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Safety and Protection | SPH Medical
CategoriesInfection Prevention

Authentic N95 Masks

by sphmedicaladmin

The Future of N95 Masks for Healthcare and the General Public

As SARS-CoV-2 variants continue to spread, first responders, healthcare workers and the general public, especially those at high risk from the virus, need to know that they’ve received the best protection possible against airborne fluid and particle transmission. The majority of medical and research experts agree that cloth masks do nothing more than create a false sense of protection. Three-ply surgical masks, although better than single- or double-layer cloth options, fail to provide a tight enough fit at the sides of the face and doubling these masks with cloth ones still doesn’t protect well enough. Authentic N95 masks are confirmed by NIOSH as a product that offers a certain level of protection from airborne liquid and solid particles.

Which Masks Work Best?

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the World Health Organization (WHO) both agree that N95 medical and non-medical respirator-style masks certified by the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) provide the most protection. An authentic NIOSH N95 mask is confirmed by NIOSH as a product that offers a certain level of protection from airborne liquid and solid particles. The “95” guarantees that the N95 mask provides at least 95 percent filtration efficiency.

Yet, alternative suppliers and speculators have been importing masks from both legitimate and illegitimate manufacturers in an attempt to capitalize today on the short-term and long-term safety of our first responders, healthcare workers and the country at large. In an attempt to quickly make money off the need for this critical tool, some sellers have flooded the market with fake N95 masks or turned to price gouging by selling their products for three or more times the industry standard amount for consumer sales.

What Does All of This Mean for the Future?

Although SARS-CoV-2 might eventually become endemic, all experts agree that we can expect new variants to appear over time. Additionally, some populations can’t receive vaccinations and recent hospital surges proved that spread and breakthrough cases in vaccinated populations do also occur with this virus. Every woman, man and child are going to need access to affordable, authentic N95 masks to protect themselves and others. The key words to remember are “affordable” and “authentic.”

Without every person wearing an N95 mask like the Makrite model 9500-N95 or Makrite Sekura-X that qualify as both, we can expect more hospital surges, worsening employment and economic outcomes and a greater loss of life in the future. New trends in the global and national markets also show that the demand for these types of masks is only going to increase as time passes and more people accept mask wearing as a normal part of their daily lives that’s no different than wearing a shirt and shoes in a store or a seatbelt in a motor vehicle. First responders and medical personnel especially will continue to seek authentic NIOSH N95 options rated specifically for medical and surgical settings. They need to know that they’re using masks that give them the most protection and comfort.

High Quality NIOSH N95 Masks

The firm, circular surgical Makrite NIOSH model 9500-N95 is one good choice because it creates a tight seal around all nasal and oral facial openings and supplies a combination of airborne contaminant and microorganism and fluid-splatter protection. Instead of looping over the ears, which can cause a mask to fall off small ears and pain, it features two headbands that securely cup the back of the head. It’s available in a universal size and a smaller 9500-N95S size for a better fit for people with small faces. The fluid-resistant Makrite 910-N95FMX is another highly recommended NIOSH N95 mask option. It also features adjustable head straps. The Makrite 910-N95FMX masks differs from the other model because it features a vertical-and-flat-folded design with a less firm shape that molds to people’s faces better. This model of mask also provides more breathing room for better in-mask airflow so that people feel less restricted when wearing masks.

Why Buy From SPH Medical?

Anything can happen when you buy a product online from an unknown retailer. Dozens of fraud cases occur every day, especially on mass marketplace websites that provide services to a lot of competing sellers.

SPH Medical is an authorized Makrite N95 mask distributor, which means that we guarantee that you always receive the actual authentic product or products you purchase from us. Makrite, a Taiwanese company, also didn’t just set up shop once the pandemic started to create a bigger market for masks. They have been in the business of creating NIOSH-approved health and safety products for nearly 40 years. They receive regular audits from NIOSH on-site at their manufacturing facility to confirm that they’re adhering to the strictest standards. Beyond our authorized Makrite N95 mask distributor status, SPH Medical helps people in a wide range of industries decrease potential infection rates and provide better patient and staff safety options. We’ve been proudly providing these types of services for more than a decade now.

The COVID-19 pandemic has proven that there are few guarantees about what the future might hold for us. That said, SPH Medical can promise that our authentic N95 masks provide you with NIOSH-certified levels of protection while on the job, running errands and visiting with loved ones.

N95 Masks for sale at SPH Medical
CategoriesInfection Prevention

The Importance of N95 Masks

by sphmedicaladmin

Importance of N95 Medical Masks for Healthcare Workers, First Responders, and General Public

The US authorities through the Center for Disease Control, CDC, have recommended using N95 medical masks to offer the highest level of protection against the quickly spreading omicron variant. Initially, the CDC had recommended that the N95 medical masks be used only by medical workers. Still, due to the surge in infections by the omicron variant, the CDC has reversed these guidelines and recommended the use of N95 masks for both fully vaccinated and not fully vaccinated, especially in public places where the rates of transmission of the omicron variant are high. N95 masks differ from surgical masks in that they fit to form a tight seal against the face, and the user is required to pull air through the mask’s filter. Surgical masks are loosely fit, and the user pulls air through both sides of the gap. In addition, N95 masks are designed to keep out respiratory droplets and smaller aerosol particles. The importance of N95 Masks being worn is immeasurable. There are many N95 masks available on the market include a number of different Makrite models that are all NIOSH certified including the model 9500-N95, the Sekura-N95, Sekura-X, and of course the 3M 8210 N95 Respirator.

Why the CDC recommends N95 medical masks for healthcare workers and first responders

The US Food and Drug Administration agency pointed out that surgical masks effectively protect against droplets with large particles but not those transmitted through a cough or sneeze. Respirators such as N95 medical masks effectively protect against the transmission of the virus through cough or sneeze. When an infected person coughs or sneezes, the virus is attached to water and mucus; hence a tight-fitting N95 medical mask covering the nose and mouth will prevent anyone nearby from contracting the virus. For healthcare workers and first responders at the forefront of battling the new omicron variant, N95 medical masks will effectively help protect them from contracting the highly infectious variant. The Makrite model 9500-N95 is NIOSH Certified N95 medical mask popular among healthcare workers that offer protection and comfort. The Makrite model 9500-N95 also has a Surgical Rating, which is an essential item for frontline healthcare workers and first responders.

Why the CDC recommends the use of N95 medical masks for the general public

The new omicron variant is highly transmissible. While most people are getting vaccinated, the process is yet to be completed, and the authorities still advise the general public to mask whether fully vaccinated or otherwise. The CDC has insisted on the general public to mask consistently with a well-fitting medical mask covering the nose and mouth in areas where the transmission rates of the virus are substantial. The CDC recommends the N95 medical masks since they are tight-fitting and prevent droplets from coughs and sneezes from being transmitted from person to person. Masking is mandatory when using public transportation and in transportation hubs such as train stations and airports. N95 medical masks available on the market for the general public include Makrite N95 Mask, NIOSH N95 Mask, and Makrite 910-N95FMX.

Conclusion

N95 medical masks adequately protect the new highly transmissible omicron variant for frontline caregivers, first responders, and the general public. N95 medical masks are comfortable and fit perfectly, covering the mouth and nose while protecting any fluid from a cough or sneeze from entering. The N95 Mask will help protect frontline caregivers from contracting the new highly transmissible omicron variant. In addition, the general public can protect themselves and others from contracting the omicron COVID-19 variant by wearing the well-fitting N95 medical masks consistently in public areas where the transmission rates are likely to be high. The war against the pandemic is a collective responsibility, and consistently wearing effective medical masks such as the N95 Mask will significantly help in reducing transmissions, especially with the discovery of the highly transmissible omicron variant.

Contact SPH Medical today to request N95 masks and other Safety and Safe Patient Handling related products.

CategoriesInfection Prevention

Finding a Trusted Supplier for N95 Facemasks

by sphmedicaladmin

CDC Recommended N95 Facemasks

The pandemic has brought a lot of changes to the healthcare industry. From increased patient loads to shortages of medical supplies, there are many uncertainties are going into the future. One very specific medical supply that has got a lot of press lately is the N95 Facemasks.

The CDC has recommended this particular facemask as the most effective protective measure against the novel coronavirus. For this reason, the demand for the N95 Mask has skyrocketed in the healthcare, industrial, manufacturing, and general business industries. As with any sort of change in the level of demand, there are always people looking to capitalize. Unfortunately, this is wreaking havoc on the healthcare industry.

Having A Trusted Supplier Is More Important Than Ever Before

As the demand for these masks increases, more companies are trying to create distribution contracts with medical, industrial, manufacturing, and other business customers. Regrettably, not all of these distributors have the best interests of the end-users in mind. Many facilities don’t check to verify the legitimacy of these masks from unreputable distributors.

SPH Medical has been working with Makrite Industries, a company producing NIOSH N95 Masks and other similar products, for over 30 years. SPH Medical is an authorized global distributor that works directly with our supplier to bring healthcare, industrial, and manufacturing companies NIOSH certified masks. Currently, the Makrite N95 Mask is our most popular selling N95 respirator.

The Makrite Model 9500-N95 Respirator

The Makrite model 9500-N95 respirator is a vital piece of safety equipment for healthcare workers and other essential workers across the world. This mask has been in shortage since the coronavirus reached our shores earlier this year. Now there are many new entrants to the industry as new start up manufacturers race to produce N95 facemasks to meet the increasing market demand. Existing manufacturers like 3M and Makrite have implemented plans to produce masks at higher volumes than ever before.

Unfortunately, this ramping up of manufacturing takes time to implement and is often hampered by COVID-19 virus outbreaks causing manufacturing to be shut down. What was once thought of as a disposable mask that was to be thrown away after each patient interaction has become an all-day form of protection. Many healthcare facilities are still facing major shortages that require their staff members to use the same disposable mask for multiple patients. Some have been even instructed to keep using the mask until it’s visibly dirty or broken. SPH Medical is here to solve this crisis and is working to get N95 Masks into the hands of all frontline caregivers.

No Defense Production Act Order

As the COVID-19 pandemic was hitting record numbers, the former President utilized the Defense Production Act to remedy the nation’s shortage of ventilators. This Defense Production Act allows the President to order companies to manufacture products that are in short supply. The pre-pandemic ventilator manufacturers shared their trade secrets with these new manufacturers in an effort to enhance the supply of ventilators.

Since the Defense Production Act worked to eliminate the shortage of ventilators, many believe it should be used to remedy the NIOSH N95 Mask shortage. However, so far, President Trump has not enacted the Act. Rather, his party has overseen the scaling up of major mask manufacturers. As of right now, it doesn’t look like President Trump will be enacting the Defense Production Act for the production of N95 masks.

The Makrite 910-N95FMX Respirator and N95 Facemasks

The Makrite 910-N95FMX respirator is the newest innovation in the Makrite N95 Mask technology. This mask provides an excellent level of both protection and comfort for its wearer. Sealed with a Surgical Rating, the 910-N95FMX is a must-have for healthcare professional and frontline workers.

NIOSH certification requires that a mask undergo specific tests to ensure it conforms to the NIOSH standards outlined. Nelson Labs performs a variety of precertification tests, including valve leak, inhalation/exhalation, Dioctyl Phthalate (DOP), and Sodium Chloride Aerosol Challenge (NaCl) testing. NIOSH reviews these test results and provides the NIOSH N95 mask certification upon the mask meeting proper testing measures.

The Food And Drug Administration (FDA) is the agency that certifies a particular mask for surgical use. Masks cleared by the FDA show that they demonstrate flame resistance and an adequate level of fluid resistance. Both of these are considered highly important in the healthcare industry and in surgical settings.

In Summary

The future of the adequate supply of quality N95 masks is still uncertain for the general public and the healthcare industry. It’s now more important than ever before to be careful when selecting your mask supplier as many new companies have jumped into this market with lower quality products or even counterfeit products and are trying to capitalize on this health crisis. SPH Medical is a proven healthcare supplier that works directly with Makrite to ensure that healthcare professionals receive validated NIOSH Certified N95 masks.

CategoriesPatient Handling

N95 Masks for Maximum Protection

by sphmedicaladmin

N95 Masks for Maximum Protection

When dealing with a respiratory virus like COVID-19, hospitals rely on PPE such as N95 masks and gowns to keep staff members safe. Early on in the coronavirus pandemic, there were critical shortages of this essential gear. In hard-hit places like New York and California, doctors and nurses were crafting PPE out of supplies they had on hand. Even after several months, there are still concerns about shortages with each new wave of the virus.

Breaks in the N95 Mask Supply Chain

A NIOSH N95 mask is an essential piece of protection for medical workers. The N95 gets its name from its ability to filter 95% of airborne particles. When properly fitted, air passes through a filtration material that protects the wearer from exposure.

In the United States, the mask shortage began for several reasons. The 2009 swine flu epidemic depleted the national PPE stockpile. To cut costs, medical centers tend to order supplies as needed rather than holding onto a surplus. These trends meant that hospitals entered the first COVID-19 surge without sufficient PPE resources.

At the same time, manufacturers were not ramping up production, and the federal government did not engage the Defense Production Act for masks. Mask production increased. However, it was not enough to create a comfortable surplus.

Surgical vs. non-Surgical Masks

At the beginning of the pandemic, there was public confusion about masks. Another factor in the NIOSH N95 mask shortage was people outside the medical field purchasing masks for personal use. While the CDC was recommending cloth face coverings, ordinary citizens were donning surgical-grade masks.

The FDA gives a surgical rating to facemasks. Manufacturers design these masks so that they resist fluid splatters during procedures. However, most surgical masks are not respirators. The disposable masks worn by most hospital staff members will allow airborne viruses to travel through gaps at the edges.

When caring for COVID-19 patients, a surgical N95 mask like the Makrite 910-N95FMX offers extra protection. It has both the NIOSH rating as a respirator and the FDA surgical rating. This type of face covering allows medical personnel to treat COVID-19 positive patients with greater confidence.

Choosing the Right N95 Mask

The type of fit is an important difference between a Makrite N95 mask and a standard surgical face covering. A standard, three-ply medical mask protects staff members from bodily fluids, and it protects patients by blocking many of the airborne droplets from the staff. N95 masks create an airtight seal that forces inhaled and exhaled air through a filter. It requires a tight fit to do its job properly.

Medical staff members may need to try several models before they find the perfect fit. The Makrite model 9500-N95 has a traditional shape in two sizes. It comfortably covers the mouth and nose of most people. However, the innovative shape of the Makrite 910-N95FMX may provide a better custom fit for some staff members.

The Future of N95 Masks

The global supply of N95 masks continues to be a concern. As the current pandemic winds down, governments would be wise to resupply their stockpiles of PPE. Hospitals may also want to consider increasing their on-hand supply of masks. When these institutions increase their demands, manufacturers will ramp up production to meet them.

The Importance of Working with an Authorized Distributor

The sudden demand for PPE has led some distributors to seek supplies from foreign manufacturers who may not participate in a rigorous approval and quality-testing process. At SPH Medical, we think that our essential workers are too important to take this chance. We work directly with Makrite, a manufacturing company with 30 years of experience in the field. When a nurse or doctor at your facility wears a model 9500-N95 or another Makrite M95 mask, you can have confidence knowing that they are working with a high-quality product.

If you have questions about your Makrite N95 mask needs, contact SPH Medical today.

CategoriesInfection Prevention

SPH Medical N95 Masks

by sphmedicaladmin

Patients Flooding Healthcare Facilities

The healthcare industry has long been using the N95 Masks as an effective measure to protect frontline workers and first responders from illness. With the onset of the coronavirus pandemic, there are more patients flooding healthcare facilities. In addition, businesses in other industries like manufacturing are ordering large quantities of masks to protect their staff members.

Overall, the demand for the NIOSH 95 mask has drastically increased. Unfortunately, mask manufacturers are unable to keep up with the instantaneous skyrocketing demand. This has resulted in an overall shortage of N95 Masks. Many professionals are finding that they have to stretch the use of their mask well beyond its point of disposal until new shipments arrive.

Are All N95 Masks The Same?

The CDC recommends the N95 to protect people in the healthcare industry from airborne particles infected with the coronavirus. This type of personal protective equipment comes in many different styles, sizes, and ratings.

Our most popular selling N95 respirator, the Makrite Model 9500-N95, is a go-to essential for all healthcare workers. This individual respirator holds a NIOSH certification, which is a must-have certification according to OSHA for healthcare workers.

What Is A NIOSH Certification?

Any Makrite N95 Mask that holds a NIOSH certification has been successfully evaluated by the National Institute For Occupational Safety And Health (NIOSH) to be effective at protecting users against harmful airborne particles. All NIOSH certified masks meet the minimum requirements set forth in Title 42, Section 84 of the Code of Federal Regulations.

The Makrite 910-N95FMX is the newest in surgical respirator technology. It’s both a NIOSH N95 respirator and hasbeen given a surgical rating by the FDA. This mask is proven effective at providing fluid resistance, airborne particle resistance, and is comfortable for the wearer.

What Is A Surgical Rating?

Apart from receiving a NIOSH rating, a mask can receive a Surgical Rating. This rating is granted by the FDA after the mask is proven to effectively protect the user in a surgical environment. The main attributes of a surgical mask is they are both fluid and fire-resistant.

The fit test is designed to ensure that workers are able to appropriately wear their mask so that it effectively filters the air they breathe. OSHA recommends a fit test for each staff member upon employment and annually. The fit test helps to identify what specific style and size mask best fits the user.

What is a Fit Test?

During a fit test, the seal between the mask and the user’s face is evaluated. Each fit test takes about 15 to 20 minutes to complete. A qualitative fit test is performed with respirators like the mask where only the nose and mouth are covered. The tester will use one of the four substances accepted by OSHA to detect any leakage in the mask’s seal. These four substances include:

  • Saccharin (results in a sweet taste)
  • Bitrex (results in a bitter taste)
  • Irritant Smoke (causes coughing)
  • Isoamyl Acetate (smells like bananas)

If the testee experiences any one of the results above caused by the testing substance, then they fail the fit test with the specific mask they’re wearing. The testee will need to undergo the fit test again with a different style or size N95 mask. Once the testee passes the fit test, they’ll be able to successfully wear that mask in the field with success.

The Future Of N95 Masks

As you know, the Makrite N95 Mask has been in high demand. Many healthcare workers are currently experiencing major shortages in their mask supplies. This shortage has forced many to reuse their disposable masks for days on end. Currently, the nation’s leading mask suppliers have been enacting plans to boost mask production.

Right now, it seems that mask manufacturers just need more time to beef up their production efforts to meet the ongoing global demand. To ensure your frontline workers’ safety, you must work with distributors like SPH Medical who are a direct link to the mask manufacturers. This relationship will help to get your healthcare facility quality masks when they become first available.

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