N95 Masks: Everything About the Safety Masks That You Need To Know

The Covid-19 epidemic has demonstrated how vulnerable humanity is to disease, destruction, and ill-health. Global governments and healthcare organizations are now accepting that newer strains will be introduced to the world. The process of finding a cure for the virus or a vaccine can be slow and difficult. Prophylactic measures are necessary to prevent the spread of this virus and lower the risk of infection. A mask can be used to protect yourself.

Why wear a face mask?

There are many types of viruses that can cause respiratory problems. Each type has its own epidemiology. This means that each virus is unique in how it spreads and which infection patterns it causes. The Coronavirus family has been responsible for numerous outbreaks since 2002. One thing they have in common is their ability to spread via droplet infection.

If a Covid positive or asymptomatic carrier (someone who has symptoms but isn't showing them) talks, coughs, or sneezes then mucus or saliva from the virus can be seen on surfaces. If they touch such surfaces, then they inhale the virus into their bodies. A mask helps reduce the spread of the virus as the droplets are now absorbed well by the mask.

Who should wear masks?

These people should wear a face mask:

Healthcare staff, volunteers, doctors and nurses who care for Covid-positive patients, asymptomatic carriers, or others who are at high risk. This includes those with a history of travel or who have been in close contact with Covid-positive people.

People who live in containment zones

People who live outside a containment zone, but are not confined to it. It is best to avoid crowded places in these situations.

A Covid-19 patient in-home quarantine with his/her family

What is the best way to avoid wearing a mask?

Anyone who is not diagnosed or doesn't live with someone who has Covid-symptoms should not wear a mask at home. However, this person should still use a mask when leaving the home.

Different types of masks

Masks have been used for over 100 years in various industrial, domestic, and healthcare settings. Advancements in manufacturing and material science over time have produced a wide variety of masks that offer different filtering capabilities.

Coronavirus measures between 0.06-0.14 microns or 60-140 nanometres. Contrary to what many may believe, viruses that are smaller than 0.3 millimeters in diameter are easier to remove than those larger than 0.3 millimeters. They follow a Brownian motion, which is a random zig-zag, and so are more difficult to trap inside filters.

Dust masks

A dust mask, which is made from a pad of paper, is a flexible, moldable, disposable mask. It is used in house dusting and gardening. It can also be used at brickwork factories and fiberglass factories. This type of mask should not be used as it does not provide protection against COVID-19.

Single-layer mask for the face

This is made up of one layer of tissue paper or cloth fabric made from wood pulp. They are usually used in the food industry to prevent spices from irritating the nose, or in garment factories in order to prevent dust from getting into the nose. It is not recommended to be used as a protection against COVID-19.

Surgical or Medical Mask

They are composed of three layers. The innermost layer is an absorbent material, which absorbs moisture from the wearer's body, while the middle layer is a synthetic material, which acts as a filter and the outer layer is made of liquid repelling material. This mask can be used by the general public. It provides 75% protection. This means that if 100 units of virus-containing aerosols come in contact, 25 could enter the body. It is however useful in limiting virus transmission by 50%.

Respirator mask

This mask ensures that air doesn't leak from the sides into the nose and mouth. It has an air-filtration system that stops microorganisms, toxic gases, and other harmful substances from entering your respiratory tract.

Although there are many respirator masks that can be used for different purposes, the N95 mask will suffice in this case.

N95 Mask: An N95 mask or N95 respirator mask is a particulate-filtering facepiece respirator that meets the U.S. National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) N95 classification of air filtration, meaning that it filters at least 95% of airborne particles.

There are two types available for N95 masks: without and with a valve. It is important to note that the N95 masks with valves should not be used. This protects the user only and does not protect others. A person infected by a N95 mask will continue to breathe out microbes, which can then infect others. You can also use N99 or 100, although these are not recommended for general use.

Cloth mask

If you aren't in a containment area, don't have Covid symptoms or live with someone with them, a cloth face mask will suffice for you to wear while outside. These masks are 100% cotton and soft. This mask provides 67% protection. That means that if 100 units of virus-containing aerosols come into contact with the mask, 33 could enter the body. This is useful for limiting the spread of the virus by 40 percent.

You will have a little difficulty breathing. They can be washed in soap water at home and dried in the sun.

Dos and don’ts

1. The specifications for Respirator and Surgical Masks include the time they can be worn continuously, their reusability, washing and drying instructions, as well as how to dispose of them. These instructions are provided for healthcare professionals. All people who use such masks need to read the instruction sheet or manual that came with them. These instructions are important because they can cause your mask to be ineffective.
2. You can buy surgical masks or respirator covers from pharmacies. They should be made by reputable brands.
3. Single-layer masks may be purchased as a temporary, throw-and-throw solution. They are not designed to provide protection and should be avoided.
4. After the person returns home and has worn the cloth mask, it is necessary to wash them. They can be washed at home with soap water. They should be dried before reuse.
5. Don't share your masks. Everyone in the family should have their very own mask.
6. Dispose of any old mask that shows damage to the fabric immediately and get a replacement.
7. Local governments publish clear instructions on how to dispose of masks. You can avoid any penalties by following the same guidelines.
8. When wearing the mask, make sure that your mouth and nose remain covered. The mask should not be placed below your nose.

Conclusion

Some countries have a tradition of wearing masks in public to show respect for their neighbors. This is a common part of their culture and public discipline. These countries have had lower mortality rates, lower infection rates, and flatter curves. Since the outbreak of the pandemic all countries that strictly enforced the wearing of masks have had lower fatalities, lower infection rates, and flatter curves.

This is a clear indication that wearing a mask reduces the chance of contracting Covid-19-related infections. You and your family can reduce the risk of infection by purchasing a high-quality mask and using it with discipline. Tell others around you to do so. This will create safer homes, workplaces and communities and help us win the war against Covid sooner than we expected.