Posted: 8/2/2017 4:25:11 PM EDT
|
This isn't a troll post, really not sure.
Dont know anything about these masks but always hear about them. I want to get some...what kind and also they look flimsy. What are they good for? Just to fight againsted colds or like a flu? Thanks guy. |
|
A few things to consider:
95 percentile masks are the highest degree of filtration that is feasible to use with the filtration working on exhalation as well as inhalation. This is why they are used in medical settings - to keep the sick from spreading germs, as much as to protect others from those germs. With that said, they still do a reasonably effective job. You can get something rated for a higher percentage of filtration that has an exhalation valve. Those do less to protect others if you are sick, but would be a (probably very small) fraction better at protecting you from the environment. Masks with exhalation valves also do not build up moisture and heat as much, so are more comfortable to wear in hot weather. |
|
OP-
I have been using the 3M masks listed above for 20? years. I bought them for SHTF but started using them for everything. Like the guy above - I have a hobby ranch and need to mow, weed eat, etc. a lot. I used to have seasonal allergies, but ever since using the masks, the allergies are all but gone. My neighbor likes to talk over the fence when I weed eat down there. He always smirks at me when I take the mask off. He changes his tractor filter all the time. I guess his 'engine' doesn't need clean air to operate at peek efficiency. I use them anytime particulates are around, yesterday I was CNC milling fiberglass dry - crap floating in the air big time - mask on! Spray paint - mask on! They even cut down the smell from 2 stroke engines. |
|
These are the type that I get.
I like the spacing of where the two straps connect to the mask. I wear them anytime I am my riding mower.  
|
|
N95 masks are good at reducing particulates that go into your lungs. I use them at work all the time.
A couple things to remember. 1) When you buy them, they will always say N95 on them. If it doesn't have a rating, it is a comfort dust mask, which are junk. 2) They will always have 2 elastic bands. You put the first elastic band (bottom one) over your head, slide it down to your neck, position the mask in place, and then slip the second one on to your head, and then pinch the nose piece. Do not just use the top one leaving the bottom to dangle. That is useless, though I see people do it all the time because it is more comfortable. 3) Having a facial hair will reduce their effectiveness. 4) Wearing them will require you to breathe slightly harder. For the vast majority of the population, this won't be a problem. That said, if you have some underlying difficulty breathing, you may have issues. If you are unsure, I'd say try it in a resting situation and see how it goes, and then work up to more physical activities. I wouldn't start running around outside in 95 degree weather doing calisthenics. Keep in mind, I'm not a doctor. 
|
|
Quoted:
One other tidbit. Dust masks are good for yardwork, regular droplets, etc... N95 are used for protection from airborne illnesses like SARS, TB and chickenpox. Make sure they fit. They're not one size fits all for airborne viruses. jd1 Personally I think the one strap dust masks are garbage. They don't really help me at all. |
|
Quoted:
N95's are not only for medical uses. They can be used for any activity that doesn't involve seriously hazardous materials ROCK6 |
|
Quoted:
N95's are not only for medical uses. They can be used for any activity that doesn't involve seriously hazardous materials (you don't want to start ripping out a bunch of asbestos wearing just an N95). Personally I think the one strap dust masks are garbage. They don't really help me at all. jd1 |
|
Quoted:
Agreed. I need to pack a few as I'm heading back over to A'Stan (again). Air quality can go from great to toxic in a day; people burning tires, smog, air pressure that helps in linger longer and all the other lovely odors of poor sanitation, no garbage disposal services, heaps of refuse and general lack of any sanitation practices. ROCK6 |
. Local company bought them for the bird flu. Donated them to the county a couple of years ago. Have them tucked away everywhere.