What Is a N95 Mask and how it works to protect one’s respiratory system?

An N95 mask, also known as N95 mask respirator, is a non-symmetrical, full-face respirator that fulfills the U.S. National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) N95 standards of air ventilation, meaning it effectively filters at least 95% of all airborne particles. Like many other types of N95 mask respirators, it has two filter cartridges that are installed in the mask's two venture compartments. The filter cartridges often contain activated carbon, ionic, or polypropylene fibers. The design of the N95 mask includes a face shield and an easy-to-read, larger font on the inner cover.

A surgical mask, sometimes called a pressure garment, is used to protect the lungs during major surgeries. Surgical masks are often made from silicon-coated polyester, which impenetrably blocks small particles, preventing them from entering the patient's respiratory system. Surgical masks can also be made from high-density polyethylene and neoprene materials, which are capable of controlling the entry of larger particles, and can prevent the build up of mucus in the nose and throat. These materials are often referred to as "whistles."

Because of the importance of N95 protection, it is critical that the wearer always wear the mask at all times. However, even when the wearer is not breathing, the breathing mask should be worn. In addition to protecting the wearer, a good N95 mask should also prevent the entry of small particles into the wearer's respiratory system. For this reason, it is critically important that these types of protection be worn at all times. In fact, according to OSHA (Occupational Safety & Health Administration), if the proper N95 mask is not worn, the risk for serious injury or death can be increased by up to four times!

Testing -

When purchasing a new N95 mask, you will first need to find an approved N95 mask by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). According to the FDA, all masks must be approved before they can be sold. The agency does not issue approval numbers for these masks but rather requires that they pass certain rigorous tests that simulate real life exposure. This testing can take up to one year, though, and means that very few medical professionals are actually trained to perform this test adequately.

If your N95 masks do pass the rigorous testing, then you are free to purchase them. However, you will still need to make sure that they meet your personal needs, which can be difficult to determine. N95 masks come in two different varieties: full face and half-face models. For many individuals, a full face mask is preferable because it covers more of the nose, chin, and mouth - which can be an important healthcare matter. For others, half-face masks are ideal, as they are less restricting on the nose and chin, leaving more open spaces for the rest of the face to breathe.

Efficacy -

A large majority of the N95 mask sold in the US are full-face, as it has proven to be an effective model. Many consumers enjoy the look of a full-face mask, as it can give anyone a sense of strength and protection. For instance, someone who might have allergies or asthma will greatly benefit from wearing a full-face model. Because it covers the largest part of the face, a half-face model allows a person with smaller features to also wear the product.

In general, the N95 masks that are sold in the US are regulated by the U.S Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Although the FDA does not specifically regulate all kinds of N95 masks, they have set standards that must be met in order to sell the masks. Additionally, the FDA does not regulate N95 masks over the counter, as they are only for hospital use and N95 certified therapy. However, it is best to contact your physician or allergist to ensure that your mask will meet the standards outlined by the FDA. If you would like to have one of these respirators then you can check various online sites such as accumed.com