Thread by @JenniferKShea

#BetterMasks for kids < 5 yo

☑️ Filtration
☑️ Fit
☑️ Function

A short thread 🧵

1/

Optimize filtration material:

☑️Surgical masks are good
Look for ASTM-rated

✅Respirators are best
Look for standardized filters:
Canadian - 95PFE
South Korean- KF94
Chinese - KN95

2/

You won’t find a NIOSH certified “N95” for children.

NIOSH only regulates products for adults.

3/

Beware of counterfeit masks. Buy from a reputable source.

docs.google.com/document/d/1ma…

4/

Optimize mask Fit:

✔️#KnotTuckTape surgical masks

https://twitter.com/jenniferkshea/status/1479900883777372164?s=21

5/

Optimize respirator Fit

Find the right size

@CanadamasQ @masks4allCanada and @vitacoreinc have excellent Canadian options for kids

For even smaller faces, there are many KF94 options available

6/

Optimize your respirator Fit:

✔️Knot the ear loops
✔️Add silicone cord locks to the ear loops
✔️Add an ear saver

7/

Optimize function:

Ensure your child will wear the mask

Comfort and breathability are key

Many cloth masks, in addition to being poor filters, are hard to breath through

The structured respirators also tend to keep the material away from wet mouthes/tongues

8/

Optimize Function:

Young kids often do well with ear savers - the ear loops can fall off or pull on their ears

9/

Quick ear saver hack for kids:

▪️Cut the headbands off your used adult respirators
▪️Knot the ends to create a loop
▪️Tie the mask ear loops onto either end

10/

The “high quality cloth mask” my 3.5 yo brought home from school last week, provided by @ONeducation, do NOT meet the mark.

❌ No nose piece
❌ Awful shape
❌ Way too big
❌ Poor filter material
❌ Poor breathability

@VeraEtches, were these masks @OttawaHealth approved?

11/

We’re two years in, can we please end the #HygieneTheatre?

Demand #BetterMasks with optimal #FitFiltrationFunction

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