N95 Mask – Guidelines for use and reuse according to CDC

Facing the increasing situation of acute pneumonia caused by nCoV virus, which has made many families afraid, schools in turn announced to students and students to leave school to ensure safety. And everyone is always advised to equip themselves with a specialized mask to prevent this new virus strain. In particular, N95 masks received a lot of attention, search and led to “sold out”. If you do not really understand what an N95 mask is, please refer to the article below right away.

See more: Top 8 best medical masks on the market today

Watch a more detailed clip about Corona Virus here.

What is an N95 mask?

According to the publication of the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health of the United States), N95 is one of the standards used to evaluate the filtering ability of a mask. Which includes:

– Letter “N”: Symbol of the phrase “Not Resistant to Oil: (Not resistant to oil).

– Number 95: Indicates the ability to filter up to 95% of particles as small as 0.3μm (0.3 micron). 0.3μm is equivalent to the size of viruses and bacteria. These are microscopic particles that cannot be seen by the naked eye, commonly known as PM2.5 ultrafine dust.

Previously, N95 masks were sold at prices ranging from 500000 – 700000 VND / box of 25 pieces. Up to now, the price has been pushed up to about 1.15 million VND / box of 25 pieces, retailing 99,000 VND / unit.

Structure of an N95 . mask

Structure of an N95 . mask

• The outermost layer of the virus can adhere to surfaces (the risk of infection is concentrated in this layer).
• The middle layer of the mask is a layer designed to provide the ability to filter out fine particles to prevent viruses from the outermost layer.
• The innermost layer that comes into contact with the skin of the face poses the lowest risk because the virus is less likely to penetrate this membrane.

The effect of the N95 . mask

The effect of the N95 . mask

Made of polypropylene, the N95 respirator filters at least 95% of very small particles (0.3 microns) and is capable of retaining 95%, 99% and 99.9% of particles. According to WHO and CDC guidelines, N95 respirators should only be worn when entering the room of a patient with confirmed or suspected COVID-19 infection, and when collecting specimens such as clinical samples, medical supplies, etc. contaminated environment and in contact with potentially contaminated surfaces.

N95 masks are made up of layers of fabric and paper with very small gaps of only a few microns, recommended by the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) for use in polluted cities. They are capable of filtering out most types of micro-particles up to 0.3μm in size, viruses and bacteria that come from smoke, factory exhaust, vehicles, dust, and ash from household cooking. , shops,… However, it is not possible to filter out oily substances (paints, petrol, gas,…), industrial chemicals, asbestos, stench,…

The effect of the N95 . mask

In addition, N95 masks are also used for those who come into contact with patients infected with viruses and bacteria that cause respiratory diseases such as: SARS, influenza A/H1N1, H5N1, tuberculosis…. Medical staff or visitors. Patients with diseases that can be transmitted through the air such as tuberculosis, multi-resistant tuberculosis, … are also always recommended.

Besides, many Vietnamese users choose and trust them to avoid the Corona pandemic due to the outstanding advantages they bring. With a design that fits all faces, tightly hugs the mouth and nose to help prevent steam from escaping into the eyes (the iron piece presses the mask to the bridge of the nose, there are many different sizes to choose from). Equipped with a filter with a pore size of 0.3 microns, it can filter pathogens from 1 to 10 microns in size, and at the same time, it is impermeable to splashes from the outside and does not cause skin irritation.

Instructions for wearing N95 masks properly

When wearing an N95 mask as well as all other masks, do not use your hands to touch your nose and mouth under the fabric to scratch itchiness, answer the phone, eat, etc. because this action can cause pain. ‘other dangerous objects. Germs on the hands enter the body.

When using a mask, do not touch the outside of the mask with your hands because the outside of the mask may come into contact with water droplets and small particles, so it will be dirty.

At the same time, the mask should not be removed and put in a bag, pants, or shirt and then worn again because a medical mask should only be used once, if discarded, it must be. removed and use a new mask. .

Instructions for using N95 masks again after decontamination

Instructions for using N95 masks again after decontamination

According to Duke Emeritus Director of the Office of Occupational Safety and the Environment, Wayne Toman, the method of killing contaminants and bacteria left on the N95 respirator was used to disinfect the equipment. before. Masks after being disinfected can be reused from 30 to 50 times.

Types of N95 masks

Types of N95 masks

The 3m N95 mask is a type of filter that can filter up to 95% of fine dust in the air, but when used, it will feel a bit difficult to breathe because it is necessary to cover the face.

• N95 KN95 mask has a genuine certified breathing valve, PM 2.5 fine dust filter.
• 5-layer valveless N95 mask against fine dust PM 2.5.
• The P99 respirator is a P99 particulate respirator that filters at least 99% of airborne particles and has strong oil resistance.
• N100 respirator 3M™ respiratory protection respirator, N100 standard achieves a minimum filtration efficiency of 99.97% for some non-oil based dusts.

Frequently asked questions about N95 masks

Frequently asked questions about N95 masks

How many times can the N95 mask be used?

As recommended, N95 masks should only be used once. However, if there is a shortage of masks, 4 N95 masks can be used and are numbered 1-4. First day use mask number 1, then let dry for 3-4 days. On day 2, use mask 2 then let dry for 3 to 4 days, same for days 3 and 4. Or use wooden clips to hang the respirator on the stove. Follow manufacturer’s instructions or use up to 5 times.

Are N95 masks washable?

We should not steam, boil, wash with soap, or use alcohol to preserve N95 masks. Because it will affect the structure of the filter and the quality of the mask.

How to distinguish real N95 masks from fake?

When buying a mask, you should soak it in water to check the quality of the mask. Because real masks will not be waterproof. The fake type will get wet and absorb water immediately after soaking.

How much do N95 masks cost?

The current N95 mask on the market is about 35,000 – 50,000 VND / 1 piece depending on the type.

Where to buy N95 masks?

However, make sure the N95 mask you buy is a reputable brand, NIOSH certified by a reputable testing agency. Currently, one of the most reputable accrediting agencies is Nelson Lab of the United States. You can rest assured to buy N95 masks at lassho.edu.vn:

• Promask N95 medical mask 5 layers pack of 3
• Promask N95 medical mask 5 layers box of 10 pieces
• Promask N95 FFP2 medical mask 5 layers box of 20 pieces

Source: Ministry of Health

Hopefully, the above information will help you better understand this type of N95 mask. If not, you can still use a regular (medical) surgical mask to prevent Corona virus. Besides, it is necessary to combine with other measures to ensure the health of close friends as well as those around.

See more: Instructions on how to wear a mask properly, prevent Covid-19

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