it is named as N95 face mask due to 95 percent preventing capacity. N95 face masks can be bought with or without a valve to allow easy breathing. Optimal protection is carried out when the respirator mask fits well to the face, and covers the nose and mouth without keeping open spaces along the corner.
N95 face masks must be fitted accurately to the holder and not be hindered by face hair or any other accessory like jewelry etc. N95 face mask that is poorly fitted has high potential to permit air particles to enter via gaps along the corners of the mask keeping lower levels of protection against the in taking or spreading of particles than a well fitted one. Face masks are also mostly used for professional safety and are specifically common in industrial as well as health care facilities. Masks used in the workplace must be approved from NIOSH meaning that they fulfill the minimum standards which are fixed by the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health. The expected target should be kept in mind when buying N95 face masks.
Different types of Masks:
Different types are manufactured for particular purposes and provide multiple levels of protection. If some people are affected by allergies then the latex made mask are also important. Latex free N95 respirator face masks are also available, and will be considerable as such.
Follow all these easy steps while fitting N95 Face Mask:
The N95 face mask is the in demand series of particulate respirator face masks that is NIOSH approved masks and also available in many sizes and also a well fitting mask is much important. When test fitting of an N95 facemask or any other particular face mask is done then follow all these easy steps:
- Press the mask tightly against the face with the outside nose-piece on the overpass of your nose.
- Stretch and adjust the top head-band on the back side of your head above from your ears. Stretch also the bottom head-band over the head and adjust below your ears.
- With your both hands, frame the metal nose-piece to the shape of your nose.
- For test fitting, tie both hands above the respirator and exhale forcefully. If air blows around your nose and tighten the nosepiece. If air blows around the corners of the respirator then re-position the head-bands to fit wisely and test again until there is no air flow.
Before deciding the correct mask, it is also advised that you speak with a competent and qualified industrial safety organization about a judgment of your particular environment.
These masks fit roughly over the nose and mouth and protect them from sprinkles and splashes. They prevent not only things from entering inside but they are also efficient in stopping things from going outside. For instance, it keeps the tiny droplets from spreading in the air when someone coughs or sneezes.
However, along with many benefits of face masks, there is also a disadvantage too. They fail to protect the holder from inhaling small airborne particles due to the loose fit.
