An N95 mask is a widely used, short-term name for an N95 particulate filtering respirator, which is a large, particulate filtering respirator that meets or exceeds the standards of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). An N95 mask means that it will filter out particles at a rate of 95%. This level of protection is considered to be the highest available for public protection against airborne particles and gaseous emissions. In addition, an N95 mask also means that the individual who wears the mask will be capable of breathing in a normal fashion when both nose and mouth are clear.
Typically, an individual will wear a disposable n95 mask during the times that they are not working. During the hours that the wearer is working, they can still put on a disposable n95 mask and continue to breathe normally. However, they should remove the mask when not in use, as excess wear could affect the breathing capacity of the wearer. Individuals with breathing difficulties should not wear disposable masks while they are on the job.
Disposable masks are designed to be removed once the wearer has breathed deeply and took a few deep breaths. The nose may appear to be congested, but that is typically from the accumulation of nasal secretions and the oil and sweat that accumulate behind the nose while working. An N95 mask should only be removed for a limited amount of time – usually within minutes, but up to a maximum of a half-hour. Removing facial hair will ensure that the breathing passageway is clear.
Since a disposable N95 mask may be used for extended periods of time, healthcare workers who are frequently in contact with contaminated air should have a number of disposable masks on hand. Healthcare workers should choose one that matches their unique type of work and that can be disposed of after use. The N95 safety equipment provided by the manufacturer is often of superior quality to that found in on-the-job applications, but quality N95 masks may be more expensive. Since a single N95 mask may be used for several hours, healthcare workers should consider purchasing at least two N95 masks.
How important it is to keep the mask clean
N95 masks should be cleaned and stored according to the manufacturer’s instructions. The N95 containment liner should be cleaned with Nolvasan or a similar solution and then placed inside the mask. Moisture and dirt particles should be removed carefully with a wet cloth and allowed to air dry. Alternatively, healthcare professionals can place the mask in an N95 storage bag, which will include its approval number. Once the stored mask is prepared, it should be returned to the N95 manufacturer. The manufacturer will provide a replacement or an updated version of the N95 mask.
There are three additional classifications of N95 masks that are specified for use as protection for the nose. The first type of N95 mask is the rigid gas-propelled, or RGP, mask. The second type of N95 mask is the soft gas-propelled, or SFQ, mask. The third type of N95 mask is the combination nose/gas mask, or the GBMS, and is used for people whose allergies are caused by substances that are present in the workplace, such as certain pesticides. The GBMS offers better protection than the other two types of N95 respirators masks. There are various ways through which one can buy these masks. Local retail stores, drug stores, and online websites like accumed.com can be preferred.
