N95 Mask Types And Features
N95 Mask |
A N95 mask is a popularly-used, short-term name for a full-face, particulate filter respirator, that filters airborne particles and gases at a high pressure. In addition to N95s, there are several other popular names for this safety equipment. For example, N95 masks may be called masks, ball masks, or full-face respirators. The term "full-face" respirators refer to a type of respirator with a cover that covers the entire face, from brow to chin.
Types of N95 Respirators There are three types of N95 respirators available. One is the all-around coverall or ball type N95 respirator. This is one of the most versatile types of N95 respirators, as it can protect you against all sorts of irritants as well as chemicals. However, it has limited protection to the nose and mouth. The other two types of N95 respirators are the elastomeric respirators and the flexible air respirators.
Elastomeric Respirators Most public and commercial respiratory masks are comprised of an elastomeric membrane, which acts as a face mask. This membrane is usually made out of a resistant material like ethylene propylene diene monomer (EPDM), which is similar in composition to plastic. The face mask of a typical EPDM face mask also has a seal, made of an injection mold, to seal the face mask to the mask. An EPDM face mask also has the advantage of being able to release negative ozone, which kills respiratory viruses and bacteria. Another form of elastomeric respiratory masks is polyethylene triacetate (PET) face masks, which also release ozone. However, there are reports that respiratory problems caused by exposure to ozone have been reversed by removing the PET membrane from a patient's breathing mask.
A Fiberglass Filter Respirator Some N95 masks, such as the Fermon International IQV and the Fermon IQC, include a fiberglass filtering facepieir, or nose protector. The filter protects the nose from dust particles, preventing irritants such as pollen and dust from entering the breathing system. Another benefit of the fiberglass filter respirator (sometimes called a nasal strip respirator) is its ease of use. Just pull it off the mask, attach it to the back of the face mask, adjust its height, and you're all set. The problem some people encounter with these respirators is that they do not provide sufficient filtering facepieir for those who are allergy prone or have breathing difficulties such as asthma or other respiratory problems.
HEPA (High Efficiency Particulate Arrestive) filters Some N95 masks, such as the IQC, contain a high-efficiency particulate arresting filtering facepieir, or HEPA. Some claim that HEPA works best in improving the ventilation of healthcare workers. However, the number of reports of workers having positive experiences with HEPA-filter masks is low. Other masks, such as the IQV, contain a high level of abrasion resistance. Online brands like accumed.com are considered as reliable sources to buy the genuine N95 masks.
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