Surgical masks should give you a certain amount of protection but good hygiene is more critical. So what’s the difference between surgical face-masks and the N95 Respirators…
Surgical Face-masks
A face-mask is a loose-fitting, disposable device that creates a physical barrier between the mouth and nose of the wearer and potential contaminants in the immediate environment. Face-masks are not to be shared and may be labelled as surgical, isolation, dental or medical procedure masks. They may come with or without a face shield.
Face-masks are made in different thicknesses and with different ability to protect you from contact with liquids. These properties may also affect how easily you can breathe through the face-mask and how well the face-mask protects you. If worn properly, a face-mask is meant to help block large-particle droplets, splashes, sprays or splatter that may contain germs (viruses and bacteria), keeping it from reaching your mouth and nose. Face-masks may also help reduce exposure of your saliva and respiratory secretions to others.
A face-mask, by design, does not filter or block very small particles in the air that may be transmitted by coughs, sneezes or certain medical procedures. Face-masks also do not provide complete protection from germs and other contaminants because of the loose fit between the surface of the face-mask and your face. The thinner surgical mask is intended for surgeons, because these products do a good job of keeping pathogens from the doctor’s nose and mouth from entering the surgical field.
Face-masks are not intended to be used more than once. If your mask is damaged or soiled, or if breathing through the mask becomes difficult, you should remove the face-mask, discard it safely, and replace it with a new one. To safely discard your mask, place it in a plastic bag and put it in the trash. Wash your hands after handling the used mask.
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N95 Respirators
An N95 respirator is a respiratory protective device designed to achieve a very close facial fit and very efficient filtration of airborne particles.
The ‘N95’ designation means that when subjected to careful testing, the respirator blocks at least 95 percent of very small (0.3 micron) test particles. If properly fitted, the filtration capabilities of N95 respirators exceed those of face masks. However, even a properly fitted N95 respirator does not completely eliminate the risk of illness or death.
People with chronic respiratory, cardiac, or other medical conditions that make breathing difficult should check with their healthcare provider before using an N95 respirator because the N95 respirator can make it more difficult for the wearer to breathe. Some models have exhalation valves that can make breathing out easier and help reduce heat build-up. Note that N95 respirators with exhalation valves should not be used when sterile conditions must be maintained.
WHEN TO USE A MASK
- If you are healthy, you only need to wear a mask if you are taking care of a person with suspected 2019-nCoV infection.
- Wear a mask if you are coughing or sneezing.
- Masks are effective only when used in combination with frequent hand-cleaning with alcohol-based hand rub or soap and water.
- If you wear a mask, then you must know how to use it and dispose of it properly.
HOW TO PUT ON, USE, TAKE OFF AND DISPOSE OF A MASK
- Before putting on a mask, clean hands with alcohol-based hand rub or soap and water.
- Cover mouth and nose with mask and make sure there are no gaps between your face and the mask.
- Avoid touching the mask while using it; if you do, clean your hands with alcohol-based hand rub or soap and water.
- Replace the mask with a new one as soon as it is damp and do not re-use single-use masks.
- To remove the mask: remove it from behind (do not touch the front of mask); discard immediately in a closed bin; clean hands with alcohol-based hand rub or soap and water.
PRECAUSIONS
- Thoroughly wash your hands; avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands
- Avoid close contact with people who are sick
- Disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces
Resources: https://www.fda.gov/medical-devices/personal-protective-equipment-infection-control/masks-and-n95-respirators . https://www.who.int/emergencies/diseases/novel-coronavirus-2019/advice-for-public/when-and-how-to-use-masks