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9500 series of NIOSH approved respirators
is the "standard" for all the industries in which these products are
used. This is the basic N95 product developed to compete with similar appearing
disposable respirators. By far, this cone style of N95 mask is the most widely
used mask in all work environments.
It has been designed to easily meet NIOSH's
stringent approval requirements for breathing resistance and filtration
efficiency. Most companies interested in adding N95 respirators to their line
of business will select either 9500 series or the alternative MK series as the
focal point around which to build a disposable respirator line.
While single layer nuisance dust masks can
help keep you safe during light construction or cleaning activities, they offer
little protection against very small particles travelling through the air, like
germs from a cough or sneeze, or fine non-poisonous dusts. For protection
against small particles, a mask with filtration material, a particulate
respirator, is often required. The most popular of particulate respirators
approved by the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH)
is the N95 mask, labeled N95 for their 95percent efficiency rating. The N95 masks can
filter particles of 0.3 microns.
Because of their low price, effectiveness,
and comfort, N95 masks are standard in many industries, and have even become a
popular way to prevent the spread of germs among the general public. If you
sell to, or are in, the industrial, medical, dental, automotive, tattoo or
do-it-yourself markets, many of your customers may require N95 masks. N95 masks
must be properly fit tested and are “single use” respirators.
The N95 mask has also become popular in the
medical field. NIOSH and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
recommended N95 masks for protection of healthcare workers who come in direct
contact with patients with H1N1 and other airborne viruses. There are also N95
masks that are certified by the FDA for use in surgery.
Filter material. All N95 masks will have at
least a minimum filtration efficiency of 95percent, but that doesn’t mean that all
filters are the same. It is important to select an N95 filter with low
breathing resistance.
Exhalation valve. Although not required for
effective use of an N95, some users prefer a one way exhalation valve that gives
lower exhalation resistance for hot and humid working conditions. For almost
any N95 mask, you can find a similar model with an exhalation valve as well.
Nosepiece and headstraps. The nosepeice and
headstraps to an N95 mask play an important role in not only comfort of the
mask, but also effectiveness. An N95 mask needs to fit tightly against the
wearer’s face for full effectiveness.