An N95 masks respirator offers greater protection against COVID-19 than any other mask on the market and it can also filter out 95% of airborne particles. An N95 must, however, be worn properly to work properly. It is claimed that the general public is not receiving adequate guidance on N95 usage. It takes some extra care to wear an N95 mask compared to a cloth mask or surgical mask. Learn how to use it properly.
Wearing an N95 masks
- Before putting your mask on or taking it off, wash your hands. Putting on an N95 mask requires first holding the nose piece at your fingertips, then putting it in your hand. Hold the mask close to your face and press the nose piece in.
- N95s have two straps that go around your head, as opposed to looping around your ears. The straps loop over the back of your head, much like goggles. Simply pull the straps over your head. You should place your top strap on the top back of your head while your bottom strap should be below your ears and around your neck. Make sure the straps are not crossed.
Making Sure It Fits
- Also, make sure the mask fits well. Perform an odor test and check the seal.
- You should not touch the mask again after this. After it is secured or after it is taken off, you shouldn’t touch it.
How to Ensure that the Mask Fits Your Face
- You should perform a user seal check, which includes both positive and negative pressure checks, to ensure that the mask is properly fitted.
- Place your hands completely over the mask and breath intensely to check the negative pressure. Make sure you don’t mess with the mask’s location. The mask must cling to your face. Adjust the nose piece and straps if you notice air leaking around your eyes or face, and then perform the positive pressure test again.
- Check for positive pressure by exhaling sharply while holding your hands over the mask. When you exhale, take care to cover the exhalation valve on your mask. If the mask is fitted correctly, no air should escape. If air leaks, recheck the negative pressure and re-adjust the nose piece and straps.
User Seal Check
- Your mask should form a seal with your face as soon as it is on. The respirator should not have any gaps between it and your face.
- Check to see if there is any air leakage by placing your hands over the N95 and inhaling and exhaling quickly. Make sure your nose piece is adjusted if leakage is evident. Make sure the straps are adjusted if you feel air leaking around the edges of the mask.
Smell/Odor Test
- It may not be enough to rely solely on how something feels and looks to ensure a proper fit. A smell test may be helpful.
- A strong smelling substance is sprayed into the air during the test. Through your mask, you may smell that you shouldn’t. A scented spray can be used at home to perform a DIY fit test
When to Throw Out the N95 Masks
In addition, breathing becomes more difficult as the N95 mask gets clogged. Replace the mask if it gets clogged. Masks should be thrown away if they are wet inside, deformed, or if the filter has been torn. An unfitting mask will be deformed. There is no way to clean or disinfect an N95 masks.
