The N-95 mask: invaluable ally in the battle against the COVID-19 pandemic

Abstract

The present COVID-19 pandemic, caused by the airborne SARS-CoV-2 virus, has highlighted the vital importance of appropriate personal protective equipment for all exposed health care workers. The single most important part of this armor is the N-95 mask. With the awareness that the virus is spread by both droplets and through the aerosolized route, the N-95 provides protection that a surgical mask cannot match. This timely review looks at the special advantages that an N-95 offers over a surgical mask with specific reference to the COVID-19 epidemic. It also emphasizes the crucial importance of ensuring quality masks with a proper fit. Finally, with acute scarcities of N-95 masks being reported from hospitals globally, it reviews recent literature which attempts to prolong the life of these masks with extended use, reuse and decontamination of used masks.

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“…A recent study reveals 60% of N95 did not achieve required filtration, some only achieved 35% filtration rather than 95%. 73…”

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“…These included, but were not limited to, the following: vacuum cleaner bags, tea towels, cotton scarves, pillowcases, silk scarves and cotton T-shirts in decreasing order of protection [147]. When the N-95 mask used by frontline healthcare workers, a tightly fitting mask that seals off the wearers face and can remove 95% of particles, was credited as the "single most important part" of the armor for healthcare workers [148], those in the general public most afraid of contracting COVID-19 sought them out for personal use, creating a shortage of these masks for frontline workers, resulting in 79% of nurses being encouraged or required to reuse their masks and 36% reported reusing them for 5 days or longer [149].…”

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“…A recent study reveals 60% of N95 did not achieve required filtration, some only achieved 35% filtration rather than 95%. [ 3 ] The N95 should be certified by the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH).…”