If you’re looking to purchase N95 masks for protection against infectious diseases, chemicals, and other fatal inhalants, there are several factors that you need to consider to purchase the best N95 respirator. In recent weeks, the Department of Homeland Security has seized over 11 million counterfeit 3M N95 masks. The seized masks were headed for healthcare personnel who depend on N95 masks to protect them from being infected with and spreading the coronavirus when treating the COVID patients. While the CDC still recommends the use of N95 masks by frontline healthcare professionals and medical first responders, most of the general public is purchasing N95 respirators for their personal use. N95 respirators are known for filtering 95% of airborne particles when appropriately fitted. With several counterfeit N95 masks available in the market, unintentionally using them could give frontline healthcare professionals and the general public a risky false sense of protection and security against the virus. So, how can you be sure that the N95 mask that you’re purchasing is a quality product that will keep your healthcare staff safe? Here’s what to look for before opting for bulk supply of N95 masks: How to Choose the Best N95 Respirator Mask?
The first thing that you need to check is the markings on the outside of an N95 mask. A blank N95 respirator clearly indicates that it is inauthentic. The mask should have the “NIOSH” acronym in capitals or logo, which signifies that it has been approved by National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), according to the CDC. Make sure that NIOSH is correctly spelled as well. You can search for the brand name or the N95 mask manufacturer in the USA on the CDC’s index to ensure that it is approved by NIOSH. It’s because a few brands and manufacturers may falsify NIOSH approval. The N95 mask should also contain a testing and certification code, represented by “TC” with a number code. Other essential numbers include the filter class which is represented by a letter N, P or R, and efficiencies such as 95, 99, or 100. For example, “N95” respirator masks. The mask should be printed with an alphanumerical model number. It is also recommended that N95 respirator masks should also print the lot number, however, some masks may not print.
Generally, the best N95 respirator mask manufacturers design the mask with effective protection and no comfort in mind. If you look at the initial days of the COVID-19 pandemic, you could have seen frontline workers with faces bruised from the excessive use of N95 masks. Since N95 respirators have straps that go around the head for a secure and tight fit, it causes a bit of discomfort for healthcare workers. As N95 respirators need to be worn for extended hours, you must check if they come with a snug fit and feel so that the healthcare workers can abide by the facility rules and carry out their jobs comfortably for long hours. Here are some of the key questions to consider before opting for a bulk supply of N95 masks: Is it easier to breathe through the mask? Is the design and fit of the mask resistant to eyeglass fogging? Is the mask flexible enough to fit a variety of face shapes and sizes of the wearer? To ensure the perfect fit, the OISH Respiratory Protection Standard requires fit tests to be conducted for workers who need to wear respiratory protection. So, along with respirators N95 mask manufacturers and distributors will need to carry fit test kits for workers to fulfill their annual fit-test guidelines.
When it comes to N95 masks, you get what you pay. The cost of the mask is one of the major factors for decision-makers who are looking for a bulk supply of N95 masks. However, providing employees with cheap and poor-quality product imports could dangerously impact health, safety, and lung protection. You must look for N95 mask manufacturers specializing in raw materials and engineering innovation that constantly work to main competitive price points.
If you’re looking to purchase N95 masks made in the USA only, you need to focus not only on the place where a finished N95 comes from but also the place where the raw materials of the mask originate. While a company can claim to have manufactured masks domestically, if it sources any of the materials like head straps or the filter media from other countries, then it is not a genuine US-made mask. N95 mask manufacturers in the USA who produce or source all their N95 mask materials in the USA have shorter supply chains that do not require crossing international boundaries. This abolishes various risk factors involved in the geopolitics of trade and facilitates faster response times. Also, you need to pay attention to the quality of the mask when looking for a bulk supply of N95 masks or raw materials from outside of the USA. For instance, the melt-blown fabric, which is used as the internal static filter of an N95 mask, can lose effectiveness and charge when shipped in containers overseas. This can make the masks less effective and safe. Above all, you must purchase N95 masks from verified sources including major distributors, retailers, or direct from N95 mask manufacturers in the USA to avoid buying fake products.
You must ensure that all the masks should look and feel the same in quality and construction. Any notable difference or variation indicates that the product is inauthentic. Wrapping Up So, these are the five considerations that can help you purchase the best N95 respirator mask for your employees or personal use. Considering these factors, you can make sure that the purchased N95 mask is legitimate, of high quality, comfortable, and protective.
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |