FluTrackers Mask Policy

[sharon sanders]

FluTrackers policy is the recommendation to obtain and use the product that gives the best protection against pandemic influenza.

If N95 are available - they are preferable to surgical masks when treating infected patients.

Any health care worker that is pregnant or is not preventing pregnancy should be especially cautious about treating these patients.

[sharon sanders]

Re: FluTrackers Mask Policy

Please note that we specify that people should obtain the mask that gives the best protection.

This kind of barrier protection against disease may range from N95/100 to homemade masks depending what an individual is able to obtain.

Certainly in the health care setting N95 masks are superior to surgical masks.

[Mamabird]

Re: FluTrackers Mask Policy

Certainly in the health care setting N95 masks are superior to surgical masks.

Yes, but the user needs to be properly trained on the use of the N95 and fit tested. Otherwise, they may not be afforded any more protection than use of other masks with inferior ratings.

[sharon sanders]

Re: FluTrackers Mask Policy

What is a respirator?


Photo courtesy of Moldex
A respirator (for example, an N95 or higher filtering facepiece respirator) is designed to protect you from breathing in very small particles, which might contain viruses. These types of respirators fit tightly to the face so that most air is inhaled through the filter material.



To work the best way, N95 respirators must be specially fitted for each person who wears one (this is called "fit-testing" and is usually done in a workplace where respirators are used). Most of the time, N95 respirators are used in construction and other jobs that involve dust and small particles. Some healthcare workers, such as nurses and doctors, use these types of respirators when taking care of patients with diseases that can be spread through the air.


If you have a heart or lung disease or other health condition, you may have trouble breathing through respirators and you should talk with your doctor before using a respirator.
Like surgical masks, N95 respirators should be worn only once and then thrown away in the trash.

http://www.cdc.gov/features/masksrespirators/

[kiwibird]

Re: FluTrackers Mask Policy

N95 masks nearest European equivalent is European Standard EN 149 FFP2which filters 94% of particulate matter. FFP3 filters 99% with <2% Inward leakage, or European Standard EN 143 with P2filters filtering 94% of Airborne particulates and P3 filtering 99.95% of airborne particulates.

http://www.cleanroomworld.com/articles/Disposable%20Face%20Mask%20article.pdf