What’s the difference between KN95/N95’s, surgical, and cloth masks?
KN95’s & N95’s (FFR) ★★★★★ (Highest Level of Efficiency): Respirator mask with multiple layers of specifically engineered material. These highly effective masks are designed to block the transmission or interference of germs, viruses, toxic liquids, vapors and other varieties of airborne particles by 95-99%> . China’s KN95 is equivalent to the US. N95, proclaimed by the FDA and CDC. (Currently both are in short supply). Respirator masks fit tightly around the nose and mouth, effectively blocking both incoming and outgoing germs from seeping into open air gaps.
Blue* Surgical Mask ★★★1/2 (Moderate Level of Efficiency): Commonly worn by medical staff and are intended to be a one time use item. Studies show that small particles (% .01 -. 1 Microns) filtered by these mask “while worn”, is around 63-65% effective against blocking transmission of smaller particles like corona virus. These mask will also protect others from encountering bodily fluids that may be expelled by the wearer.
3-5 Layer Carbon Filtered “PM2.5” Cotton Mask ★★★ (Moderate Level of Efficiency): These mask are designed to fit comfortably on the face and ears. The only difference between this mask and a homemade mask, typically lies within the inner portion of the mouth area. There is a sewed in pocket that allows for additional filtration to be placed between the outer layer, mouth and nose area. PM2.5 carbon activated 3-5 layer filters are the filters of choice, but many varieties of filters can be inserted. These masks are reusable and washable. The filtered cotton mask effectiveness against virus’ solely lies on the type of filter used, how many layers and how much surface area of the nose and mouth the filter covers.
1-2 Layer Cotton Mask “Homemade” ★★ (Mild Level of Efficiency): Homemade masks have become popular in the U.S. due to the fact that they are very easy to produce and doesn’t require expensive industrial grade machinery to produce. Homemade masks are produced from a wide variety of different household materials, that range in thickness and texture. The main benefits of covering your mouth and nose is to limit the amount of bodily fluids expelled by an individual from infecting others around them or those particles from being deposited onto surfaces. Cotton mask alone & other non-medical grade materials will not prevent the corona virus from penetrating through it.
Homemade coverings prevent the spread of the virus?
They Prevent the spread of droplets from entering the mouth directly. They will also prevent the wearer from dispelling 100% of their own liquid particles into the air and onto other surfaces. They can not prevent actual virus particles from breaching through. If they are contaminated they should be discarded immediately.
What is a Respirator (FFR)?
A respirator is a personal protective device that is worn on the face or head and covers at least the nose and mouth. A respirator is used to reduce the wearer’s risk of inhaling hazardous airborne particles (including infectious agents), gases or vapors. Respirators, including those intended for use in healthcare settings, are certified by the CDC/NIOSH.
What makes an KN95/N95 (FFR) mask different from “facemasks” or “surgical mask”?
-N95 respirators reduce the wearer’s exposure to airborne particles, from small particle aerosols to large droplets. N95 respirators are tight-fitting respirators that filter out at least 95% of particles in the air, including large and small particles.
-Not everyone is able to wear a respirator due to medical conditions that may be made worse when breathing through a respirator. Before using a respirator or getting fit-tested, workers must have a medical evaluation to make sure that they are able to wear a respirator safely.
-Achieving an adequate seal to the face is essential. United States regulations require that workers undergo an annual fit test and conduct a user seal check each time the respirator is used. Workers must pass a fit test to confirm a proper seal before using a respirator in the workplace.
-When properly fitted and worn, minimal leakage occurs around edges of the respirator when the user inhales. This means almost all of the air is directed through the filter media.
-Unlike NIOSH-approved N95s, facemasks are loose-fitting and provide only barrier protection against droplets, including large respiratory particles. No fit testing or seal check is necessary with facemasks. Most facemasks do not effectively filter small particles from the air and do not prevent leakage around the edge of the mask when the user inhales.
-The role of facemasks is for patient source control, to prevent contamination of the surrounding area when a person coughs or sneezes. Patients with confirmed or suspected COVID-19 should wear a facemask until they are isolated in a hospital or at home. The patient does not need to wear a facemask while isolated.
Leading News: Coronavirus symptoms are more complicated than we realized.
ABC New’s recent video publication posted April 22,2020. Patients with the coronavirus are experiencing damage in the heart, brain, kidneys and potentially deadly blood clotting. Internal complications extending past just respiratory issues.
Comments are closed.