How do you choose the best N95 mask as per your needs, lifestyle, and budget constraints?

COVID-19 is once spreading with the emergence of a new Omicron subvariant. Taking into account the current situation, many countries including the USA are thinking of reinstating mask mandates in areas where the case count is increasing speedily. It has been recently reported that many parts of New York City have around a 25% positivity rate for COVID-19. The state officials are considering the time to re-issue mask mandates and other preventive measures.

It is not only in New York but also in many other US states and countries that Omicron subvariant BA.5 is gaining momentum and spreading the infection rapidly. Many news and research reports are circulating on the Internet about its spread. Recently, the Centre for Disease Control and Prevention estimated that the rate of BA.5 infection is reaching up to 25% and more in many states. Also, it is being reported that the new variant is much stronger and is not likely to be tackled by the available vaccinations. People who have had their vaccinations and booster shots and those who didn’t are at equal risk of acquiring the infection. Also, the immunity developed by previous infections might not be able to save people this time.       

This is a very disturbing situation and needs to be addressed. Health experts and officials have once again started their campaigns for convincing people to practice preventive measures as much as possible. They are instructing people to avoid unnecessary gatherings, maintain self-hygiene, and wear NIOSH-approved N95 masks regularly.   

Now, you must be thinking that what makes N95 masks so special that even health experts have recommended them. Well, here is the answer.

What makes N95 masks so special?

N95 masks are filtering respirators that are designed to cover your nose and mouth, providing an efficient barrier between the air you breathe and your airways. They are usually regulated by National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH). It is a federal agency in the United States which conducts research and makes recommendations for preventing work-related injuries. Personal protective equipment that needs to be commercialized is tested here and those with approval from NIOSH are then available for sale. N95 masks too go through the same procedure. The government has strictly instructed the retailers to put only NIOSH-approved N95 masks for sale.    

In N95 masks, the letter N stands for non-oil which means that the mask can only work against non-oil-based particulates. The number 95 signifies that these masks have 95 percent efficiency against air-borne germs and dust particles. They can filter the air you breathe and provide you with its purest form to inhale. It is possible due to the presence of filters inside the mask. The pore size of the filter is around 0.3 microns which means that particles up to the size of 0.3 microns and greater won’t pass through it. This feature makes N95 masks much more efficient in filtering all kinds of contaminants including germs in the air, dust, mist, and fumes. The filtration material on the mask is electrostatic non-woven polypropylene fiber. Last but not the least, the mask is provided with an exhalation valve which makes it easier for the wearer to breathe comfortably.

With such amazing features, N95 masks are always in high demand. Many retailers fall short of supply and people find it difficult to buy one. Many fall prey to counterfeits and lose their money to poor products. But you need not to worry, we’ve put together a brief guide that will help you with your purchase.

How buy NIOSH-approved N95 masks?

For buying the best-suited NIOSH-approved masks, you have to determine these three things first.

1. Your need
2. Everyday lifestyle
3. Budget constraints

What type of work do you do? For how long do you have to wear a mask? Any health condition and your budget. These are a few questions that need to be answered before you buy a NIOSH-approved N95 mask. For instance, if you have a job that doesn’t require you to go out on daily basis and you stay indoors mostly, you might not need a mask. But if you are going out on daily basis, you have to have a mask and wear it. This is because outgoing people have a greater risk of contracting the virus. Secondly, the microbial load around you is an important consideration for determining the best mask. Let’s say you are a doctor and have to deal with patients then you may require an advanced filtering N95 mask for better protection. This is because hospitals and healthcare centers have elevated microbial load in the air. However, if you are a non-medical person and have a moderate to small microbial load around, a surgical N95 mask may work great for you. Also, in the former case, you have to wear a mask all the time while in the latter case some relaxation can be expected. Therefore, the mask type differs in the two cases. Last but not the least, budget constraints must be considered before purchase. Different mask types come from different brands and they have different prices! 

If you are looking for one place that has a variety of NIOSH-approved N95 masks for sale and that too within your budget, we recommend you visit medicalsupplyall.com. It is one fine retailer that is selling a lot of variety with guaranteed high-quality and friendly prices. Their website has several masks listed with specifications and all of them are approved by NIOSH.

So, without wasting your time and money, go visit the website and order your masks. Make sure they reach your place before the new subvariant!