The N95 respirator is a type of particle filtering mask that meets the NIOSH (National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health) N95 standard. The N designation means that it does not filter oil, and 95, which filters up to 95% of airborne particles, is an example of a mechanical filter respirator, which provides protection against particles, but not gases or vapours.
The N95 mask/mouthpiece requires a fine mesh of synthetic polymer fibres, also known as non-woven polypropylene fabric, which is produced through a highly specialized process called melt blowing which forms the internal filtration layer that filters out hazardous particles.
They are often used in work environments where harmful and mutagenic particles are present, such as in metallurgy, garbage collection and construction.
There are also some models that are FDA-approved as medical devices. It is used to prevent the spread of pathological agents such as tuberculosis, SARS and coronavirus.
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N95 Certification and equivalents
N95 respirators must meet performance standards established by NIOSH such as filter efficiency (evaluated to measure the reduction in concentrations of specific aerosols in the air passing through the filter), test agent (the aerosol that is generated during the filter performance test), flow rate, inhalation resistance and exhalation resistance.
The following facemasks/mouthpieces are considered functionally equivalent to certain regulated masks/mouthpieces under non-U.S. jurisdictions:
- N95 (Mexico NOM-116-STPS-2009).
- FFP2 (Europe EN 149-2001).
- KN95 (China GB2626-2006).
- P2 (Australia/New Zealand AS/NZA 1716:2012).
- Korea 1st class (Korea KMOEL – 2017-64).
- DS (Japan JMHLW-Notification 214, 2018).
However, slightly different criteria are used to certify their performance, a notable point of comparison being the flows specified by these standards for inhalation and exhalation resistance tests. Inhalation resistance test flow rates vary from 40 to 160 L/min. Exhalation resistance test flow rates vary from 30 to 95 L/min.
How to use
Presentations
Just as no two faces are the same, more than 20 N95 mask models have been created to provide a perfect fit and seal for each user.
They can be without valve or with valve, which is used to reduce the sensation of suffocation. They may be foldable or rigid, the former being better for easier storage.
Fitting and sealing test
Fit and seal testing is a critical part of a respiratory protection program when workers wear tight-fitting masks. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) requires an initial fit test of the mask to identify the proper model, style, and size for each worker. In addition, tight-fitting facemasks/mask covers require verification of the wearer’s seal each time one is put on.
They are compatible with a variety of safety glasses and hearing protection. They should include an adjustable nose clip that reduces the fogging that occurs when wearing safety glasses and helps ensure an improved seal and fit. Two band design and dual attachment point provides a secure fit.
It is easy to use due to its ergonomic shape, which fits the face.
It is taken from the outside (the ambient side) without touching the inside of the mask/mouthpiece (the user’s side).
It is placed on the face, ensuring that it covers the nose, mouth and chin.
The elastic bands on the back of the neck and skull are adjusted.
The nose clip is adjusted with both hands at the same time, to prevent leakage, to the shape of the nose.
Reusability in times of shortage
The N95 facemasks/mouthpieces are designed as single-use devices, and the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends up to 8 hours of continuous use, however when they are worn out, various strategies for reuse have also been described.
Mask/Mouthpiece Rotation
This method involves purchasing a certain number of N95 masks/mouthpieces (the American College of Surgeons recommends up to 7) and rotating their use each day, which allows them to dry out long enough that the virus is no longer viable. According to Dr Peter Tsai, the inventor of the filtering media contained in the N95, “The polypropylene in the N95 mask/mouthpiece is hydrophobic and contains no moisture. COVID-19 needs a host to survive: it can survive on a metal surface for up to 48 hours, on plastic for 72 hours and on cardboard for 24 hours. When the mask/mouthpiece is dry in 3-4 days, the virus will not have survived.
Its use in various industries
In mining, construction and painting
The N95 mask/mouthpiece was originally designed for industrial use. It is approved for respiratory protection against dusts (including coal, cotton, aluminum, wheat and iron, produced primarily by the disintegration of solids during industrial processes such as: grinding, sanding, crushing and processing of minerals and other materials) and non-oily liquid based mists.
According to NIOSH, N, R, and P series filter masks/masks are recommended for concentrations of hazardous particles that are greater than the occupational exposure limit, but less than the level immediately hazardous to life or health.
For substances hazardous to the eyes, a facemask/mask equipped with a full face shield, helmet or hood is recommended. They should not be worn during fire fighting, in an oxygen deficient atmosphere or in an unknown atmosphere, as in such cases a self-contained breathing apparatus is recommended. Should not be used with hazardous gases or vapours, for which a cartridge mask/mouthpiece is recommended.
In health care
N95 facemasks/mouthpieces used in healthcare are a specific variation of the traditional N95, which is certified by both NIOSH and approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) as a surgical facemask/mouthpiece. Here is a link to the FDA-approved models of N95 for medical use.
As part of the Families First Coronavirus Response Act, changes were made to liability and certification laws to allow industrial masks/masks to be used in healthcare settings in response to the shortage of masks/masks during the 2019-20 coronavirus pandemic.
In the United States, OSHA requires that health care workers who perform activities on patients suspected or confirmed to be infected with VOC-19 wear respiratory protection, such as an N95 facemask/cap. Unlike an N95 facemask/mouthpiece, a surgical mouthpiece does not have an airtight seal and therefore does not protect the wearer from airborne particles, such as viral material.
Facemasks/mouthpieces with exhalation valves can be used in a healthcare environment when it is not important to maintain a sterile field. Facemasks/mask covers with exhalation valves should not be used in situations where a sterile field is required (e.g., during an invasive procedure in an operating room or procedure) because the exhalation valve allows unfiltered exhaled air to escape into the sterile field.
NIOSH Approval
NIOSH-approved N95 respirators/masks are used to reduce the inhalation of certain airborne biological particles such as mold, Bacillus anthracis, Mycobacterium tuberculosis, etc. Examples of applications may include emergency or pandemic preparedness planning and storage operations.
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Last update 2021-01-06. Price and product availability may change.