N95 masks – learn the fundamentals

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC, 2022) recently clarified their guidelines for the usage of masks and respirators, stating that “while any mask is better than no mask at all, a well-fitting respirator approved by the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) provides the best protection.” The CDC recommends that you simply proceed to wear essentially the most protective mask that matches properly and shall be worn in any respect times. To prevent the spread of COVID-19, the U.S. government will deliver 400 million free non-surgical N95 masks next week to 1000’s of pharmacies, community centers and other locations across the country. As N95 respirators change into more widely available and aren’t any longer limited to healthcare facilities, I desired to review some basic details about these masks.

What are N95 respirators?

N95 masks, a variety of personal protective equipment (PPE), are amongst the most well-liked particulate filtering (FFR) face masks, which filter small (>0.3 microns) airborne particles, akin to bacteria and viruses, with an effectiveness of as much as least 95%. These devices are designed to suit snugly over the nose and mouth and, when worn properly, provide a better level of protection than cloth or procedure masks. The respirator should fit snugly to the user’s face, and there needs to be no gaps between the skin and the respirator seal. In healthcare settings, staff required to make use of FFR filters should undergo annual fit testing to find out essentially the most appropriate mask size, medical certification, and appropriate training, including donning, doffing, and proper handling and disposal (D’Alessandro and Cichowicz, 2020 ). . The user needs to be checked for leaks every time the respirator is used.

What is the difference between a surgical mask and an N95 respirator?

A surgical mask is a loose-fitting, disposable barrier that protects the wearer from droplets, splashes, aerosols, or splashes of huge particles that will contain viruses and bacteria within the immediate environment. Surgical masks don’t provide full protection because of their loose fit and should not filter very small particles that might be spread by coughing, sneezing, or aerosol-generating medical procedures. These masks usually are not considered respiratory protection.

When should N95 respirators be used?

Healthcare employees should wear an N95 respirator when caring for somebody with COVID-19, during aerosol-generating procedures in patients with suspected or confirmed seasonal influenza, and when caring for patients with confirmed infectious diseases requiring airborne precautions (akin to measles or tuberculosis). People who work on construction sites or in other industrial activities that expose them to dust and small particles also use N95 masks to guard against illness and injury.
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For most of the people, a non-surgical N95 respirator needs to be worn (CDC, 2022):

• By people at increased risk of great illness, akin to immunocompromised people, older people and other people with certain underlying health conditions
• When working in places where you’re exposed to large numbers of individuals (e.g. food market employees)
• When traveling by plane, bus, train or other public transport
• If physical distancing is just not possible, e.g. in crowded rooms or outdoors
• If you usually are not up thus far in your Covid-19 vaccinations

When should N95 respirators be used?

Do not wear a NIOSH-approved respirator if it becomes difficult to breathe while wearing it or if it becomes wet or dirty. N95 respirators also needs to not be used with other masks or respirators.

How to acknowledge an authentic N95 respirator? AND

According to NIOSH, individual filtering masks should have the next markings (CDC, 2021):

1. Manufacturer’s name, registered trademark, or company abbreviation recognized by NIOSH.
2. NIOSH in block letters or the NIOSH logo.
3. NIOSH Testing and Certification Approval Number, e.g., TC-84A-XXXX.
4. NIOSH filter series and filter efficiency level, e.g. N95, N99, N100, R95, P95, P99, P100.
5. Model or part number: The model or part variety of the approval holder’s respirator, represented by a series of numbers or alphanumeric designations, akin to 8577 or 8577A.

NIOSH recommends that you furthermore mght provide the lot number and/or date of manufacture, but this is just not required. Look NIOSH website for an entire list of NIOSH-approved N95 respirator masks by manufacturer.
the masks are certified in China and the KF94 masks are certified in South Korea. These masks are designed to supply the identical protection as N95 masks, nonetheless, many counterfeit versions have appeared available on the market. The CDC (2022) reported that roughly 60% of KN95 respirators assessed by NIOSH in 2020 and 2021 didn’t meet quality assurance standards. Â Please note that the surgical N95 is really useful to be used in healthcare settings.

General Precautions for the N95 Respirator (FDA, 2021):

• People who’ve chronic respiratory disease, heart disease, or other condition that causes difficulty in respiration should seek the advice of their doctor before using an N95 respirator, as an N95 respirator may make respiration difficult.
• All FDA-approved N95 respirators are labeled as single-use devices. If the respirator is broken or dirty, or if respiration becomes difficult, it needs to be removed, disposed of appropriately, and replaced with a brand new one.
• N95 respirators usually are not intended for youngsters or individuals with facial hair because a correct fit can’t be obtained and subsequently may not provide full protection.

As at all times, remember to follow your institution’s policies regarding personal protective equipment and the usage of FFR and N95 respirators.
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Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (2022, January 14). Types of masks and respirators https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/prevent-getting-sick/types-of-masks.html

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Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (2021, September 15). NIOSH approved particulate filtering respirators. https://www.cdc.gov/niosh/npptl/topics/respirators/disp_part/default.html

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D’Alessandro, M., and Cichowicz, J. K. (2020). Proper use of an N95 respirator to arrange respiratory protection. . https://blogs.cdc.gov/niosh-science-blog/2020/03/16/n95-preparedness/

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U.S. Food and Drug Administration (2021, September 15). N95 respirators, surgical masks, face masks and barrier face shields. https://www.fda.gov/medical-devices/personal-protective-equipment-infection-control/n95-respirators-surgical-masks-face-masks-and-barrier-face-coverings

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