Protex N95 Respirator Mask (protection from swine flu)

http://www.samsclub.com/shopping/navigate.do?dest=5&item=367258&pid=_Froogle&ci_src=14110944&ci_sku=685965 ^ | 4-26-09 | sams club

[doug from upland]

Protex N95 Respirator Mask - 20 pk.

Protex N95 Respirator Mask - 20 pk. Select Quantity, then click "Add to Cart" The item is available ONLINE only Home or Business delivery: Delivery: $10.77

#685965

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Overview Protex respirator masks are latex free, adjustable for different head sizes and adjust at the nose as well. NIOSH approved as a Particulate Filter (95% efficiency level), these masks provide effective viral protection. They are individually, hygienically packed for safe use and are ideal for business, medical or personal use.

Specifications

# NIOSH approved N95 respirator masks

# Meets CDC guidelines for TB exposure control

# 42CFR84 approved product

# Latex free and individually, hygienically packed for safe use

# Adjusts for different head sizes as well as a snug fit around the nasal and mouth areas

# Provides effective viral infection barrier

# Ideal for use outdoors for allergy protection during yard work

# Works effectively in a variety of industrial and medical uses

# Good for single use

# Discard after use or follow instructions regarding time limitations

[Vendome]

very fine dust may be able to get through but the one I bought today say they are N95 and offer a barrier for sanding, drywall and fiberglass. Don’t know what else there is out there but those granules are about as small as they get.

[politicket]

Someone in the medical field may want to correct my post, but I believe the N-95 filters will be worthless.

They only protect down to 300 microns and are only 95% effective even at that level.

I believe most virus molecules are in the 2 to 300 micron range - thereby being able to pass through the pores of the mask.

This is why you only see the N-95 masks in the painting section of stores. They are not effective against smaller things.

A poster further up the thread showed where the masks are not effective against Influenza A. The Swine (Mexican) flu is a subtype of Influenza A.

Any thoughts?

[Alex Kida]

I've got mine left over from the SARS epidemic. Hundreds of them. The only problem I'm worried about is when the Homeland Squad comes and tries to give me a dangerous and ineffective flu shot.

This is when the Gubermint and I come to a parting of the ways. They have declared a National Health Emergency which is also known as martial law. This gives them the ability to force you to take their vaccination. We can't be sure what is in it and I wouldn't be surprised if it was quite a bit worse than just getting the flu.

The flu shot just introduces additional virus particles into your body which can then recombine to make the virus even more lethal than it was. I'm sure glad that they rediscovered the Spanish Flu (H1N1) and did some work on it and then let it go into the wild. Well you know what they say - If you love something you have to let it go free.

They're such romantics at heart. Not the cold-hearted eugenticists that they are made out to be.

[Glenn]

You expect me to wear that?!

Aren’t there any designer models?

[Leisler]

I make my wife go out in public. I built a nice shed for her at the end of the driveway. She comes halfway down with shopping bags. After she goes back to the shade, I come out and transfer goods into trash bags. I put a rock over the empty shopping bags and she gets them later.

I feel pretty safe.

[NonLinear]

FDA > CDRH > Personal Protective Equipment > Masks and N95 Respirators

Masks and N95 Respirators

On this page:

• About surgical masks and surgical N95 respirators
• When to use surgical masks and surgical N95 respirators
• Types of masks and respirators used in patient care
• Choosing between surgical masks and surgical N95 respirators
• Non-medical respirators
• What you should know before using surgical masks and surgical N95 respirators
• Find all FDA-cleared surgical masks and surgical N95 respirators

About surgical masks and surgical N95 respirators

Surgical masks and surgical N95 respirators are disposable devices that cover the mouth and nose during medical procedures. They help protect the caregiver and patient against microorganisms, body fluids, and small particles in the air.

Surgical masks and surgical N95 respirators are regulated by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). FDA evaluates the performance of these devices in areas including fluid resistance and filtration efficiency to ensure that they are at least as safe and effective as similar devices already on the market. FDA encourages manufacturers to follow specific performance standards for their masks, and FDA also requires that these products be produced using good manufacturing practices.

Respirators may also be certified by NIOSH (the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health) in accordance with regulations in 42 CFR part 84. When a mask is both cleared by FDA as a surgical mask and certified by NIOSH as an N95 respirator mask, FDA calls it a "surgical N95 respirator."

For more information, see FDA’s Role in Regulating PPE.

When to use surgical masks and surgical N95 respirators

Use surgical masks and surgical N95 respirators to cover your mouth and nose when you may be splattered by or exposed to someone else’s body fluids (such as blood, respiratory secretions, vomit, urine or feces).

Types of masks and respirators used in patient care

Surgical masks

• include masks labeled as surgical, laser, isolation, dental, or medical procedure masks
• help protect against microorganisms, body fluids, and large particles in the air
• are designed to cover the mouth and nose loosely; not sized for individual fit
• help prevent exposure to the wearer’s saliva and respiratory secretions
• are made of soft materials and are comfortable to wear
• are usually packaged in boxes of single-use masks

Surgical N95 respirators

• are surgical masks that are designed to protect against small droplets of respiratory fluids and other airborne particles in addition to all the protection of surgical masks
• fit closely to form a tight seal over the mouth and nose
• require fit-testing and must be adjusted to your face to provide intended effectiveness
• may be uncomfortable due to tight fit
• are usually packaged as single devices or in boxes of single-use devices

Choosing between surgical masks and surgical N95 respirators

CDC recommends the use of surgical masks or surgical N95 respirators based on the ways that specific diseases are transmitted. For more information about CDC recommendations, see Infection Control in Healthcare Settings.

Choose a surgical mask to

• help protect yourself if you may be splattered by someone else's body fluids (such as blood, respiratory secretions, vomit, urine or feces).
• help protect others if you are performing surgery, are caring for an open wound, or if you are sick.

Choose a surgical N95 respirator to provide the same protections as a surgical mask AND

• help protect yourself if you will be exposed to very small particles (e.g., fine aerosolized droplets) such as those produced by coughing.
• care for persons with known or suspected pulmonary and laryngeal tuberculosis per Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) regulations.

Non-medical respirators

FDA regulates as devices those respirators and other articles that are intended for use in preventing or treating infectious disease. There are a variety of respirators available for various occupational exposures that do not make medical claims and are not regulated by FDA. Many of these respirators are intended to filter out particles of dust and mist from wood, metal, and masonry work. Non-medical respirators are available from many sources including hardware stores and online. Non-medical respirators may look very similar to one another and to respirators that are regulated by FDA. However, there are differences among these respirators and between these non-medical respirators and respirators that have been cleared by FDA as surgical N95 respirators.

Only respirators that have passed specific testing by NIOSH may be labeled as NIOSH-certified. Each NIOSH-certified respirator contains a rating, such as N95, which refers to its certified level of filtration efficiency. If a non-medical respirator is not labeled as NIOSH-certified, it has not been evaluated by the government to determine whether or not it works.

Although NIOSH-certified nonmedical respirators have met filtration efficiency requirements, they are not subject to the additional requirements of FDA-cleared surgical N95 respirators (i.e. fluid and flammability resistance).

• Additional Information About Respirators for Public Health Emergencies

What you should know before using surgical masks and surgical N95 respirators

• The use of surgical masks and surgical N95 respirators alone will not fully protect you from acquiring an infection. Other infection control practices such as hand-washing, isolating infected patients, and practicing appropriate coughing etiquette, are also important to minimize your risk of infection.
• Surgical N95 respirators must be fit properly. A surgical N95 respirator that has not been fitted properly may leave unprotected gaps between the respirator and your face. These gaps will impair the respirator’s effectiveness. Facial hair or unusual facial features make it difficult to fit surgical N95 respirators properly.
• Be aware that surgical masks are not fit-tested to your face and may leave unprotected gaps between the mask and your face.
• Be aware that masks lose their protective properties and must be changed when they become wet from saliva or respiratory secretions.
• Know that surgical masks and surgical N95 respirators are not tested against specific microorganisms and should not claim to prevent specific diseases.
• See CDC recommendations for using surgical masks and surgical N95 respirators in the care of patients needing isolation precautions (Guidelines for Isolation Precautions in Hospitals).
• Never reuse surgical masks or surgical N95 respirators.
• Never wash or disinfect surgical masks or surgical N95 respirators.
• Never share surgical masks or surgical N95 respirators with others.
• See About PPE for information on disposing of surgical masks and surgical N95 respirators.

Find all FDA-cleared surgical masks and surgical N95 respirators

FDA’s website lets you search for medical devices that FDA has cleared or approved, including personal protective equipment.

Search for all FDA-cleared surgical masks

Search for all FDA-cleared surgical N95 respirators

[Eagle Eye]

Viruses don’t free float on the air all alone, they have to be carried on something, minute particles of saliva or mucous which will definitely be filtered out of a properly worn N95 mask.

[mad_as_he$$]

Any hardware, paint store or even big Dept stores. Sears has them. DO NOT buy the cheap low end ones. Buy the one with the exhale device like pictured.

[GOPsterinMA]

I think you can buy items at Sam’s without being a member, but you pay an ‘X’% additional fee.

[COBOL2Java]

Wear that mask with your Snuggie, and you're healthful AND stylish!

[OB1kNOb]

How come no one is calling this the “Mexican flu”?

I am. In fact, I'm thinking of calling it "Illegal alien" flu, to try and get some people to think.

[Aliska]

No, but dry wall dust can get through the N95, still a lot, lot less. My concern is wearing the cheaper mask I did which I tried to fit as well as possible, I could still smell what I was spraying. That told me miniscule droplets could get through but could have been edges where it didn't seal tightly enough to my skin, I knew I should have bought the one with the respirator but it looked so bulky and unwieldy/uncomfortable. That's why my attention was drawn to the one I found that filters out odors but I won't bother with it for spraying and will not do any more of that than necessary. That grass b gone stuff really works well, have been afraid to mix up a batch of roundup.

I'm sure the N95 should be adequate if it comes down to that.

[Eagle Eye]

Are you going someplace where you expect atomized vapor laden with pathogens exist?

If not, don’t worry about it.

[Scythian]

Yes, such masks don’t work, they don’t seal to the face tight, most of air you breath doesn’t even pass through the mask.

[Travis T. OJustice]

Yep, these are basically worthless. They do not seal tight to the face, and they do not filter particles small enough to stop an influenza virus.

Waste of money, even at a buck a pop.

[steve86]

I could still smell what I was spraying. That told me miniscule droplets could get through but could have been edges where it didn't seal tightly enough to my skin

For painting, odors, or chem hazards you use an organic cartridge in a respirator, or organic combined with N95 physical filtration.

[Aliska]

Are you going someplace where you expect atomized vapor laden with pathogens exist?

Probably :-). They're everywhere, you know, and being slightly exposed helps to keep your immune system working. But not this particular one is likely right now. If not, don’t worry about it.

I'm not for myself, maybe just a little because of my age, more for my family if it gets worse is all. I refused a flu vaccination in Nov, as always. I cut my finger a few weeks ago on a very rusty edge cleaning by the floor, thought should I get a tetanus shot? Decided no, I'll risk it.

Then I cracked or broke a rib. Should I go and probably have to get an x-ray? No, won't bother unless it gets worse. It was getting better until I listed 25# bag cat litter, so I'll not do that again for awhile.

[Aliska]

For painting, odors, or chem hazards you use an organic cartridge in a respirator, or organic combined with N95 physical filtration.

Thanks for the advice. I never bother about paint and certain solvents. My house is pretty open and well-ventilated because it's not insulated real well. Yes, I AM careful about fires though! Dust I never bothered but might use the cheapie now depending. But I am a little schizzy about pesticides, maybe more than the average person. So if I do any more, I'll try to get one of those.

[steve86]

Some day the nano masks may take over, but in the interim the N95 is considered to do an adequate job. Although some bare virus particles stripped of their mucous-y coatings may get through, probably not many do and you need a critical mass to get an infection. Also, the limited 48 hour life of the nano medium outside the sealed packaging is a consideration you need not factor in with the N95s.

[Gordon Greene]

You kiddin’?

http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2239276/posts

If not... that was certainly an ironic statement!