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Makrite NIOSH certified N95 respirators by SPH Medical Inc
CategoriesInfection Prevention

Makrite N95 Masks for Healthcare Worker Safety

by sphmedicaladmin

Fortifying the Frontline: Why Makrite N95 Masks Are Essential

As flu season approaches and new respiratory virus strains emerge, the risk to frontline healthcare workers intensifies. For nurses and other clinical staff, the daily environment is one of constant exposure, making personal protective equipment (PPE) the most fundamental line of defense. In this high-stakes setting, not all protection is created equal. Proven, high-quality respiratory protection is paramount.

This article will reinforce the critical importance of NIOSH-approved N95 respirators in protecting hospital staff from airborne threats. We will detail why Makrite N95 masks are a trusted and superior choice for infection control, highlighting their specific features, reliable performance, and indispensable role in a comprehensive facility safety program. In an environment of evolving respiratory threats, providing consistent access to reliable PPE like Makrite N95 masks is a non-negotiable component of ensuring healthcare worker safety and maintaining hospital operational readiness.

The Escalating Threat: Respiratory Viruses in Healthcare

The fall and winter months present a perfect storm of respiratory illnesses. The convergence of seasonal influenza, new COVID-19 variants, and other pathogens creates a complex and dangerous landscape, particularly within the walls of a hospital.

A Perfect Storm of Pathogens

Healthcare facilities are epicenters for airborne transmission. The close proximity to infected patients, combined with frequent aerosol-generating procedures, creates a high-risk environment for the spread of respiratory viruses. For nurses, physical therapists, and other direct care providers, every patient interaction carries a potential risk of exposure. As new virus strains emerge, often with unknown transmissibility or severity, the need for uncompromising protection becomes even more urgent. Protecting staff is not just about individual well-being; it is essential for preventing facility-wide outbreaks and ensuring the continuity of patient care.

The Unwavering Importance of NIOSH-Approved N95s

In this context, it is crucial to understand the difference between standard surgical masks and N95 respirators. While surgical masks can prevent the spread of larger droplets from the wearer, they do not provide a secure seal or filter out the smaller airborne particles that transmit diseases like influenza and COVID-19.

NIOSH-approved N95 respirators are the gold standard for respiratory protection. The “N95” designation signifies that the respirator filters at least 95% of airborne particles. More importantly, they are designed to form a tight seal against the face.  A proper fit ensures that inhaled air is drawn through the filter material rather than leaking in around the edges. Guidelines from both the CDC and OSHA mandate the use of N95 respirators for healthcare workers exposed to airborne infectious agents, confirming their status as essential safety equipment.

Why Makrite N95 Masks Are the Gold Standard

Among NIOSH-approved options, Makrite N95 masks stand out as a superior choice for protection, reliability, and user compliance. Their design and construction reflect a deep understanding of the needs of frontline healthcare professionals.

Uncompromising Filtration and a Secure SealMakrite N95 masks are NIOSH certified for safety

The core function of an N95 respirator is protection, and Makrite delivers with uncompromising quality. The masks are constructed with high-quality, electrostatically charged filter material that meets and often exceeds NIOSH standards for particulate filtration.

However, filtration is only effective if the mask fits properly. Makrite has engineered its masks to provide a secure and reliable seal across a wide range of face shapes and sizes. Features like a durable, adjustable nosepiece and strong, comfortable head straps allow for a customized fit that minimizes leakage. For any hospital, ensuring a proper fit through qualitative or quantitative fit testing is a critical step in a respiratory protection program. And Makrite’s design facilitates this process, increasing the likelihood of a successful seal for more of your staff.

Designed for All-Day Comfort and Wearability

For an N95 mask to be effective, it must be worn consistently and correctly. A common barrier to compliance is discomfort, especially during long 12-hour shifts. Makrite addresses this head-on with features designed to enhance comfort and wearability.Makrite N95 masks offer comfort and safety

The masks are remarkably lightweight, reducing facial fatigue over extended periods. A soft inner lining prevents skin irritation, while the overall construction is designed to be breathable. This design reduces the buildup of heat and moisture inside the mask. These thoughtful design elements make a significant difference for the end-user. A comfortable mask is a mask that will be worn properly, ensuring that the protection it offers is never compromised. This focus on user experience is key to driving compliance throughout your facility.

Integrating Makrite N95 Masks into Your Safety Protocol

Having the right equipment is only part of the solution. A successful safety strategy involves a reliable supply chain and integrating the use of N95s into a broader infection control program.

Ensuring a Reliable Supply Chain

The early days of the COVID-19 pandemic highlighted the critical vulnerability of PPE supply chains. Hospitals cannot afford to face shortages of essential equipment. Partnering with a dependable supplier is crucial for preparedness. Makrite has a proven track record of supply chain stability, providing facilities with the confidence that they can secure the inventory needed to protect their staff throughout the entire flu and winter season.

The Role of N95s in a Multi-Faceted Strategy

Makrite N95 masks are a cornerstone of a comprehensive infection control strategy, but they work best in conjunction with other measures. These include rigorous hand hygiene protocols, consistent environmental cleaning and disinfection, and proper ventilation.

Furthermore, ongoing staff education and training are essential. This includes initial and annual fit testing to ensure every employee has a respirator with a proper seal.  And also training on the correct procedures for donning and doffing PPE to prevent self-contamination. By embedding the use of Makrite N95s within this multi-faceted approach, as recommended by organizations like the CDC and WHO, hospitals can create a robust defense against respiratory threats.

As we face another challenging respiratory virus season, protecting our frontline healthcare workers is paramount. They are the most valuable asset in our healthcare system. Makrite N95 masks provide the proven, reliable, and comfortable protection necessary to keep staff safe. Makrite N95’s also reduce viral transmission within facilities, and ensure the unwavering continuity of patient care. Providing this level of protection is a direct investment in the safety and well-being of your team and the patients they serve.

Don’t wait for the winter surge. Fortify your infection control strategy and protect your staff by securing your supply of trusted Makrite N95 masks.

SPH Medical Makrite N95 Mask
CategoriesInfection Prevention

More Help for the Frontlines as Makrite Partners with SPH Medical

by sphmedicaladmin

More Help for the Frontlines as Makrite Partners with SPH Medical

The news is rarely good when it comes to the novel coronavirus. Case rates surge, and deaths continue to mount. As the world struggles to cope, there is some good news. Now, the world’s health care workers have more access to the safety equipment they need. This is because Makrite is working in tandem with SPH Medical to improve the distribution of the Makrite N95 mask to frontline workers.

Before the novel coronavirus, the idea of wearing a mask was reserved for suspenseful movies and operating rooms. However, when the virus finally landed on American shores, the upheaval was immediate. Initially, experts advised against mask-wearing, but that advice was aimed at preserving supplies for medical professionals. As time went on, those recommendations changed, but everyday users were encouraged to wear disposable or handmade masks. The coveted N95 mask was ultimately deemed off-limits for general usage.

The reason for this was simple. A NIOSH N95 mask is more effective at protecting people from the spread of the virus. When worn properly, a model 9500-N95 can block out 95 percent of virus particles. With this level of protection, it is no wonder that they are prioritized for the medical community.

Even with restrictions, the need quickly outpaced the country’s supply. America had 17 million masks in a national stockpile, but many of those masks were too old to use. Moreover, American hospitals were slow to realize the threat in earnest. This lack of preparation cost them and their patients.

Production of the N95 Masks

Production of the N95 masks including the Makrite model 9500-N95 mask was not sufficient at this time. Prior to the pandemic, 3M shipped 30 million masks each month. This was nowhere near enough to meet the sudden spike of demand. Shortages and rationing followed, and such masks have been nearly inaccessible outside of hospitals. Masks were out of stock at major retailers, and many products were cost-prohibitive. In short, there were few ways to successfully procure a N95 mask.

This all unfolded at the start of the pandemic. Six months later, the country is still in the grip of the novel coronavirus. As debates rage about the best way to approach the pandemic, the supply options for a NIOSH N95 mask have also come to a head.

Manufacturing has increased consistently over the course of the pandemic. Revenue is expected to skyrocket by 23 percent over the next five years. 3M, after its rocky start, will likely put out 2 billion masks in 2020 alone. Honeywell is poised to make 250 million masks per year.

Best of all, Makrite’s partnership with SPH Medical ensures there are better supply options for a Makrite N95 mask. This increased production and distribution can satiate ongoing demand while reducing pressure on the supply chain. Makrite is one of the largest global N95 Mask manufacturers, and SPH Medical is a trusted and reliable supplier.

Masks are Becoming more Available

This is just one sign of growing stability within the market. After months of uncertainty, masks are becoming more available. Moreover, the prices have started to stabilize. While consumers can still expect to pay a premium for quality medical-grade N95 masks, they are finally more affordable. The most telling sign that things are changing in the supply chain is that these masks are no longer restricted. Now, businesses and people outside of hospitals are able to purchase these masks for their personal safety.

While this is good news for the general public, it is especially positive for workers in health care. With Makrite’s distribution capacity via SPH Medical, these critical frontline workers can be confident that they will have the supplies they need to stay safe and keep working.

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