Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention/CDC) The United States says Americans should wear the best masks they have. However, the CDC does not recommend the type of mask in question, whether the N95 type or the other.
Here are some facts to consider when choosing a mask:
What is an N95 Mask?
These masks and their international brand partners known as KN95 and KF94 are often made from multiple layers of polypropylene, a synthetic fiber. They are designed to fit the shape of the face, with a strap that wraps around the back of the head and the edges forming a tight seal around the nose and mouth.
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If worn properly, N95 respirators can filter out at least 95 percent of airborne particles, preventing anything larger than 0.3 microns from passing through the mask’s layers.
The KN95 and KF94 are certified in China and South Korea, respectively, and offer similar protection to N95 masks. KF stands for Korean Filter or Korean filter and the filtering rate is up to 94 percent.
“The best masks are some versions of N95,” said Eric Toner, senior scientist in environmental health and engineering at Johns Hopkins University’s Bloomberg School of Public Health. “N95, KN95, and KF94 are functionally equivalent.”
Masks with exhaust valves do not prevent the spread of the virus to other people.
What About Fake Masks?
The CDC lists official N95 mask manufacturers on its agency’s website. Masks must have the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) printed logo and approval number.
The CDC has warned that about 60 percent of the KN95 respirators tested in 2020 and 2021 are substandard.
Why Change Mask?
Experts say better masks will help protect against transmission following the fact that the rate of transmission of the omicron variant has significantly boosted COVID-19 cases.
The CDC says NIOSH-approved N95 provides the most protection. Fitted surgical masks and KN95 masks offer the next best protection, followed by fabric masks with multiple layers. Loose-woven cloth masks are the least effective, but can provide an additional layer of protection when worn over a surgical mask.
Some cloth masks have pockets built-in for filters that block small particles, but these are not as effective and data on their use are limited.
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Is it Reusable?
The CDC says the masks can only be used once, but can still be used more than once when there is a shortage of masks. But the agency insists N95 should not be used more than five times.
Dr. Gregory Poland, an infectious disease expert at the Mayo Clinic, said when the mask became wet from breathing or sweat, its efficacy was reduced and it was advisable to rotate the mask during the day.
When to Use an N95 Mask?
The CDC recommends that people may consider wearing N95 when caring for someone infected with the coronavirus, if they are at risk of serious illness or in a high-risk occupation. Also when riding public transportation for a long time, being in a crowded room or outdoors.
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Is Using Layered Masks Better?
The CDC recommends that a surgical mask under a cloth mask can offer increased protection if using N95 is not possible.
“The best possible protection is getting vaccinated and getting vaccinated booster, wear N95 or KN95. If that’s not possible, double the surgical mask, “Poland said.
“If that’s not possible, a surgical mask or cloth with a face shield. If that’s not possible, then as many cloth masks as you can wear,” Poland continued, adding, “If that’s not possible, then you’re just playing Russian roulette (gambling with your life). alone).” [ah/rs]
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