Keeping in view the current situation of the COVID-19, respirator masks have become a critical necessity for all. Since, the market place is full of a variety of masks and vendors, people are often confused about choosing the right one for them. N95 face masks made in USA, by far, have been the most in demand. People are trusting them a lot and they’ve proven to be very reliable as well. Today, we’ve gathered some quick tips that can help you to choose the best and most reliable N95 respirator masks. So, let’s start.
Considerations before purchase
Whenever you’re buying an N95 respirator masks, the first and the foremost things to consider are;
- Pore size of the filters
- Presence of carbon filters
- Micro-ventilator & Breathing valve
Different masks come with different filters and pore sizes. Greater filtration means smaller pore size so that even the minute particles present in the air can be filtered out. Secondly, carbon filters provide effective protection not only against the Coronavirus but many other germs and hazardous substances. Last but not the least, micro-ventilator and breathing valve ensure proper ventilation of the mask so that you can breathe easily. Also, they don’t let moisture and CO2 to build inside the mask. Moisture damages the constituent material of the mask and CO2 hinders healthy breathing. Note, if you’re into heavy exercises and activities daily, make sure to buy the mask with two exhalation valves.
Don’t miss out on the standard price
The cost of N95 respirator masks varies depending on location and manufacturer. Masks are sold at varying prices by different retailers due to differences in requirements. Check to see if the brand of your choice is reputable and offers market-competitive pricing before making a purchase.
Check if the mask is NIOSH approved
The National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health, or NIOSH, has recently published a guide on how to identify masks that are not NIOSH certified. The original NIOSH-licensed respirators have an approved sticker on them or inside the packaging, which distinguishes them from fakes. The sticker may be on the package or in the user’s manual. If you can’t find it, look for an abbreviated approval on the FFR-filtering face-piece respirator. Once you’ve found the approval number, double-check it on the NIOSH Certified Equipment List (CEL) or another NIOSH trusted source page. You’d be able to tell whether the mask is NIOSH-approved or not.
Look for the following signs
When purchasing a N95 face mask, there are some telltale signs that indicate whether or not the respirator is genuine. So, when purchasing one, keep the following signs in mind.
- FFR markings: If your mask’s filtering face-piece respirator (FFR) has no markings, it’s most likely a fake.
- TC number on the headband or FFR: If the mask doesn’t have a TC number, it’s a forgery.
- Another indication of a fake mask is the lack of NIOSH markings.
- Several fake masks have NIOSH misspelt on them, so keep an eye out for that.
- If the mask you’re buying has some decorative fabric or other decorative elements, such as sequins, it’s probably fake.
As a sincere recommendation, we would suggest you buy N95 face masks from Medical Supply All. They have the best and genuine products and can surely be your go-to retailer in times of emergency.