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Are n95 masks considered basic? I would think a basic face mask refers to something like a surgical mask, which doesn't protect the wearer but protects others f
by ejolto 7y ago
Are n95 masks considered basic? I would think a basic face mask refers to something like a surgical mask, which doesn't protect the wearer but protects others from getting infected by droplets from the wearer.
- Symmetry 7y agoSurgical masks are pretty good at protecting the wearer from droplets too. It's the fine aerosols where they're much worse than a surgical mask stopping maybe 80% of virus-sized particles where N95 masks tend to stop 99%+. EDIT: Remember, though, that you can still be infected through exposed eyes, having virus on your hands and touching your face when taking off the mask, etc. Also, there was some evidence for rare cases of what looked like aerosol spread with the original SARS. In his recent interview on This Week in Virology Ian Lipkin mentioned a study in Beijing in the SARS outbreak where people with consistent mask use saw infections Ian Lipkin by 70% compared to no mask use. That's good but it isn't immunity.
- supermatt 7y ago>95%, which is why they are called N95.
- Symmetry 7y agoThey're guaranteed to stop 95% of the hardest to stop particulates which actually tend to be somewhat larger than viruses.
- supermatt 7y agoYes, i was correcting you on your statement of 99%+. Its >95% of 0.3 micron particles, but as coronavirus is smaller it would be LESS than that - not more).
- ejolto 7y agoLooks like you're right surgical masks does give the wearer some protection.
- michaelt 7y agoPrior to this crisis, N95 masks were the cheapest, most basic respiratory protection you'd find in a DIY store. Pack of ten for $20, between the sandpaper and disposable earplugs. Perhaps due to poor fitting, they were also seen as questionably effective and prone to making your safety googles fog up.