Community Chat

[MorningLover]

Here's info from 3m about this mask 

Details

This classic disposable N95 particulate respirator is designed to help provide comfortable, reliable worker respiratory protection against certain non oil based particles.

3M™ Particulate Respirator 8210, N95 is a disposable particulate respirator that is designed to help provide reliable respiratory protection of at least 95 percent filtration efficiency against certain non-oil based particles. This respirator is designed for use for particles such as those from grinding, sanding, sweeping, sawing, bagging, or other dusty operations. This respirator can also help reduce inhalation exposures to certain airborne biological particles (examples: mold, Bacillus anthracis, Mycobacterium tuberculosis), but cannot eliminate the risk of contracting infection, illness, or disease.

The respirator incorporates 3M’s proprietary technology with advanced electrostatically charged microfiber filter media designed for ease of breathing. This respirator is compatible with a variety of protective eyewear and hearing protection.

This particulate respirator is NIOSH (National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health) approved for environments containing certain non-oil based particles and provides at least 95 percent filter efficiency.

Breathing hazardous particles can pose a risk to your health. NIOSH, a Federal government regulatory agency, has tested and approved the 3M Particulate Respirator 8210, which is designed to help reduce exposure to certain airborne particles.

WARNING: These respirators help reduce exposures to certain airborne contaminants. Before use, the wearer must read and understand the User Instructions provided as a part of the product packaging. In the U.S., a written respiratory protection program must be implemented meeting all the requirements of OSHA 1910.134 including training, fit testing and medical evaluation. In Canada, CSA standards Z94.4 requirements must be met and/or requirements of the applicable jurisdiction, as appropriate. Misuse may result in sickness or death. For proper use, see package instructions, supervisor, or call 3M OH&ESD Technical Service in USA  and in Canada.

~3m.com

[pitdakota]

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@Anonymous032819 wrote:

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@pitdakota wrote:

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@Anonymous032819 wrote:

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@Snowpuppy wrote:

That video describes a respirator fit test. Respirators must be properly fitted by someone who is trained. You don't need a fit test for N 95. 

Respirators are worn by those who do hazardous material removal such as asbestos and lead paint. When I was in college I had a pt job getting bids for this type of testing.

The video is for UK standards.

Ppl getting crazier by the day.

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Yes, the video was made in the UK, but the fit test is exactly the same, and at work, we are required to watch a video that shows the same exact fit test.

Here's another video that shows the same fit test for the N95 mask.

Not respirator.

Mask.

Oh, and the video was made in the good 'ol U.S.A.

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=wulG-l2KiFohttps://m.youtube.com/watch?v=wulG-l2KiFo 

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Actually @Anonymous032819, that is not really a very good training video as it has several mistakes.  But it gives the general information.

But all N95s are respirator masks.  The information that they are not is incorrect.  They are technically referred to as N95 respirator masks or just N95s for short. 

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I'm not going to go chasing down videos, that show the same thing over and over again, just to find one that you approve of.

The one thing that these two videos have in common is to be properly fitted for a mask that carries the N95 mark on it, and for it to be the most effective, a fit test has to be done, which includes donning of the hood, where an atomizer is used to spray a fine must inside to see if you can taste it.

Next step is to have the person put on their mask that says N95 on it, and to put the hood back on, where a second atomizer is used to spray another fine must in to the hood, while the wearer moves their head side to side, up and down, bend at the waist, and read out loud.

We had to watch a video demonstrating this test where I work.

What part of that are you having a problem understanding?

Also, the masks that we can wear had the N95 on them.

Is that also understandable?

I just thought that I would impart some knowledge on how a fit test for the N95 was done.

But hey, if people would rather not know, and learn then that's not my problem.

I tried.

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@Anonymous032819, that is fine.  It does not matter for the N95, there are not different fit tests for N95s.  If they are done correctly, it is the same steps no matter which manufacturer makes the N95.  It is all about getting a correct seal so that no outside air is being pulled in around the mask and the type of seal the mask has against the face.   Doesn't matter who makes the N95, the steps of the fit test is still the same. So there is no need for you to go chasing any other video.  The first one you posted was fine since it demonstrated the correct process, doesn't really matter for the public if standards are different for the UK.  The process is still the same.

 I have been fit tested for N95s several times over the years as a nurseand have no problem understanding that the fit test is the same for our N95s we have here, no matter who makes them.  Doesn't matter who makes the video. 

And I was also referencing that information posted by a previous poster that an N95 mask is not a respirator is not correct.  

[pitdakota]

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@germanshepherdlove wrote:

@Anonymous032819 or @pitdakota  How are surgical masks different from the face masks that qvc is selling.  I have never held a surgical mask in my hand to do a comparison.  I realize that qvc is saying theirs are not medical quality but what is the difference since they look similar.  Thanks.

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@germanshepherdlove, as @reiki604 stated the main difference is the efficiency of particle filtration and being resistant to water.  In surgery or other medical procedures that take place in a hospital there are risks that blood or body fluids might splash up on the face mask so it needs to "repel" fluids somewhat if you will.  

The surgical masks also have a better fold that allows for better expansion for those that have a larger surface area in the face than the ones typically out there for the public they are selling right now. 

[pitdakota]

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@reiki604 wrote:

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@Anonymous032819 wrote:

Here's the other kind of mask that we can wear.

In the picture you'll notice that it has the N95 on it, as well as NIOSH.

It is for this mask that we had to watch a video on a fit test before we could wear.

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I used to do the fit testing for this mask for my staff to ensure a proper fit and application of the mask. The atomizer that is sprayed into the hood tastes like sweet and low so it's really vile and encourages the wearer to get a tight fit on the first attempt. This mask is difficult to wear for an entire shift as evidenced by the piictures of the health care providers with marks on their faces at the end of the day. 

The difference between medical grade masks and non medical is their air permeability and degree of waterproofness(?). Wearing a shield protects the eyes but is pretty worthless in protecting the mouth and nose.

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Yep, I remember a bitter taste from the fit testing.  And you are so right about them being uncomfortable when wearing them for extended periods of time or having to work hard when wearing them.

My heart broke when I saw the pictures of the doctors and the nurses with deep creases or in some cases bruises since they were having to wear them for such extended periods of time.  And as you know, they are supposed to be only worn for one occurrence and discarded as you come out of the patient's room.  The fact they were and are having to wear one for the entire shift breaks my heart.  

We still have 2 large hospitals in my area that are using companies that set up trailers that use the old method of aerosolizing hydrogen peroxide to sanitize the N95s with many nurses still only being assigned one mask per shift.  Supply is getting better, but still no where it needs to be for health care professionals.  

[reiki604]

@pitdakota At the begining of the outbreak there were not enough N95 masks at all. My friends who work in the ER were given 1/week. Thankfully the shortage has eased up somewhat and they get 1/day now. It is so sad that after so many months we still cannot protect our first line defenders appropriately. I appreciate your explalination of water resistance. I had a senior moment there and could not come up with the proper terminology. I was responding during my first cup of coffee and before it kicked in. LOL! Stay well and safe.

[pitdakota]

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@reiki604 wrote:

@pitdakota At the begining of the outbreak there were not enough N95 masks at all. My friends who work in the ER were given 1/week. Thankfully the shortage has eased up somewhat and they get 1/day now. It is so sad that after so many months we still cannot protect our first line defenders appropriately. I appreciate your explalination of water resistance. I had a senior moment there and could not come up with the proper terminology. I was responding during my first cup of coffee and before it kicked in. LOL! Stay well and safe.

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@reiki604, you explained it just fine!  Your terminology was just fine.  I was remembering the times when I first started out working in surgery and getting "sprayed" or the days in critical care when we would be doing bedside procedures in patients that were HIV positive.  So that surgical mask with good coverage and being water resistant was really important then!    You take care and stay safe as well.

[germanshepherdlove]

@MorningLover @Anonymous032819 @pitdakota @reiki604  thank you all. In this trying time of wondering what is going on... 

Who do we listen to? Who are the good guys and who are the bad? Who is telling the truth, who is lying? Will this pandemic end or will it be with us forever?  

Not trying to get anyone to talk about off limit topics although a rousing debate would certainly help the heart......just to talk and release the anxiety.  If only.

[pitdakota]

@germanshepherdlove, I listen to the experienced public health physicians.  They know what they are doing, they know what they don't know, and don't get into the political realms.  Of course, I am biased because I have a public/community health background, but those are your best bets.

There are all kinds of crazy things going around, that if you even stop to think about the content....it doesn't even make common sense.  

That said, there are 3 places considered the premier places of infectious disease in the U.S.:  University of Nebraska, Emory University, and Clinical Center associated with the NIH. All of those have very intelligent, experienced physicians and epidemiologists that actually have experience in global health problems, epidemics, and pandemics.  They are on the same page with Dr. Fauci.  Many of those experts have written articles, op eds, or clinical based articles about covid-19.

I usually say stick with the docs that this is their training, their experience.  If you were to google the docs in any 3 of those centers, you will find a very impressive list of people that actually have experience with infectious disease, epidemics, and pandemics.

[reiki604]

@germanshepherdlove , in addition to @pitdakota 's excellent recommendations, I would also suggest subscribing to John's Hopkins Center for Health Security Newsletter. It provides information on the pandemic globally and locally. I just want to repeat the advice to listen to the experts in epidemiology and virology. There is a lot of nonsense blowing around out there and it's sometimes difficult to discern what is or isn't true. Listening to the documented experts and using your inborn common sense won't steer you astray.

[Mindy D]

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@pitdakota wrote:

@germanshepherdlove, I listen to the experienced public health physicians.  They know what they are doing, they know what they don't know, and don't get into the political realms.  Of course, I am biased because I have a public/community health background, but those are your best bets.

There are all kinds of crazy things going around, that if you even stop to think about the content....it doesn't even make common sense.  

That said, there are 3 places considered the premier places of infectious disease in the U.S.:  University of Nebraska, Emory University, and Clinical Center associated with the NIH. All of those have very intelligent, experienced physicians and epidemiologists that actually have experience in global health problems, epidemics, and pandemics.  They are on the same page with Dr. Fauci.  Many of those experts have written articles, op eds, or clinical based articles about covid-19.

I usually say stick with the docs that this is their training, their experience.  If you were to google the docs in any 3 of those centers, you will find a very impressive list of people that actually have experience with infectious disease, epidemics, and pandemics.

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@pitdakota @Add Johns Hopkins School of Public Health, Harvard T.H. Chan School Public Health. There are many more sites.