N95 Mask -What, why, and fake versus real

NIOSH

The National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) in the United States has a rating for using respirators. They have three types of ratings

1) N series: N represents “Not resistant to oil.” Used to filter non-oily particles.

2) R series: R represents “Resistant to oil.” It can be used to filter non-oily and oily particles.

3) P series: P represents “oil Proof.” It can be used to filter non-oily and oily particles.

Coronavirus virus resistance requires N series (as most biological particles belong to non-oily particles).

The N series is further divided into three parts with their efficiency:

N95 — Filters at least 95% of airborne particles.

N99 — Filters at least 99% of airborne particles.

N100 — Filters at least 99.97% of airborne particles.

Of course, the N99 and N100 respirators offer more protection than the N95, but they are extremely expensive and not comfortable to use for long periods due to low airflow. So the N95 is ideal considering all aspects.

N95 with exhalation valve:

An additional device is seen in the N95 mask of some models. Many people think it is a filter. It is called an Exhalation valve. It is not a filter but a oneway valve- it does not allow outside air to enter, but air can come out easily with this device while exhaling.

Advantages:

- It is easier to exhale (less shortness of breath)

- Moisture does not accumulate inside the mask

Difficulty:

Exhaled air comes out Enfield unfiltered so

- Germs can come out of the mask if the user is sick

- Sterility can be lost if used in sterile environments (such as surgery/procedure)

- Repeated use may reduce / damage valve capacity (speculated, not proven)

‘Standard N95 respirator’ vs. ‘Surgical N95 respirator’.

All original N95 respirators are NIOSH certified. Some of these models (3M 1860/1870 + etc.) have also been approved by the FDA as surgical masks due to their special fluid resistance (high-velocity splashes, sprays, or splatters of blood or body fluids).

‘They are meant to be used during surgery and other tasks during which both of these are true:

1) Wearer requires respiratory protection Plus

2) Expelled particulates must be contained or fluid resistance is required.’

Note:

1) In all these cases, you can use a surgical mask and face shield on top of a Standard N95 respirator (without exhalation valve).

2) You can use Standard N95 (any model) in all cases except some of the above special situations.

How to understand 3M brand N95 mask original or fake:

The N95 mask actually means a 3M brand mask. If you want to buy the original N95, don’t even think of any other brand except 3M.

I’m just talking about the 3M brand N95 mask below. I will write about the KN95 / FFP2 mask of 3M or any other brand next time.

1) First, ask the seller to send the original picture and video of the mask and package. Be careful with photos collected from the website.

2) Find out the CountryCountry of origin of your mask. If the package/mask has Chinese writing on it, it is made in 3M’s Chinese factory.

(The product is not counterfeit if the package/mask has Chinese written on it. 3M makes several special models of N95 in their China factory. You can’t find these models on 3M’s USA website. You have to search on a Chinese site. Export of masks from the USA is currently prohibited)

3) Find the mask of your model from the following website according to the CountryCountry of origin.

4) Match the picture of your model with the picture given by the seller on the website

5) Take a good look at the picture of the product. Don’t buy if there are any inconsistencies, spelling mistakes, uneven placement of the mask/ink does not come out, blurry/dirty writing. The text of the original mask is laser printed so clear. There will be no writing or ink missing anywhere.

6) Check if there is a security strip on the packet. If there is a strip, make sure that it changes color.

(If there is no security strip, it is not counterfeit. Older products of 3M did not have the strip. Security strip has been added in some product packages later if it is to be counterfeited for an extra demand)

7) Due to being widely counterfeit, 3M has now arranged some of their products for web verification. You can verify the product package of the 8210 model by entering Secure code and Lot no on the following website.

Last words:

N95 masks come in different sizes and models. Everyone’s face shape is the same, so not all masks will fit everyone’s face. If not, he will not be able to seal. Full protection of this N95 mask will not be available if not sealed.

So as soon as the mask is original-

1) The mask must be a perfect fit

2) Every time after reading the mask, ‘User self-seal check’ should be done

Let me know if anyone has any suggestions or advice. I will add the above if necessary.

Thanks.