How To Tell If a N95 Mask Is Authentic and Why That’s Important
Health care workers, first responders and vulnerable members of the general public currently count on their face masks, providing them with the highest protection possible against coronavirus. There’s increasing evidence that suggests that a properly worn N95 mask is most effective at slowing the spread of Covid-19. Choosing an N95 Mask might not be as simple task as expected. Making sure you get a effective N95 mask as well as one that fits well can be a difficult experience.
Recently, the market for N95 masks has become saturated. The unfortunate aspect of all this is that many of the ones claiming to be National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) approved aren’t. The flooding of the market with non-NIOSH N95 masks is putting our first responders, medical providers and the rest of us at increased risk of contracting coronavirus.
So, what is the latest information about how to tell if an N95 mask is authentic? What is an N95 mask’s surgical rating, and what might that tell us about its effectiveness in staving off coronavirus? How easy is it to find an authentic NIOSH N95 mask right now? We’ll tackle these questions below.
Signs of an Authentic NIOSH N95 Mask
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recently updated its guide aimed at helping consumers determine if a model 9500-N95 mask is authentic. The CDC suggested that consumers pay close attention to the certification markings on these respirators and their design, including:
- A correctly-spelled NIOSH acronym
- An N95, N99, N100, R95, R99, R100, P95, P99 or P100 designation printed on it
- It has a headband instead of ear loops
When choosing an N95 Mask for your child make sure to note if it is NIOSH-approved. If you find a mask claiming to be an N95 one that says it’s NIOSH-approved for kids, then the CDC notes that it’s not authentic. None of these respirators have been approved for children’s use. Also, none of the approved masks feature any decorative embellishments or fabric.
Are N95 Masks Surgical Grade?
N95 respirators that consumers, health care workers and first responders are eager to get their hands are most efficient at filtering out airborne pathogens due to their extremely close facial fit. There is a special surgical subclass of N95 masks (N95s) certified to protect health care workers against fluid related biohazards such as blood splatter. A surgical rated N95 mask should protect against both airborne pathogens and fluids when worn correctly.
How Challenging Is it To Find N95 and N95s Masks?
If you perform an online search, you’ll likely come across countless vendors claiming to offer N95 or N95s masks. However, only a small percentage of those offerings are likely for authentic or certified masks. However, you don’t have to worry about that when purchasing an N95 mask from SPH Medical. Why? You might ask. SPH Medical is an approved distributor for Makrite Industries, the leading global producer of N95 masks.
The company has been producing masks and face protection for nearly three decades and is known worldwide for its quality. Choosing an N95 mask like the Makrite model 9500-N95 mask, make sure you know what sizes are available. The Makrite model 9500-N95 mask comes in both a small and universal size. And, if the Makrite 9500-N95 isn’t what you’re looking for, then you’ll be delighted to learn that we’re also an approved distributor for other safety products including Nitrile Exam Gloves. Currently the 3M 8210 N95 Respirators are available online at SPH Medical for immediate purchase.
Why Should You Work With an Authorized Makrite Distributor Like SPH Medical?
Prospective customers often ask us why they should buy their model 9500-N95 masks from an authorized distributor. It comes down to being able to track where your product comes from. We work directly with the manufacturer of the Makrite N95 mask instead of working with brokers or a middle man. This direct relationship ensures that you receive a genuine product that will provide you with the protection you expect.
Don’t put your health on the line by taking chances with buying an N95 respirator mask from just anyone. Buy it from an authorized distributor like us here at SPH Medical. We have inventory ready to ship to industrial and health care employees now. We often get requests for 3M 1860 and 1870+ masks from our health care clients that have run out of supply. If you’re in a similar situation please contact SPH Medical.