There is little doubt that we are in for the long haul regarding the Corona virus. By now you have probably snagged some respirators. If not, I will offer other options as well as making the most of what you have.

While it is not recommended that the disposable N95 respirator be used again, recommendations were made during the 2009 H1N1 virus epidemic when it became necessary to alter it due to the potential shortages of N95’s.

N95’s have a shelf life with an expiration date. There are many complaints from those who bought on Ebay and Amazon.

Most importantly for your protection a mask seal must be maintained  at all times. I will give you links at the end on how best to insure a seal. Your N95 is to protect you. A surgical mask that you see… often with loops around the ears… does not protect that person, it is an attempt to protect you from them.

Most important you want to maintain the inside of your mask from any contact with the virus. Thus Never Touch The Inside Of Your Mask. Either when putting it on or taking it off. Washing your hands – 20 seconds – about the time of singing Happy Birthday both before and after touching any part of the outside the mask. Gloves are even better. It is suggested that after using it put it in a paper bag, or otherwise do not contaminate the inside. The main thing is not to get it wet or dirty so as to maintain its integrity. If you find it difficult to maintain a seal it has been suggested to use tape.

Additional methods of prolonging the use of the N95 is to place a surgical mask outside of the N95 mask as a first line. This is for healthcare workers who are in contact with patients. Other options are a face shield in addition. Don’t forget eye protection.

By now it is expensive and difficult to buy N95’s. Other options are still out there but disappearing quickly. That is a non deposable half face mask. You will need filters for them. The N95’s are pretty much gone but the the P100’s are available. These are offer even more protection but keep in mind the higher the number the increased difficulty in breathing for many people who use them. Any number of these will do.

We do not need those that are resistant to oil. Particulate only.

Non disposable half face masks

Filters for a non disposable mask

The general rule for filter replacement is to leave the contaminated area and dispose of the filter if it becomes damaged, soiled, or breathing becomes difficult. Even if none of these things happen, it’s recommended to dispose of filters after 40 hours of use or 30 days, whichever comes first.

Only needed is particulate filters with these masks:  I was concerned for the weight and breathing difficulty of adding the cartridges. It may be a better in the end to do the whole setup. However it is almost impossible now to find the components. One vendor noted that the government is now purchasing all 3 M supplies. If you can find the cartridge it is 3 M 7093. KEEP IN MIND YOU NEED TWO CARTRIDGES and Filters to go with them. There is much misinformation in advertising. Some offer one with 12 filters. UPDATE: Global Industries have them at the moment.

See link below:

MUST READ!

http://multimedia.3m.com/mws/media/447121O/filter-change-out-brochure.pdf

What it not clear is how to manage these masks with viral contamination. How long the virus remains active. Still checking. I am assuming to handle the same as a disposable mask with wipes on the mask itself. Sanitizing as needed.

Masks for these can be found at welding supply places. I suggest 3M 7000 series with P100 filters. I have N95’s for this mask, but out of sight now. I got some P95’s some weeks ago thinking I might need more, they would be easier to breath with as an alternative. Hard to find half face masks at a good price, the series 6000 are around but not as comfortable. Spend the extra bucks on the 7000. There is a 5000 series- more for being disposable.

Filters :   P100 filter disks.

You may be able to find P95’s. Cyberweld had them last I checked, as well as the P100’s

Different brand respirators require different disks. They are not interchangeable.

You will need appropriate methods for cleaning your respirators. Be sure and purchase cleaning wipes specific for masks. Follow the instructions that come with your mask for sanitizing. Brands may require different methods.

Wearing glasses can be a problem with these masks. It is highly recommended that you be fitted for a mask. OSHA requires it.

Check to see if your mask is the real thing,

Misrepresentation of NIOSH Approval

There have been reports of products using promotional materials that infer or cite NIOSH approval. Some of these products may look very similar to NIOSH-approved respirators. One example is a product that has taken N95 respirators and added decorative fabric for fashionable effectsexternal icon, therefore voiding the approval (http://www.flufashion.netexternal icon). Another example is a surgical mask being advertised as a NIOSH-approved N95 respirator. NIOSH purchased the product, tested it and found it to have over 80% leakage. Several instances of packaging that falsely uses terms like “NIOSH-approved”, and “NIOSH N95” have been brought to our attention. Though it is often difficult to be able to tell from first glance if a respirator is truly NIOSH-certified, the most reliable marking to look for is the NIOSH TC# printed both on the box as well as the product itself (TC# xxx-xxxx). The product can be verified by checking the TC number on the NIOSH website.

Other 3M videos are out there if your mask is substantially different.

Sources for re-use of N95 masks

Recommended Guidance for Extended Use and Limited Reuse of N95 Filtering Facepiece Respirators in Healthcare Settings

Supplies of N95 respirators can become depleted during an influenza pandemic (1-3) or wide-spread outbreaks of other infectious respiratory illnesses.(4) Existing CDC guidelines recommend a combination of approaches to conserve supplies while safeguarding health care workers in such circumstances.

https://www.cdc.gov/niosh/topics/hcwcontrols/recommendedguidanceextuse.html

My final comment is that this is being called a “novel” virus similar to flu. That should perk up our ears. “Novel.” This is the first run of this virus. It will not be seasonal. The Spanish flu became deadly the second time around. This will not end this summer. There are differences from the flu that are disturbing.

Why we are not ramping up masks for those towns and cities now effected is not acceptable. We need to get this stopped in those areas. We need to stop travel from those countries that are infected. We have 35 million masks on hand? Only adding 35 million a month we hear? We should all have as many masks as we wish, use them as much as we want. We need 300 million plus. Write your congressman. That is how this will stop.

This is how we will rest easy. No excuses. It is pure nonsense to have Doctors on TV telling us we don’t need masks. If we want them then we should have them without price gouging and having to wearing a half face mask. Why are so many places in the world wearing them? Hmmm??

I am a person at high risk. Therefore take this information as you see fit.

Check the sources for accuracies. I am not a healthcare provider though I have worked in healthcare. I make no warranty as to the accuracy of the information.

See my earlier post for more information written back in January.

Coronavirus – Time to stock up on N95 Respirator masks