As you probably heard, the demand for respirators are high especially with word that the bests masks to get during the COVID-19 outbreak is the N95 respirator mask.
It’s important to note, while masks are not going to prevent one from getting infected from the virus, it’s still better than nothing and it still helps one avoid touching their face area. Or riding in transportation where masks are more common.
In Japan and Asia in general, masks are common… Those who are sick, do not want to spread their germs or vice versa.
In fact, I blogged about this years ago. I wear a mask in Asia, in the U.S., I’ll wear it while working at home or in the office, but in the U.S., I’m not as confident as others to wear it out in public. But in Japan, how I got sick once, was a guy who sneezed in a crowded train. A lot of us were sprayed and disgusting as it sounds, in my head, seconds after it happened, all I could think of was…”Am I going to get sick?” and sure enough a few days later, I got sick.
But while surgical masks are sold at department stores in the US (including dollar stores) and convenience stores in Japan, they are sold out in many places and it’s created a panic, especially as hoarders have purchased them and are reselling it for way too much.
In the past, you could buy a pack of six for under $5. Now there are people who are selling it for $45! It’s wrong but at the same time, if people are willing to pay that price, unfortunately, the practice is going to continue. Fortunately, Amazon has put a stop to that.
With the threat of COVID19 (novel coronavirus), the CDC (Center of Disease Control and Prevention) has been recommending the N95 masks.
Earlier this morning, the U.S. Surgeon General tweeted the following and I tweeted right back:
@Surgeon_General It’s not 100% effective, but it’s better than nothing. It also helps prevent people from touching their face often and in public transportation that are crowded, where people sneeze freely, once again, it’s better than nothing.
— Dennis A. Amith (@kndy) February 29, 2020
Meanwhile, the CDC had released:
I have to listen to the CDC here! No offense to the US Surgeon General because what he is saying is right to a point. People who are buying for safety vs. people who are buying for profit, the latter is probably who are hurting the medical profession the most. But with that being said, for those buying for their own personal safety, it’s much better than nothing. Especially if you are traveling or having to ride a public transportation in close quarters.
UPDATE (April 4, 2020):
In light of new evidence, @CDCgov recommends wearing cloth face coverings in public settings where other social distancing measures are difficult to maintain (grocery stores, pharmacies, etc) especially in areas of significant community-based transmissionhttps://t.co/Ktt7YS7DXz pic.twitter.com/LCOfw6VFqH
— U.S. Surgeon General (@Surgeon_General) April 3, 2020
Which leads me to the 3M Cool Flow N95 (8511) Respirator Mask.
The cheapest location I was able to find it was at Lowes at $22.95 for a pack of ten.
The primary reason why the N95 masks are recommended is that while the original intention was to create from relief of non-harmful sanding, sawing and insulating particles, it helps reduce the wearer’s exposure to harmful aerosols and large droplets. And it filters out 95% of airborne particles
Now, having one in my hands, what I do like about them is that they are a bit more stiffer and not as collapsible in leaving little pockets on the side of your face. I also like how there are two straps that hold on to your face remarkably well. So many masks I have used, they snap off easily. Granted, they are cheap but this goes to show the 3M quality.
And of course, you have the respirator 3M Cool Flow Valve in the center and on the top is an adjustable M-Noseclip which you can press down on to reduce eyewear fogging.
Overall, I do likes these over surgical masks!
They are better than standard surgical masks, but may you be the person who is sick and don’t want to spread anything (NOTE: If you are sick, it’s best to wear a normal surgical mask as the valve in front of the N95 mask is only for particles coming in, the valve won’t filter your breath after being exhaling) or those who want to protect themselves and know it’s not 100% effective but believe it’s better than nothing, then definitely go get it.
For the actual effectiveness, you can read here.
And of course… Great for its original intention for those who work in sanding or on fiberglass! But now with the threat of covid19, important for medical staff and those working with individuals who are sick.
