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Top-Recommended NIOSH-Certified N95 Masks, Suggested by Medical Professionals

Protective N95 respirators, approved by NIOSH, offer the highest level of facial mask protection, as stated by the CDC. Medical professionals offer guidance on buying these masks.

Approved N95 masks recommended by medical professionals, as certified by NIOSH
Approved N95 masks recommended by medical professionals, as certified by NIOSH

In the ongoing battle against airborne illnesses, N95 respirators stand out as a powerful ally. These masks offer superior protection compared to other disposable face coverings, thanks to their filtration efficiency, fit, and certification standards.

The Filtration Efficiency Advantage

N95 respirators filter at least 95% of airborne particles down to 0.3 microns in size. This is a significant leap in protection compared to surgical masks or cloth face coverings, which filter much less effectively. For instance, N95 respirators filter about 98.6% of particulate matter from combustion sources, while surgical masks filter around 81.3%, and cloth masks manage only about 8.9%[1].

A Tight Seal for Enhanced Protection

N95 respirators are designed to form a tight seal around the nose and mouth, minimising leakage of unfiltered air. Other disposable masks, such as surgical masks or cloth masks, do not typically seal as tightly, allowing more bypass of unfiltered air around the mask edges[1][3].

Certification Matters

N95 respirators are certified by the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), confirming their tested performance standards. Other disposable masks lack this certification and associated performance guarantees[2].

Identifying NIOSH-Approved N95 Respirators

To accurately identify NIOSH-approved N95 respirators, look for the NIOSH approval label on the respirator or its packaging. This label includes the NIOSH name or logo, the filter class (N95), and a NIOSH approval number. The respirator should also have the manufacturer’s name, model number, and lot number printed on it[4].

Who Should Wear N95 Masks?

N95 masks are recommended for use when there's high levels of illness in your community, as indicated by the CDC's Covid-19, flu, and RSV trackers[5]. They are particularly beneficial for those at a higher risk for infection, such as people 65 and older, those who have medical conditions or take medications that weaken their immune system.

In crowded indoor spaces, it's recommended to wear a face mask for more than 15 to 20 minutes, such as concerts, grocery stores, classrooms, offices, transportation hubs, and while traveling on a crowded plane, train, or bus[6].

Proper Fit for Maximum Protection

To ensure proper protection, N95 masks must fit tightly against the face. Mask fitters or braces can help improve the fit of N95 masks, especially for people with facial hair[7].

Reusability and Leak Testing

N95 masks are technically disposable, single-use face coverings, but if removed and stored properly, they can be reused multiple times. An at-home leak test can be performed with an N95 mask by breathing out and checking for air under the chin or around the eyes[8].

Safety First, Always

Remember, N95 masks are not intended for use by children and have not been broadly tested on them[9]. Always prioritise safety and follow expert guidance when selecting and using personal protective equipment.

This article was researched using resources from the CDC and NIOSH, and it recommends NIOSH-approved N95 masks to buy that meet expert guidance. The expert advice and recommendations were made independently by NBC Select's panel of specialists, including Dr. David Rempel, Dr. Stella Hines, Dr. Carl Fichtenbaum, and Dr. Sharon Nachman, who have relevant training and experience, ensuring no undisclosed financial conflicts of interest[4].

[1] Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2020). Cloth face coverings. https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/prevent-getting-sick/about-face-coverings.html

[2] National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health. (n.d.). NIOSH-approved respirators. https://www.cdc.gov/niosh/npptl/topics/respirators/disapproved.html

[3] Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2020). How to wear, remove, and wash cloth face coverings. https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/prevent-getting-sick/how-to-wear-cloth-face-covering.html

[4] National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health. (n.d.). How to find your respirator. https://www.cdc.gov/niosh/npptl/topics/respirators/find-your-respirator.html

[5] Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2020). Covid-19 data tracker. https://covid.cdc.gov/

[6] Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2020). How to protect yourself and others when you are around other people. https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/prevent-getting-sick/prevention.html

[7] Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2020). How to use masks. https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/prevent-getting-sick/how-to-wear-cloth-face-covering.html

[8] Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2020). How to test your mask for a good fit. https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/prevent-getting-sick/how-to-wear-cloth-face-covering.html

[9] Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2020). Children, masks, and face coverings. https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/childrens-parents-caregivers/masks-face-coverings.html

  1. For optimal health-and-wellness and protection against airborne illnesses, consider investing in savings for the purchase of N95 respirators as recommended by expert panels, like the one assembled by NBC Select.
  2. To further investment in one's career-development and personal-growth, take advantage of educational resources on self-development, such as courses and articles, to gain a better understanding of the science behind respirator filtration for a more informed healthcare and fitness-and-exercise decision-making process.
  3. Regularly participating in fitness-and-exercise and maintaining proper nutrition are essential components of overall health-and-wellness, but don't forget to prioritize safety when exercising in crowded indoor spaces by wearing an N95 respirator.
  4. In addition to the focus on health-and-wellness and career-development, invest time in cultivating a deeper understanding of science and self-development, as knowledge can be a powerful tool during unexpected crises like the ongoing airborne illness pandemic.

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