Article on Medical Masks

[jake]

One of the things that I am concerned about, and am preparing for, is the risk of a pandemic of some communicable disease, like the new types of flu that are going around. Might never happen, hope not, but I want to be prepared anyways.

I found this article where they tested different types of face masks for their effectiveness at preventing you breathing in small particles. Good article. The best mask to get is called an N95 rating mask, and they sell them at the drugstore. If you can, try to get an N95 mask that is "fluid resistant", as this is apparently the better kind (I read this elsewhere).

http://www.cbc.ca/marketplace/pre-2007/files/health/sars_masks/index.html

I'm going to get some soon...just like my emergency food supplies, I don't want to be rushing to the store for this when it is needed.

[CVORNurse]

I will admit not reading the article. As a nurse, I second the fact that an N95 mask is the best, and maybe only, one to get if you want to keep out viruses or bacteria in the air. It is the one we use when dealing with known or suspected Tuberculosis.
I had a hoot during the SARS and H1N1 panics of the last years, watching everyone on the news walking around in those blue loop masks like your dentist uses. They are totally worthless.

An N95 is hot to wear, but totally worth it.

[jake]

Thank you for your knowledge CVORNurse. I was wondering what you thought of this brand of mask, I am thinking about buying a package of 20.

http://www.amgmedical.com/site/pdfs/018-232_N95_Ins.pdf

Do you recall the exact brand name and type of mask that you used at the hospital?

[CVORNurse]

Thank you for your knowledge CVORNurse. I was wondering what you thought of this brand of mask, I am thinking about buying a package of 20.

http://www.amgmedical.com/site/pdfs/018-232_N95_Ins.pdf

Do you recall the exact brand name and type of mask that you used at the hospital?

We use Barrier, which I believe is Johnson and Johnson.
Those you found look like they would have more room for air around your face, which could be a good thing in helping with that claustrophobic feeling.. Like the article, the biggie is the N95. And making sure you have a tight fit.

[Mzcry]

People ignore the fit requirement. If there are gaps over or around your nose and mouth, the mask does no good.

[keydl]

Don't forget the safety glasses.