3 ms·
What people don't get is the simple math of masks. For example, a 70% filtration-rate mask (let's say, surgical one) is not just 25% worse than an N95 mask - it
by nikolay 5y ago
What people don't get is the simple math of masks. For example, a 70% filtration-rate mask (let's say, surgical one) is not just 25% worse than an N95 mask - it's actually 5 times worse. And an N95/FFP2 is not just 4% worse than an N95/FFP3 one - it's 5 times worse. Also, things are drastically changing with Omicron - an N95 may not be enough to protect you during a prolonged exposure. If you use the above math, you will see that going to work 22 days a month and spending 8 hours a day with an N95 mask is equivalent to being without a mask for more than a day during that month.
- GuB-42 5y agoN99/FFP3 masks usually have valves, making it them inappropriate for covid. And in the end, fit is more important than the filtration rate. The 95% rate of N95 is actually a minimum, it is likely much higher for actual virus-containing aerosols, but if air leaks from the sides, it becomes much lower. If you think you need better than N95, you will probably want a full face mask with HEPA filters.
- nikolay 5y ago3M offers FFP3 masks without valves [0]. I found a couple more companies with disposable FFP3 masks, but none with N99 certification. I managed to buy EGE masks (made in Turkey, but certified in EU) [1] when I was in Bulgaria and they were less than $2 a piece. The other part of the math of masks is that a $2 FFP3 mask is actually cheaper than a KN95 mask, which has a shorter lifespan. [0]: https://www.3m.com/3M/en_LB/p/d/v101158114/ https://www.3m.com/3M/en_LB/p/d/v101158114/ [1]: https://www.egemaske.com/ege-700-ffp3-nr/ege-700-ffp3-nr-d.html https://www.egemaske.com/ege-700-ffp3-nr/ege-700-ffp3-nr-d.h...