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CategoriesInfection Prevention

N95 Mask Demand and Fluid Protection

by sphmedicaladmin

Skyrocketing Demand for PPE

The COVID-19 pandemic has drastically changed the demand for products around the globe. With skyrocketing demand for personal protective equipment, manufacturers are working harder than ever before to produce these products in adequate supplies. The N95 mask demand has been noted as one of the biggest product shortages in the country.

A big cause of this shortage was the release of a CDC recommendation that the N95 mask can be an effective protection device against the coronavirus. The healthcare, manufacturing, and industrial business sectors have adopted this recommendation by integrating the use of the NIOSH N95 Mask into their everyday business operations.

No Government Intervention In Mask Production

As mask demand is through the roof, mask manufacturers like Makrite are scaling up their production processes. While this is a positive step in increasing the supply of masks, many believe that the Government should intervene. Under the Defense Production Act, President Trump’s Administration had previously intervened when there was a shortage of ventilators.

His Administration ordered large producers, like General Motors, to start manufacturing ventilators. Ventilator manufacturers, under this Act, released their trade production secrets so that this new manufacturing could get underway. These actions allowed the nation to meet the N95 mask demand for ventilators. Many believe that more government intervention is necessary to repeat the same outcome with the N95 mask. However, there has been no indication the Government will do so.

More Capitalization On The Mask Demand

Without government officials’ help to crush the mask shortage, many business people see the potential to capitalize on this event. This has led to a market abundance of so-called mask distributors constructing contracts to sell less than reputable masks to industries in need. Many of these masks aren’t NIOSH certified and are putting those on the frontlines in severe danger.

It’s now more important than ever before to work with a reputable global mask distributor. SPH Medical is a trustworthy distributor that directly works with Makrite, a 30-year mask industry production expert, to ensure our customers only get the best quality masks. We provide various masks depending on your industry’s need, including the surgical rated Makrite 910-N95FMX and NIOSH N95 Mask.

What Are NIOSH And Surgical Ratings?

All N95 masks are not created equal. It’s vital to pay attention to each mask’s certifications and ratings to ensure that it will do the job you need it to. The NIOSH certified Makrite N95 Mask is recommended for all front line industries.

For a NIOSH N95 Mask to be certified by NIOSH, it must pass the standards outlined in the Code of Federal Regulations 42 Part 84. Prior to submission for certification, Nelson Labs runs vigorous testing of the mask to obtain performance results. These results, alongside designs and other specifications, are submitted to NIOSH for evaluation and, if approved, become NIOSH certified.

The surgical rating for the Makrite 910-N95FMX respirator is earned from the Food and Drug Administration. This rating is only awarded to masks that pass their stringent standards for being effective in surgical settings. Some of these standards include fire-resistance and fluid protection. Those in the healthcare industry commonly use these masks.

The Makrite Model 9500-N95 Surgical Respirator

One of the most demanded surgical respirators for those in the healthcare industry is the Makrite model 9500-N95. These masks are both NIOSH certified and have an FDA surgical rating. This model is specifically designed to filter out at least 95 percent of particulate matter. This Makrite N95 Mask is known to be extremely durable and comfortable to wear. Each comes with an adjustable nose piece and head straps that easily provide a proper and secure fit for users.

It’s Time To Talk With SPH Medical

As a global mask distributor, SPH Medical can work with you to determine what masks fit your employees’ needs. As a direct distributor of Makrite masks, SPH Medical can ensure that you’re getting quality products that will protect your frontline workers. Now more than ever before, working with a quality distributor instead of any average joe middle man company offering cheap prices is essential. You must ensure that you’re getting quality tested and certified masks that protect your most valuable assets, your employees. For more information on the N95 mask demand, contact SPH Medical at (844) 377-4633.

CategoriesInfection Prevention

N95 Mask Fit for Protection

by sphmedicaladmin

Practicing Social Distancing and Wearing Face Masks

Dr. Anthony S. Fauci acknowledges that without practicing social distancing and wearing face masks, the coronavirus’s spread would be worse than it is. Dr. Fauci is the Director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID). For healthcare workers, the face mask that provides them with the best protection is the Makrite model 9500-N95. SPH Medical is your authorized supplier of the N95 mask.

As of October 12, 2020, the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported 7,740,934 Coronavirus cases in the United States and 214,108 confirmed deaths due to the virus. These numbers echo what Dr. Anthony Fauci and other medical experts are telling us, and that is, “we are not out of the woods yet.” Dr. Fauci spoke those words during a virtual event at the American Urological Association on June 27, 2020.

When people take safety precautions, it helps them and the people around them. Although the number of infections is high, wearing face masks may have helped prevent 60 million infections. A face mask alone is said to be able to reduce the transmission of the virus by 85 percent.

NIOSH N95 Mask

Makrite, a global supplier of NIOSH certified N95 masks, has a portfolio of over 40 mask options and 30 years of experience in the industry. Single-layer dust masks offer little protection against microscopic particles traveling through the air, like the germs spread by people coughing or sneezing. The N95 mask is the respirator that has proven to be effective and meets the approval of the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH). The NIOSH N95 mask can filter particles of 0.3 microns and have a 95 percent efficiency rating.

Because of their relatively low price, effectiveness, and comfort, the Makrite N95 Masks are standard in many industries. They have even become a popular and effective way to prevent the spread of germs among the public. If you are a first responder, medical professional, or work in construction, you may be required to wear a mask. The most effective type of mask is one that is fit-tested and and is a single-use N95 NIOSH certified respirator.

The model 9500-N95 has also become popular with healthcare workers. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommended wearing masks to protect medical workers who work in close contact with patients diagnosed with the flu and other airborne viruses. The continuous spread of the coronavirus and the upcoming flu season make having a supply of the Makrite N95 Mask even more critical.

Characteristics of the Mask

The filters on the N95 masks are at least 95 percent effective. Whatever type of face mask you choose, it must be one with low breathing resistance, offer a secure fit, and be comfortable for the wearer.

A one-way exhalation valve is not required for the mask to be effective, but many people who wear the mask prefer to have it. In humid and hot working conditions, the valve provides lower exhalation resistance. Although exhalation valves are not ideal to prevent viral spread for obvious reasons there are many masks with valves that are available.

The nosepiece and head straps to the mask play an essential role in the mask’s comfort and effectiveness. An N95 mask must fit snug on the wearer’s face to be fully effective. Wearers must be careful that facial hair such as beards does not interfere with the mask’s fit. The Makrite model 910-N95FMX is a duckbill style mask that offers adjustable head straps and a surgical rating that make it ideal for healthcare workers.

N95 masks are available in several shapes and styles. Cone-shaped masks flanged at the edge seal differently on the wearer’s face. As long as you can properly seal the mask, that mask’s shape is the user’s preference.

Various manufacturers are providing different types of masks. To ensure you are getting an authentic Makrite N95 mask, you should order them from an authorized distributor like SPH Medical. We have one of the largest supplies of available Certified NIOSH N95 Masks.

SPH Medical is an authorized distributor of the Makrite N95 Mask and the complete catalog of Makrite products. In this time of counterfeit masks, expired products, and overpriced lots of PPE its good to work with a company you can trust.

Contact SPH Medical today to discuss your specific needs and establish an ongoing supply of N95 Masks.

CategoriesInfection Prevention

N95 Masks Protecting Healthcare Workers

by sphmedicaladmin

The Complicated Reality of N95 Mask Shortages

While mask mandates are hotly debated for the general population, medical facilities have relied on effective personal protective equipment since before this pandemic. Clearly, masks are effective at protecting people from spreading and contracting COVID-19. However, ongoing reports suggest that N95 masks are still in short supply. SPH Medical has a full stock of N95 masks ready for protecting healthcare workers during the Covid-19 pandemic.

Doctors talk about wearing the same protective gear for multiple days. Some workers have attempted to clean their N95 masks in a futile attempt to prolong their lifespan. Workers in other essential settings sometimes have to settle for less effective protective equipment since it is impossible to secure a N95 mask for daily use.

This is deeply problematic for the safety of America’s frontline workers. A NIOSH N95 mask is designed to filter out nearly all airborne particles. Model 9500-N95 masks from Makrtie and other N95 masks are tested to prevent the transmission of fluids, other respiratory droplets and aerosols. There is simply no product out there that can offer protection like the N95 mask.

Unfortunately, even with six months to build up the national supply, reports suggest that shortages exist and may continue to persist into 2021.

The problem is multifaceted. Despite the fact that six months have elapsed, there has been limited coordinated effort from the government to shore up the production process. Manufacturing output is not a short-term operation. It must be planned and financed accordingly. Without proper preparations or investments, manufacturers have been hindered on a number of fronts in their production of the coveted NIOSH N95 mask that are used for protecting healthcare workers and the general pubic.

N95 Mask Shortage

In particular, current shortages can be linked to a lack of raw materials. In order to make an effective N95 mask, manufacturers need access to meltblown textile. Meltblown textile is a key component in mask manufacturing. Without sufficient supply of this textile, there is simply no way to increase the output of masks.

Meltblown Fabric at 100x magnification

The largest supplier of meltblown fabric in the United States is Berry Global. This company is located in Evansville, Illinois, and it has an annual revenue of $2.7 billion. The top competition comes from Kimberly-Clark in Georgia and Dupont in Delaware, but both of these companies produce significantly less. Despite high production yields from these companies, much of their product is shipped overseas. In particular, reports suggest that 40 percent of the American production load of meltblown fabric went to Pakistan this fall.

Without meltblown textile staying in the American market, mask manufacturers have a limited ability to increase their production as needed. Moreover, some manufacturers are skittish to make the necessary investment for the national supply. In order to increase production, these manufacturers have to make a significant investment. It requires diverting funds and facilities from other manufacturing projects. In other words, manufacturers have to give up on other profitable sectors without any promise of long-term growth.

After all, many manufacturers have learned the hard way that short-term needs do not always yield long-term changes. During the Swine Flu pandemic in 2009, the demand for masks also skyrocketed. However, once the disease was under control, the demand plummeted quickly. This left manufacturers in a lurch, and it left their profit margins very vulnerable.

Exporting Significant Amounts of the American Supply

There are reasons for manufacturers to face similar hesitations today. Although the government has made dramatic orders for masks, there are no long-term purchase guarantees included. For example, companies like Honeywell and 3M received $134.5 million for increased production. However, meltblown textile was unrestricted. This meant that manufacturers still exported significant amounts of the American supply, and without a coordinated approach, there has been no way to track exactly how much is available at any given time.

Fortunately, some companies are tackling the challenge. The Makrite N95 mask is an excellent source of protection. With 30 years of experience, Makrite knows what it takes to provide protection. As the company moves to counteract the growing demand and stymied national stockpiles, it is more important than ever to work with authorized distributors like SPH Medical. When you choose SPH Medical, you can be confident that the model 9500-N95 masks you receive are viable and of the highest quality for protecting healthcare workers and the public. Moreover, the supply chain can be expedited to save you time and money. This ensures that every healthcare worker can be protected with a Makrite N95 mask.

Contact SPH Medical to discuss your specific needs and establish a continuous supply of NIOSH Certified N95 masks and other essential supplies.

CategoriesInfection Prevention

SPH Medical and Makrite Impacting the N95 Mask Shortage

by sphmedicaladmin

Makrite Impacting the N95 Mask Shortage

At the beginning of 2020 there was a N95 mask shortage, the N95 mask cost about $1 each, and medical professionals disposed of them after each patient visit. With just over three months remaining in 2020, masks have quintupled in price, and top government agencies have recommendations for “extended” or “optimized” use.

Nearly three-quarters of more than 20,000 nurses surveyed reuse respirators, according to the Washington Post. Some nurses claim to use a NIOSH N95 mask for months. Hospitals attempt to disinfect reused masks when necessary with UV light or hydrogen peroxide. Companies like Technology Solutions Group (TSG) provide N95 mask disinfection and tracking solutions to prolong the masks’ effectiveness.

The FDA reported that many hospitals made PPE orders based on previous usage and not future need. In part, hospitals used this practice based on the assumption that the U.S. stockpile could help during emergencies. In 2009, however, the H1N1 flu epidemic severely depleted the NIOSH N95 mask stockpile. The government failed to replenish the stockpile, according to the Washington Post.

CDC and FDA Recommendations

The CDC and FDA made “extended” and “optimized” recommendations instead of the White House creating a coherent national plan. According to NPR, the White House contends that manufacturing 160 million masks per month will quench the need. Public health officials claim the U.S. will be hundreds of millions of masks short of the 3.5 billion masks needed this year.
N95 Demand

With the COVID-19 vaccine, a distant hope, and more than 200,000 deaths in the United States, the global shortage of N95s forced NIOSH, the CDC, and the FDA to push the limits on N95s and other PPE.

Historic wildfires on the West Coast amplified the need for N95s, according to a recent Forbes column. Cloth masks, while effective against COVID-19, are of little use filtering wildfire smoke. N95s effectively filter the microscopic particles of wildfire smoke, but the supply doesn’t match the demand.

The White House opted for a big-firm focus with masks, leaving out small- and mid-sized manufacturers. Despite their expertise and size, 3M and Honeywell can’t meet the current need for N95s by themselves.
FDA-Approved Options

To meet the need, the CDC and FDA approved Chinese-made KN95s along with other measures. U.S. hospitals that tried the KN95s found the fit insufficient and discontinued use.

NIOSH Certified Respirators and the N95 Mask Shortage

Makrite has an entire catalog of NIOSH certified respirators that includes the model 9500-N95, which is FDA approved as a surgical respirator. This Makrite N95 mask presents a high-quality replacement for 3M and Honeywell masks and many hospitals have been using this N95 Mask prior to COOVID. As the most extensive, private-brand manufacturer of face masks and disposable respirators, Makrite boasts more than 40 NIOSH approved safety products.
Meltblown Shortage

Meltblown Fabric at 100x magnification

Engineers designed the N95 mask as single-use. N95s filter at least 95% of airborne particles while forming a seal around the nose and mouth. Polypropylene fibers, roughly 1/50th the size of a human hair, make up the meltblown textile that creates an electrostatic web to attract particles.

The Associated Press reported that a lack of meltblown textile is holding up the N95 production process. Some U.S. manufacturers continue to export meltblown textile despite the shortage.

Manufacturers refuse to ramp production of meltblown textile because the White House refuses to guarantee purchase once the need subsides. After the H1N1 virus outbreak, some companies experienced bankruptcy and laid off employees because of a glut of supply without demand.
Defense Production Act

According to the Washington Post, the AMA, AHA, American Nurses Association, AFL-CIO requested the Defense Production Act’s broader use. The DPA uses presidential power over funding for the production and distribution of critical supplies in a crisis.

While the U.S. did force the ramp-up of ventilator production early in the pandemic, it never involved itself with PPE production. As a result, companies must balance current needs with future needs and their organization’s financial health.

U.S. Manufactures Face Shields

Some U.S. manufacturers took the initiative early in the pandemic by making face shields, which require much less production than N95 masks. NPR reported companies left with a glut of face shields amidst an N95 shortage.
SPH Medical and Makrite Filling the Gaps

The quality and prolific Makrite N95 mask manufacturing coupled with SPH Medical’s reliable supply chain expertise means N95 relief is on the way. The combination of Makrite and SPH Medical equals more model 9500-N95 delivery to hospitals, frontline caregivers, and others in need. SPH Medical is also working with TSG to explore validated mask disinfection for its customers.

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.

CategoriesInfection Prevention,  Patient Handling

Makrite N95 Surgical Mask protects Nurses and Doctors

by sphmedicaladmin

The Vital Importance of Using N95 Masks in the Battle Against Covid-19 and Where to Get Them

For people on the front line in the healthcare battle against Covid-19 and this global pandemic, personal safety is a big concern. While most medical professionals love their job, the virus has brought a different level of fear into the field of medicine.  The Makrite N95 Mask is making a difference.

The Difficulty of Being a Medical Professional During the Coronavirus Pandemic

COVID 19 VirusWhether you are a doctor, nurse, physician assistant, or nurses-aid, being in the medical field during a deadly pandemic is highly stressful. In addition to having concerns over providing the best in medical diagnostics and care, the pandemic puts healthcare workers at high risk for catching the virus. This is one of the most challenging concerns for healthcare workers who are often stressed with excessive work hours, exhaustion, and emotional stressors from caring for the very ill.

In hotspots, the risk of catching the Coronavirus is much higher than in areas where the cases have stabilized. That is why it is essential for people in the healthcare industry to be continuously alert to changes in the virus case levels in their area.

The Best Frontline Protection Against Covid-19

There are several important things that front line healthcare workers can do to significantly reduce their risk of catching the virus. The use of personal protective equipment, also known as PPE and the use of disinfectants and continuous hand washing or sanitizing them, is vital to helping frontline healthcare workers remain safe while at work.

The Surprising Challenges of the Pandemic

Since approximately 40 percent of people who have the virus are asymptomatic, healthcare workers have to be very diligent, not to assume that because someone is not displaying symptoms means they are virus-free. Healthcare workers need to be careful to protect themselves on and off the job and follow all recommended guidelines when they are off work in their personal lives. This should include wearing a face mask and following all social distancing guidelines.

The Importance of Using N95 Masks at Work

makrite n95 surgical maskBecause this Coronavirus is spread through droplets and is now known to be aerosolized, the use of face shields and N95 face masks and coverings while at work are essential tools in frontline defense against the virus.

Unlike cloth face masks, an N95 respirator mask is specially designed to block up to 95% of all, dust, bacteria, and virus air particles. This bacterial filtration makes the Makrite N95 Mask mask a vital tool in the battle of the Coronavirus for frontline healthcare workers because they are exposed to infected and potentially-infected people for many hours a day.

N95 Mask Pandemic Supplies

Before the current Coronavirus pandemic, availability for N95 type respirator face masks was sufficient for the need. These masks are traditionally used in the medical, construction, and industrial industries. However, because the global demand for these masks has skyrocketed since February, the supply has been insufficient to meet the rising demand. Since so many of these masks have been made outside of America, the country has found itself competing for global supplies.

One of the premier N95 respirator mask designs is the 3M 1860 surgical mask. This is the most common N95 respirator used in the medical industry. However, with dwindling supplies available, many medical health facilities have been caught off guard trying to find a comparable replacement.

The good news is the Makrite 9500-N95 is a top of the line NIOSH Certified N95 Respirator that is FDA Cleared for use as a Surgical Mask. The Makrite N95 Mask is is a high-quality replacement for the 3M 1860 (that no one can seem to find anywhere). That means that the Makrite 9500-N95 NIOSH Certified N95 surgical mask is specially designed for use in the medical field to prevent the spread of aerosolized particles that may cause disease and infection, such as the new strain of coronavirus known as SARS-CoV-2. Receiving the approval from the FDA for use as a surgical mask means that it is tested for fluid resistance which is important in this era of aerosolized SARS-CoV-2 particles.

N95 Respirator Mask Medical Facility Distribution

SPH Medical B1 In Action - Schools 3In the ongoing battle against the Coronavirus, many hospitals and medical facilities have significant concerns about locating a reliable supplier for medical-grade N95 respirators. Facilities who choose Makrite for their respirators want to ensure they can have continuous access to Makrite 9500-N95 top of the line NIOSH Certified N95 surgical mask supplies directly from a factory distributor.

If you are looking for an authorized distributor for the Makrite N95 Mask NIOSH Certified and FDA cleared as a surgical mask, SPH Medical is a trusted supplier that can ensure a continuous supply for your medical facility. SPH Medical sources its’ supplies directly from the manufacturer. For medical facilities, dental providers, fire, police, and other healthcare providers in need of a smaller medical-grade respirator, SPH is also a supplier for the smaller N95 respirator, the Makrite 9500-N95S that is an excellent replacement for the 3M 1860S which 3M manufactures.

Fit Testing

Which mask is right for your employees?  Not everyone has the same facial morphology so naturally one mask doesn’t really fit all. This is one of the reasons that the small size 9500-N95S was developed. Learn more about Fit Testing from OSHA here.

SPH Medical also is an excellent source for other essential PPE such as Isolation Gowns, 3-ply masks, Nitrile Gloves, hand sanitizer, and single patient use Air Powered lateral transfer pads, slings, and repositioning sheets. For nearly a decade, SPH has been a widely recognized supplier of infection prevention, safety solutions, and PPE to America’s medical facilities.   Please contact SPH Medical to learn more about the Makrite N95 Mask.

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