I. What is an N95 Mask?
Medical protective masks, also known as N95 masks that adopt the NIOSH standard, can not only filter droplet particles but also efficiently filter aerosols, blocking the respiratory transmission and infection of pathogens transmitted through droplet particles and aerosols. Compared with medical surgical masks that can effectively filter out large particles such as droplets or media, N95 masks offer a higher level of protection.
Ii. In what situations is it necessary to wear an N95 mask?
It is recommended to wear it in special circumstances such as visiting a hospital
Since the protective effect of N95 masks is better than that of medical surgical masks, should they be worn all the time when going out? When people go out regularly, wearing surgical masks and keeping a distance of one meter from others can already play a very good protective role. However, if citizens go to the hospital for medical treatment, if there are confirmed cases in their buildings, if they test positive for COVID-19 antigen or nucleic acid, or if they are engaged in special high-risk occupations, it is recommended that they wear N95 masks.
N95 masks are not required in general life scenarios
For general living or working scenarios, such as outdoors or well-ventilated indoor areas, there is no need to wear an N95 mask. It is recommended to use a medical surgical mask instead.
Iii.Who should not wear N95 Masks
It is not recommended for younger children to wear it
It is not recommended for some younger children to wear N95 masks. Because children's growth and development are not yet mature, especially for younger children, if they wear N95 masks with good air tightness, they are prone to symptoms of oxygen deficiency. Therefore, it is not recommended that parents give N95 masks to younger children.
In addition, when citizens exercise outdoors, they should try not to wear N95 masks. This is because the body's demand for oxygen increases during exercise. Even if they wear a surgical mask at this time, they are prone to oxygen deficiency. If they wear an N95 mask, the symptoms of oxygen deficiency will be more obvious.
Iv.How to Wear an N95 Mask?
1. Clean your hands
Before wearing a mask, follow the seven-step handwashing method. First, wash your hands under running water or with a quick hand sanitizer.
2. Check carefully
Carefully inspect the mask. First, see if it has expired. Second, check if the outer packaging of the mask is damaged.
3. Open the mask
When opening the mask, be careful not to touch the inner side of the mask with your hands. Place the mask in the palm of your hand, with the metal strip at your fingertips, and let the head hang naturally.
4. Wear a mask
The hand holding the mask should pass through the two fixing straps, cover the nose, mouth and chin with the protective mask, and keep the nose clip facing up close to the face. With the other hand, pull the lower tie over the top of your head and place it at the back of your neck under your ears. Then, pull the upper tie to the middle of your head and tighten the headband to make the mask fit your face. Place the fingertips of both hands on the metal nose clip and press it inward. Start from the middle position and move it to the sides to press until it fits the nose completely.
5. Check and adjust the mask
Pay attention to checking the airtightness of the mask. Cover the mask with both hands and breathe quickly. You should feel that the mask is slightly bulging or sagging. If you feel that there is gas leaking from the bridge of your nose, you should readjust the nose clip. If you feel that gas is leaking from the sides of the mask, further adjust the position of the headband.
V. How to Remove N95 Masks?
1. Clean your hands before removing
Before taking off the mask, be sure to clean your hands according to the seven-step handwashing method to maintain hand hygiene.
2. Take off your mask
When removing the mask, you can lean forward a little. First, take off the headband and pull it down to maintain the tension, then pull the upper band. Next, lift the mask off your face with both hands forward, hold the fixed band and throw it into the trash can. Do not touch the outside of the mask during the removal process.
3. Wash your hands again after taking them off
Be sure to wash your hands again after removing the mask.