Let's talk about elastomeric respirators and high filtration masks as we head into Delta without a plan outside of personal responsibility and (essential but individual) vaccination.
Here's some information: cdc.gov/coronavirus/20… and this is where the graphic is from.
Here's some information: cdc.gov/coronavirus/20… and this is where the graphic is from.
Elastomerics look like the old fashioned gas masks you'd see in movies. They can cover your whole face or half.
You do not throw them away - so they're good for you and the environment.
The filters you will attach to them can be 95 or 100, which is extremely high filtration!
You do not throw them away - so they're good for you and the environment.
The filters you will attach to them can be 95 or 100, which is extremely high filtration!
Wikipedia is helpful, as usual, in summarizing #elastomeric
I wear one and after a little bit don't realize it's on. Others say the same.
There are other pros/cons, but ROI is your life! Worth it!
en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Elastomer…
I wear one and after a little bit don't realize it's on. Others say the same.
There are other pros/cons, but ROI is your life! Worth it!
en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Elastomer…
What is NIOSH and why is that important as you look for an elastomeric respirator? They're the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health and they test these products to make sure they do what they say.
Here is a listing:
www2a.cdc.gov/drds/cel/cel_r…
Here is a listing:
www2a.cdc.gov/drds/cel/cel_r…
Also important in buying elastomeric+ filter canisters & high filtration mask looking respirators is finding them from a reputable source.
Hardware/multi-purpose stores often have them online.
Buying them online from individual sellers on a large platform may not be advisable.
Hardware/multi-purpose stores often have them online.
Buying them online from individual sellers on a large platform may not be advisable.
You can also find information on manufacturer websites - they may offer a listing of reputable places to buy their products.
Example: moldex.com/where-to-buy/
Example: moldex.com/where-to-buy/
Before we move on to mask type respirators there are other elastomeric respirators that are newer and more compact.
But not all are NIOSH so do your research.
Your exhausting research! Go from finding what you want, checking NIOSH, checking seller!
But not all are NIOSH so do your research.
Your exhausting research! Go from finding what you want, checking NIOSH, checking seller!
There is some help!
H/t @Amal4Solutions
patientknowhow.com is the website. @sri_srikrishna indicates if they are NIOSH as well.
H/t @Amal4Solutions
patientknowhow.com is the website. @sri_srikrishna indicates if they are NIOSH as well.
Now into the respirators that look more like masks. There are a number of great choices, however the cost, because they are disposable, is greater than an elastomeric you can wear for years, and cartridges that need to be replaced much less often than a mask will.
Shown a P100!
Shown a P100!
Again, fit for your face is so important. Because what fits my face, may not fit yours so well. It's difficult to know, and we don't have public fit test sites, so it's trial and error.
Within a family, where you're always share air, you can try a few out.
From Home Depot:
Within a family, where you're always share air, you can try a few out.
From Home Depot:
Want to find the NIOSH approved disposable respirators?
cdc.gov/niosh/npptl/to…
Scroll down, click the type of mask you want, then find reputable sellers. Starting at the manufacturer site can help. But same rules apply as to the reusable - unscrupulous people are selling fakes.
cdc.gov/niosh/npptl/to…
Scroll down, click the type of mask you want, then find reputable sellers. Starting at the manufacturer site can help. But same rules apply as to the reusable - unscrupulous people are selling fakes.
Essentially you've got the reusable respirators and disposable respirators to choose from.
Your regular masks still help, but if you have health needs, these will provide greater protection.
And if you have the resources to donate, nationally or internationally, please do so.
Your regular masks still help, but if you have health needs, these will provide greater protection.
And if you have the resources to donate, nationally or internationally, please do so.
H/t @PPEtoheros also - follow for a lot of elastomeric information!
Finally - NIOSH on counterfeits.
cdc.gov/niosh/npptl/us…
Unfortunately they do not approve children's respirators. So if you see a child's respirator listed as NIOSH that's a red flag.
cdc.gov/niosh/npptl/us…
Unfortunately they do not approve children's respirators. So if you see a child's respirator listed as NIOSH that's a red flag.
Cover your valve where masks are required!
https://twitter.com/Thatquaratined1/status/1406581024549605387?s=19
I am not sure how this chart works @ACGIH with the Delta variant and Delta +. However, you can see the different levels of protection offered by the high filtration (well fitted) respirators, over time.
You can check out the recs in this thread with @kprather88 and then jump back u thread to how to source and check your masks to make sure they're the real deal.
https://twitter.com/kprather88/status/1408192135761854465?s=19
*The WHO* is recommending masks. Check out the respirator info above.
https://twitter.com/yaneerbaryam/status/1408554374163542021?s=19
Remember masks? Ah, good times.
Note that your mask has to be really good if the infected is unmasked and you are masked. As in respirator good. Not 100% I would guess, but better. So much easier when everyone was masked!
Please get a respirator.
Note that your mask has to be really good if the infected is unmasked and you are masked. As in respirator good. Not 100% I would guess, but better. So much easier when everyone was masked!
Please get a respirator.
https://twitter.com/linseymarr/status/1409529370574835722?s=19
Study on FFP3 respirators - look what they can do (similar to N99):
"An FFP3 Respirator Mask is a European standard (EN 149) for respirators which is equivalent to the US standard N99/R99/P99 respirators"
"An FFP3 Respirator Mask is a European standard (EN 149) for respirators which is equivalent to the US standard N99/R99/P99 respirators"
https://twitter.com/LawtonTri/status/1409631110691053576?s=19
You can skip over the first types, really, at this point because we have Delta, and because we aren't testing enough, and because others aren't wearing masks. When everyone was, it was a lot easier @CDCDirector
https://twitter.com/CPita3/status/1359556028778614795?s=19
One thing I forgot is that N95 respirators need to be worn against your face, and if you cover with another mask, that mask is on the outside.
The seal is the important thing and even if not fit tested that respirator will work better against your face
So N95 first, other over.
The seal is the important thing and even if not fit tested that respirator will work better against your face
So N95 first, other over.
Read this tweet and go allllll the way up to the start of this thread. Get the best respirator you can get - either disposable or reusable, or make your cloth mask as many layers, and as tight fitting as possible. Avoid indoors.
https://twitter.com/BNODesk/status/1413650580891910144?s=19
CDC Back to masks sort of! For kids - adding to this thread with @CambridgeMaskCo
Read the info in the FAQs for these.
They're having a sale with a BOGO. If you end up at an odd number, please consider buying one to donate to your local school district.
us.cambridgemask.com
Read the info in the FAQs for these.
They're having a sale with a BOGO. If you end up at an odd number, please consider buying one to donate to your local school district.
us.cambridgemask.com
CDC and NIOSH masks that work for kids - find a reputable dealer by contacting the company.
@Respokare
@Respokare
https://twitter.com/samipetersen8/status/1408203167385411586?s=19
More helping kids with masks, and please do the same checklist you do in buying your own masks - reputable seller, confirmed items. Checking the company website or customer service will help.
https://twitter.com/ResearcherGrace/status/1408451918054100993?s=19
If a child absolutely can't have their ears involved - and can't deal with behind the neck ear savers either, another option are mask hat buttons. Be as careful as you can not to break the seal on the high filtration mask! But safer than no mask? Probably!
etsy.com/listing/823058…
etsy.com/listing/823058…
#ElastomericRespirators - if they work this well in hospitals, imagine how they could protect you?
From @Amal4Solutions
From @Amal4Solutions
https://twitter.com/Amal4Solutions/status/1420754555252314116?s=19
Some ways to purchase the respirators - single use, and reusable - elastomeric.
🔨 Hardware stores, large/small
🗂️ Office supply stores
Honeywell search:
sps.honeywell.com/partners/safet…
Moldex is great/straightforward, helps you find reputable for all brands:
moldex.com/where-to-buy/
🔨 Hardware stores, large/small
🗂️ Office supply stores
Honeywell search:
sps.honeywell.com/partners/safet…
Moldex is great/straightforward, helps you find reputable for all brands:
moldex.com/where-to-buy/
Don't forget your cartridges when buying your #ElastomericRespirators
So much to remember and know! And again, this page on Home Depot really goes through it all. You can do this!
homedepot.com/c/ab/types-of-…
For that link.
So much to remember and know! And again, this page on Home Depot really goes through it all. You can do this!
homedepot.com/c/ab/types-of-…
For that link.
Mask nerd @masknerd reviewed kid masks! He was also on @COA_SHOW
with @mrfarden
His tweet here has a link to the review on YouTube - must see TV!
with @mrfarden
His tweet here has a link to the review on YouTube - must see TV!
https://twitter.com/masknerd/status/1399542595030851587?s=19
He is also kind enough to share his Google doc on kids masks.
Thank you @masknerd!
Thank you @masknerd!
https://twitter.com/masknerd/status/1414650655264944129?s=19
Kids masks more:
Remember the general guidelines of high filtration, good fit, and reputable dealer.
https://twitter.com/linseymarr/status/1425162175568650248?s=19
Remember the general guidelines of high filtration, good fit, and reputable dealer.
Fitting your N95 to your face from
@claire_horwell
I always want to pinch! So hard to remember to use two hands for that.
If I knew exactly why maybe it'd be easier to stop the pinch!
@claire_horwell
I always want to pinch! So hard to remember to use two hands for that.
If I knew exactly why maybe it'd be easier to stop the pinch!
https://twitter.com/claire_horwell/status/1414497927251255296?s=19
Thank you so much @claire_horwell for sharing this tweet from @linseymarr on why you don't pinch your nose, you press it with both hands when adjusting your respirator. 🐦
https://twitter.com/linseymarr/status/1433125710856605701?s=19
Sunday - tomorrow - be sure to check in for information on #ElastomericRespirators
https://twitter.com/LazarusLong13/status/1448577389781340163?s=20
From @PPEtoheros - hopefully the latest version - this is pretty amazing!
#BetterMasksForAll
#RespiratorWeek
#BetterMasksForAll
#RespiratorWeek
Webinar demonstrating various Elastomerics
Watch respirator experts and enthusiasts share their favorite elastomeric options, tips for different face shapes, sizes, and use. for the YouTube link.
Check @CleanAirCrewOrg cleanaircrew.org/elastomeric-re… for more!
Watch respirator experts and enthusiasts share their favorite elastomeric options, tips for different face shapes, sizes, and use. for the YouTube link.
Check @CleanAirCrewOrg cleanaircrew.org/elastomeric-re… for more!
Again, the @masknerd "box set" to help people find #BetterMasks today!
https://twitter.com/masknerd/status/1476668499649044484?t=dKUoYVVKeiF2hOWeHoXoJw&s=19
And where *not* to get your respirator masks unless absolutely necessary (like GVS or financial reasons). But before you do, be super cautious and make sure you're getting them from the right seller. (And don't if you can)
No paywall:
nytimes.com/2021/11/30/hea…
No paywall:
nytimes.com/2021/11/30/hea…
Perform a user seal check before you wear your mask/respirator.
Opens to a PDF: google.com/url?q=https://…
Opens to a PDF: google.com/url?q=https://…
Oh no you need an MRI stat and all your good masks have metal! Do you want to hang out in a tube with the air of others? Probably not.
@readimask to the rescue!
readimask.com
@readimask to the rescue!
readimask.com
Don't toss that N95 after one use! Check this info from the guy who developed them. Also good info in the comments that are helpful.
https://twitter.com/AbraarKaran/status/1476806887878258690?t=EEQjBVsP2sCb9aLWL8zMcw&s=19
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