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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

A Trusted Source for N95 Surgical Masks

by sphmedicaladmin

Looking for a Trusted Source for N95 Surgical Masks?

While the statistics related to the COVID-19 pandemic are improving worldwide, it’s clear the U.S. is not out of the woods as of yet. There are still outbreaks occurring in communities from shore to shore. Hospitals and businesses are looking for a trusted source for N95 Surgical Masks and mask purchases.

With no clear end of the pandemic in sight and a second wave looming, the demand for NIOSH Certified, Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved Surgical N95 Respirators (masks) is still high. Meanwhile, the shortage of N95 masks seems to be holding steady. With that said, there are fears that the demand could increase even further in fall and winter if a second wave of Coronavirus outbreaks comes to fruition.

About the N95 Mask

While the debate over the reliability of common surgical masks rages on, there is growing evidence that the N95 mask is leading the way in terms of reliability. For people who aren’t yet aware, the N95 designation represents that the mask filters out at least 95% of airborne particles. That percentage accounts for the popularity of N95 masks among first responders and healthcare professionals.

Current Trends

In the early days of the pandemic, there was a disturbing shortage of N95 masks due to unpreparedness issues throughout the world. While the use of these types of surgical masks had previously been limited to doctors/nurses performing surgical procedures, N95 masks now have a new purpose, compliments of the pandemic.

As urgent demands for said masks increased, the problem became serious enough that the U.S. government was forced to limit purchases of N95 masks. It was a calculated effort to make sure the people who needed a NIOSH N95 Mask could get one. BTW: NIOSH stands for National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, a CDC related agency.

It’s not surprising that the shortage eventually led to the illicit counterfeiting of masks, something that continues today. Unfortunately, there are lots of rogue merchants out there in the marketplace offering their cheap knock-off versions of the N95. More sophisticated fakes have been shipped with fake boxes that make the product look legitimate. The problem with these knockoffs is they come with no real testing or validation of performance. Counterfeits often include fake certifications from NIOSH.

How to Avoid Counterfeit Masks

The last thing a healthcare professional needs is contamination from COVID-19 when they thought they had the protection they needed. Compared to a NIOSH N95 Mask, other masks don’t measure up. That’s why it is of vital importance that people take precautions when buying an N95 mask or supply of masks.

The best way to avoid counterfeits is to make mask purchases from a trusted source for N95 Surgical Masks and a reliable medical supply dealer like SPH Medical. At SPH, we have inventory control measures in place to make sure our customers get the quality products they order.

The Makrite N95 Mask

When we market our products, we focus on selling products that are reliable and safe. In the surgical mask space, we are particularly proud of our Makrite N95 Mask line, featuring the model 9500-N95.

Surgical N95 Masks

The model 9500-N95 mask is FDA approved and NIOSH certified. The product features electrostatically charged microfibers that promote easy breathing while simultaneously offering 95% protection from microorganisms, including viruses.

The model 910-N95FMX is also a NIOSH Certified N95 and is authorized by the FDA as a Surgical Respirator. The N95 Mask model 910-N95FMX offers some key advantages over other N95 Surgical masks. It has adjustable head straps to create a comfortable and secure fit. As part of our Flat Fold Series of masks it also offers more space for breathing comfortably. Visit the product page here for more information or contact us for a quote.

Makrite was founded in 1980 and maintains its corporate headquarters in Taipei, Taiwan. We purchase our masks for resale from Makrite because we know the quality of their products is second to none.

We are happy to announce that the current supply of model 9500-N95 masks is in good standing. However, we want to emphasize that these masks will remain in high demand as long as the COVID-19 virus is wreaking havoc on people throughout the world.

If you would like more information about our Makrite surgical masks, please feel free to contact us at your earliest convenience.

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.

The UV Box rapidly kills pathogens in 55 seconds
CategoriesInfection Prevention

Disinfecting N95 Masks with the SPH Medical AUVS UV Box

by sphmedicaladmin

With the COVID-19 pandemic expanding we are all finding supplies in general are difficult to find especially hospital masks. One of the most important masks being used right now is an N95 mask which is a particulate filtering respirator mask.  We know that the experts at the CDC are telling us that Coronavirus can be spread by respiratory droplets that are produced when a person sneezes or coughs. These infected droplets can land on our nurses and healthcare providers and others that are nearby. The droplets can even be inhaled into the lungs.  For these reasons the N95 mask is in high demand yet not much is done to help with the disinfecting N95 masks.

What Does FDA Say about N95 Masks?

An N95 respirator is a respiratory protective device designed to achieve a very close facial fit and very efficient filtration of airborne particles.

The ‘N95’ designation means that when subjected to careful testing, the respirator blocks at least 95 percent of very small (0.3 micron) test particles. If properly fitted, the filtration capabilities of N95 respirators exceed those of face masks. However, even a properly fitted N95 respirator does not completely eliminate the risk of illness or death.

However if you need to reuse the N95 mask, how do you ensure that it has been properly disinfected when moving between environments or between patient contact?  One way is to use the SPH Medical UV Box for rapid and thorough disinfection.

Validation Ensures Efficacy

The UV Box has gone through thorough validation testing to confirm a 99.9995% kill rate on even the most difficult to kill pathogens, C. diff spores and has been shown to be effective against many viruses and bacteria including Coronavirus.

We are receiving more and more calls and emails about the ability of the SPH Medical UV Box to disinfect phones, tablets and yes, even N95 Masks. All of these devices and more can be easily disinfected in 55 seconds. We’re seeing hospitals disinfect lead wires, glucose monitors, stethoscopes, badges, batteries, keys, and more with the UV Box.

More than N95 Masks – Disinfect your phones!

This week alone we have had calls from Nursing Homes, Hospitals, Doctors Offices, Clinics and even homeowners requesting quotes for the UV Box. The importance of hand washing is obvious but don’t forget that the phone has been in a persons hand often several hundred times per day! And this is after touching surfaces that have likely been contaminated. The best way to be assured that your phone is completely germ free is a 55 second disinfection cycle in the SPH Medical AUVS UV Box! Read our blog post about contaminated phones spreading Coronavirus and watch the CNN video.

Need more help?

If you have any questions about the capability of the UV Box, please submit your questions to us using our email [email protected] and we’ll get back to you quickly to help.

Here is the documentation stating that UV Light can properly disinfect an N95 mask. We know that the SPH Medical AUVS UV Box offers the largest opening of any healthcare grade UV Light disinfection system allowing the N95 mask to be easily and rapidly disinfected. Effects of Ultraviolet Germicidal Irradiation (UVGI) on N95 Respirator Filtration Performance and Structural Integrity.

CDC and NIOSH Respirators: https://www.cdc.gov/niosh/npptl/topics/respirators/disp_part/n95list1.html

Think Inside The Box – SPH Medical

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