Global mask manufacturers have seen a rapid surge in sales of their respiratory protection. Under the current circumstances in many countries around the world, consumers are stockpiling and buying masks and other respirators in panic, which has caused a significant shortage of masks in some markets.
Faced with the many types of hazards in the atmosphere, people are forced to wear masks to protect themselves from such risks. In particular, we live in a world where the likelihood of contracting dangerous viruses such as coronavirus, toxic volatiles, or wet dirt is extremely high. Therefore, the N95 Mask is a must-have item in every home.
How Long Can You Wear An N95 Mask?
N95 masks are recommended for one use. It should be discarded after one contact with an infected patient or if the mask becomes damaged, damp or contaminated, or is not sealed. Wash your hands after removing a suspected contaminated mask and dispose of it properly.
How To Wear Correctly
To protect against viruses, a mask must be ideally sized – fit snugly to the face, cover the mouth, nose, and chin. The nasal retainer should not slip and rub the skin. Ties or loops should fix the product and not cause discomfort. It is good if the mask has a corrugation: this provides comfort when wearing, the tightness of the tension of the product, and the absence of contact with the lips. The folds need to be unfolded to give the mask a more comfortable shape to ensure a better fit.
You cannot move the mask to the chin, put it in your pocket, and use it again. Also, while wearing it, it is not recommended to touch the fabric with your hands: remove the mask only by the loops or untie the ties.
Who Should Wear The Mask: Sick Or Healthy?
There is a constant debate about the need to wear masks during an epidemic. Some argue that a mask is a useless accessory; others say that everyone needs to wear it. A medical mask is primarily intended for people already infected and can infect others when they cough or sneeze. If you are sick, the mask will prevent bacteria in your body fluids from spreading when you sneeze or cough. If you are sick at home, wearing a mask will help the rest of your family stay safe.
Should a healthy person wear a mask? Under normal conditions, this is not necessary; however, if you are in contact with a patient who has a cold, flu, or with people who may be potential distributors of a viral infection (for example, in hospitals) or in an unfavorable epidemiological environment, a medical mask will serve as an additional barrier to infection.
Bottom Line
To avoid contracting the flu or other viral disease, a N95 Mask alone is not enough. Do not forget to follow other preventive measures: distance yourself from people with symptoms of the disease in public places, wash your hands, and if this is not possible, then wipe them with a good antiseptic, do not rub your eyes, and do not touch your face with your hands, as through touch you can bring in the infection.
