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More infectious variants of the coronavirus and new federal requirements are causing people to rethink the quality of their face masks to prevent the spread of Covid-19 until more people can be vaccinated.
As of February 2, 2021, masks are mandatory on planes, buses, trains, and all transit hubs in the United States.
For all of Oregon, face covers are required for all persons 5 years of age and older in indoor and outdoor public spaces wherever physical distancing is not possible.
Not everyone needs medical grade N95 filters, but Dr.Anthony S. Fauci and officials at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) are encouraging anyone who is not at risk to wear a face mask with them. at least two layers of protection when around non-people. in their home.
Other health experts recommend that most people wear a tightly woven face mask over a disposable surgical mask.
See The Oregonian / OregonLive’s coronavirus coverage
Face coverings should fit snugly over your nose and mouth (review the CDC’s ‘leak check’) and you should disinfect or wash your hands when handling masks. Do not touch the mask when wearing it.
People who have been exposed to the coronavirus, have health issues, or live in areas with high transmission rates can better protect themselves and others by wearing an N95 certified mask that filters 95% of the aerosols people emit when they cough, sneeze, breathe and speak.
But where can you find N95s that meet the highest standards? And how can you cut costs? N95 masks used to cost around 50 cents an apiece before the coronavirus pandemic, but now prices are around $ 2 each for KN95 masks imported from China and around $ 5 for a US-made N95 mask (a 3M branded N95 valveless respirator costs $ 1.41 an eight-pack at Home Depot.)
Ashland’s David Sugar was in a group of friends email asking if anyone would like to buy bulk N95 masks through Costco (100 masks at $ 3.20 each). But Sugar and his wife, Skye, already had a supply of 3M brand filters, which they bought when smoke blanketed Ashland two years ago.
They wear fabric masks overlaid with a pocket that they insert the N95 filter into when they need to go to a public place.
A recent study of 10 types of face coverings found that cloth and blue surgical masks partially filter out the small particles that scatter COVID-19, called aerosols, that people emit, according to health experts at Harvard Medical School.
As the number in the name suggests, N95 masks made to US standards and KN95 imported from China, are intended to filter out at least 95% of airborne particles.
“In fact, one type of respirator, an N95 mask offers more protection than a surgical mask because it can filter out large and small particles when the user inhales,” according to the Mayo Clinic.
While the N95 and KN95 masks were hard to come by and were mostly restricted to frontline medical workers at the start of the pandemic last year, supplies of these items have increased recently and more people have ordered them in line for their personal use.
Before purchasing, review the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) approved products listed by brand and make sure the manufacturer has a NIOSH certificate.
See other federal guidelines for mask standards.
The FDA has a list of models of KN95 respirators not approved by NIOSH and approved for emergency use during the COVID-19 public health emergency.
N95 respirators are intended for one-time use, then properly disposed of and replaced with a new N95 respirator.
Here are the N95 or KN95 respirators available for purchase online now:
AOK N95 Mask: This $ 2.99 mask at Well Before is sold out, but you can be notified when it’s back in stock.
BLSCode KN95 Protective Mask ($ 1.33 each if purchased in a pack of 60, individually wrapped for $ 79.74 via Amazon): The mask is made of two layers of non-woven fabric, two layers of fusion-blown fabric, and one layer of hot air cotton with an adjustable metallic thread. Learn more about the KN95
Home Depot has N95 and KN95 as well as reusable sheet masks. Avoid N95 masks with a valve or vent. A pack of six 3M disposable N95 respirators without a valve costs $ 8.46, or $ 1.41 per mask.
Kimtech (Kimberly Clark) N95 Pocket Respirator ($ 3.99 each from Well Before): The NIOSH certified mask has a large duckbill style breathing chamber and foam headband to maximize comfort. There is also a collapsible nose for an even seal.
N95 Medical Supplies has three-layer surgical masks as well as N95 and KN95 masks. The NIOSH approved ALG hard shell N95 mask is sold in a pack of 25 for $ 99.99.
Portland-based Protectly offers Surgical, N95 and KN95 masks made in the USA by 3M, Fangtian, Moldex, 3PE and Medline with a 100% Guarantee. Get 23% off Respokare’s NIOSH Approved N95 Mask for $ 5 each in a five or 30 pack.
Powecom KN95 Face Mask: The mask approved for emergency use by the FDA has multi-layered protection. Available in a 10-pack for $ 12.94 on Amazon.
Respokare Niosh N95 Respirator (10-pack for $ 89.99 from N95MaskCo.com): This mask designed by personal protective equipment company Innonix has patented multi-layered antiviral technology that blocks 95% of small particles (0.3 microns) and is said to inactivate up to 99.9% in minutes. Also available as a 5-pack for $ 49.99 or a 20-pack for $ 179.99.
Long before the KN95 mask from the company formerly known as Honest PPE Supply: Individually wrapped, the disposable mask has a five-layer design and an adjustable nose. Available for $ 1.99 each, but must be purchased in 10 packs. Children’s masks are also available.
Xiantao Zhongyi N95 Respirator Mask (Pack of 20 for $ 179.99 at n95maskco.com): The NIOSH Certified Cup Style Mask can be purchased in a box of 1,000 for $ 6,999.
There are more N95 and KN95 masks available on Amazon and Sears.
Now that we’ve been wearing face masks for almost a year, it might be time to replace masks that have been washed frequently (check the manufacturer’s advice) or are not doing as well as they should. .
Before you mask yourself in a bandana or neck warmer, read this: An evaluation is underway on the effectiveness of these types of face coverings in preventing droplets and particles from spreading the coronavirus. At the very least, double the fabric when you are in poorly ventilated areas or if you cannot keep your distance from others safely.
Face shields, folded tissues, and masks with exhalation valves or vents are also not recommended because they may not be sufficiently effective barriers.
Washable face coverings also should not be transparent.
What to use if you are not at risk? Two or more tightly woven layers of washable, breathable fabric. The mask should completely cover your nose and mouth, and it should fit snug against the side of your face and have no gaps, the CDC explains.
Here are some offerings for reusable masks from retailers:
Amazon has an ever-changing offering of washable, US-made, disposable protective masks. The online retailer also offers antimicrobial masks and sells PM 2.5 activated carbon filter inserts (pack of 100 for $ 21.99).
American Eagle offers reusable masks that consist of two layers and an antimicrobial finish. Youth masks are on sale and come in a variety of prints and designs. Twenty percent of mask sales went to Crisis Text Line.
Backcountry has its own line of face masks to have handy when you pass someone on the trail. Plus, men’s, women’s, and children’s clothing, as well as hiking, camping, biking, climbing, fly-racing and paddling gear are up to 50% off during sales. winter.
Dick’s Sporting Goods offers “sportmasks” from Under Armor and other fitness brands. Also found at underarmour.com
Fanatics have adult and youth face covers to cheer on all sports teams, especially Oregon teams.
Disney offers character-themed masks from Disney, Pixar, Marvel, and Star Wars in small, medium, and large (see measurement chart) and the company is donating one million fabric masks for kids and families underserved and vulnerable communities across the United States through MedShare.
Spacemask offers three layers of antibacterial nanotechnology fabric yarn intended to protect against harmful particles, droplets, dust, smog, pollen and mold. The washable and contoured Advanced Nanotech Premium face mask costs $ 19. The company is committed to donating 5,000 masks.
School MaskPack offers color-coded Crayola-brand reusable masks ($ 29.99 for a five-pack for kids, $ 39.99 for teens and adults) that come with their own mesh laundry bag for kids. keep together in the washing machine. The masks have adjustable ear straps to securely fit a wide variety of face shapes and sizes. The company donates 1% of its net sales to No Kid Hungry, DonorsChoose and Heart of America.
MasQd offers adult covers and a kids collection with themes of green camouflage, rainbow hearts, space, unicorns, cars, puppies and solid colors ($ 17 each) plus filters mask (pack of 20 for $ 27).
The Gap offers adult-sized and kid-friendly masks with filter pockets with themes like Hello Kitty, Jurassic Park, Ninja Turtles, Justice League, and Minions (3-pack starts at $ 5). The company is committed to donating 50,000 masks to Boys and Girls Clubs in America and Canada.
The Odells offers hand-made washable masks in adult and child size made from cotton blend with adjustable straps behind the ear with an interior pocket sized to fit a PM2.5 filter ($ 10). Each mask sold supports 10 meals for hungry children and adults.
Walmart offers cotton coverings for adults and children. A pack of five reusable masks in a washable polyester blend for ages 3-10 costs $ 10.99 (regular price is $ 21).
– Janet Eastman | 503-294-4072
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