When the Covid-19 pandemic hit, we were all taken by surprise. It led to sudden and significant changes in our lifestyle. For months now, we have been following the guidelines shared by medical authorities to ensure protection from the virus. Wearing face masks and carrying hand sanitizers for use are some of the standard measures adopted by everyone.
We have repeatedly heard of the N95 mask, which is supposed to provide efficient filtration levels from airborne particles. When the heath crisis occurred, people were anxious about the shortage of proper N95 mask in the market. Now, there are is an abundance of options available to meet the growing demands. However, there have been concerns about the reliability of available N95 masks.
To begin with, let’s understand what an N95 mask is and how it works.
What is N95 Mask?
N95 mask is a personal protective equipment used by healthcare workers in a high-risk environment. The name N95 refers to the classification of its air filtration efficiency. The N stands for the Respirator Rating Letter Class, and it stands for “non-oil,” which means that the N95 mask filters non-oil based particles. The 95 in the name suggests that it can provide 95% efficiency in filtering small (0.3 microns) particles.
N95 masks are approved by CDC and NIOSH for healthcare workers in the frontline for fighting the pandemic. However, it has also been made available to the general public as there may be several high-risk containment zones. CDC also advises people to wear cloth masks that are reusable and washable, considering that any mask is better than no mask.
The surplus of N95 masks in the market has concerned people about the counterfeit products circulated. Here is how you can check if a N95 mask is real and effective:
- NIOSH-approved N95 respirators have head straps to provide a tighter fit that increases the protection from the virus. The fake N95 mask are made with cheap fabric and duplicate parts.
- There are certain exterior markings on the N95 mask that can help you identify them. It may display the approval holder’s business name or a private label name and logo, if privately labeled. It will also have a model number and a filter designation.
- In case there are no markings or incorrectly spelled markings, it may be a counterfeit of the N95 mask.
- On N95 masks, there is a TC Number that can be used to check its validity. You can visit CDC website and type the number on the search box. If the number is correct, the name of the manufacturer will be displayed. Otherwise, it will show – ‘incorrect TC number’.
- N95 mask is usually plain-looking, mostly white, blue, or gray in color. If there are any decorative elements in the mask, there is a chance it is not a real N95 mask.
- N95 mask may be counterfeit in case it claims to be for use by children. NIOSH does not approve respirator masks for children.
Why Do You Need Real N95 Mask?
When it comes to your health, it is essential to be sure of the products that you use. With many products available in the market, choosing a counterfeit can be life-threatening. A fake N95 mask can lead to severe problems during a pandemic. When you see a labeled N95 mask, it may seem to be genuine. But it is crucial to be sure before buying the same.
If you are in an area where the risks of infection are higher, the real N95 mask will provide you with adequate protection. It is designed with a special fabric to protect our lungs from harmful pollutants.
Among other safety measures, N95 mask has become a gold standard for face masks in the health crisis. If you are a part of the healthcare industry and at a higher risk of infection, the N95 mask quality matters substantially. Make sure you buy high quality N95 masks from renowned brands like Nirvana Being. The range of masks they offer are designed with nanotechnology and are tested by Nelson Labs, USA.
Protect You and Others Around You
Wearing a mask ensures that an infected person does not transmit the virus to others around them. It is crucial to abide by such guidelines and avoid counterfeit products to win the fight against coronavirus. We must be careful while choosing N95 masks from among several options in the market. A cautious decision can make all the difference in the long run.
