What Is an N95 Respirator Mask?
As the COVID-19 pandemic continues to affect people across the globe, the demand for masks has soared greatly over the last two years. The rising cases of the new Omicron variant, which remains to be a dreadful threat, also call for a more effective mask to be used.
With all the different types of masks being sold in the market today, many people are still confused about which ones are effective and efficient in preventing the spread. Of course, not all masks are the same.
A face mask can be a reusable cloth mask, surgical mask or N95 mask, which is also known as a P2 mask in Australia. Although masks are widely available, health experts say that it is essential to step up protection against the virus, and they point to N95 masks as the best option.
What Is an N95 Respirator Mask?
If you are one of the many people who do not feel protected with your current mask, perhaps, it’s time to switch. Whether you are fully vaccinated or not, choosing the right mask will help you maximise protection against COVID-19.
But what is an N95 mask? And why is it better to wear it than the other types of masks?
Primarily, N95 masks or P2 masks are respirators approved by the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA). Unlike cloth and surgical masks, N95 masks have 95 per cent efficiency in filtering particles in the air, such as dust, mist and fumes.
One great advantage of the N95 respirator mask is that it can filter particulates with a size of 0.3 microns. This means that microorganisms, such as viruses, won’t pass through the barrier and, therefore, prevent the transmission of COVID-19, even the Omicron variant. The filtration material is also made from electrostatic non-woven polypropylene fibre.
N95 masks are designed for tight-fitting to the individual’s face. This is why the wearer must follow the manufacturer’s instructions for proper usage of the mask. To be effective, it has to form a tight seal around the face.
If you are looking for the right fit of N95 masks in Australia, make sure to identify which size and style suits you best. Having the right size ensures that there is no gap in the seal between the mask and the face.
Can I Wear Masks With Exhalation Valves During COVID-19?
Although masks come in several designs, including the ones with optional exhalation valves, not all masks are equally effective. The World Health Organization warns the public that wearing masks with exhalation valves are not recommended because they allow unfiltered particles to escape the mask. In the case of COVID-19, these types of masks may not filter respiratory droplets that the wearer exhales.
While respirator masks with exhalation valves protect the wearer from COVID-19, they may not be able to prevent the spread of the virus, especially if the wearer is already sick or is asymptomatic.
Individuals who use exhalation valves are comfortable and can breathe out more easily because there’s no moisture build-up. However, given its filtering issue, any person must not wear this type of N95 respirator mask in public places.
Frequently Asked Questions
Wearing face shields with a fitted mask provides a high level of protection because they can cover the mouth, nose and eyes. They can be kept for a longer period of time, especially if you are likely to have a lot of contact with the public.
Some types of face shields may be cleaned and reused, but it is not recommended to reuse disposable single-use face shields. In the context of COVID-19, single-use face shields should be discarded immediately after use. If supply is low, you can disinfect and clean your face shield so you can reuse it.
To clean and disinfect a face shield, use a disinfectant approved by the TGA. Make sure to wipe the outside of the face shield with a clean cloth. Next, wet a cloth with clean water to remove the residue. Dry your face shield.
When worn correctly, fabric or cloth masks can be effective in reducing the transmission of COVID-19 to other people. To ensure adequate protection, your mask must have at least three layers of fabric. Make sure to wash your fabric mask after every use.
- Before you put on the mask, clean your hands with alcohol or wash with soap and water.
- Check your mask for tears and holes and if it is damaged, do not wear it.
- Make sure to properly adjust your mask so that it covers your mouth and nose, leaving no gaps on the sides.
- When in public, avoid touching your mask. If you have to adjust it, clean your hand with alcohol.
Health experts agree that any face-covering limits the volume of droplets dispersed when talking, breathing and coughing, and any mask is better than no mask at all.
However, if you are in a community with COVID-19 transmission, wearing the right fitted mask is highly crucial. If you want full protection from the COVID-19 virus, consider buying an N95 respirator mask. It fully meets the TGA standards to help reduce exposure to COVID-19 variants.
There are now a wide variety of manufacturers offering high claims on their products. But choosing a high-quality N95 mask in Australia is more important than ever. If you are looking whereto buy an N95respirator mask to protect your whole family, choose Dexcon.
Dexcon | Leading Medical PPE Supplier in Australia
At Dexcon, we offer premium quality N95 respirator masks. Our AMD NANO-TECH Particulate P2 Respirator-T4 & T4H is 100% Australian-made, and it’s the first P2 mask manufactured in Australia. It’s also the only respirator utilising nano-fibre technology for superior protection, breathability and comfort.
We also have medical-grade face masks, surgical gowns, medical face shields, COVID-19 antigen rapid test kits and other medical devices and PPE products to cater to the needs of the medical, industrial and retail sectors in Australia and around the world. For more details, contact us today.
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