A : 1. Cloth Mask 2. Surgical Mask
Q : What are the respirators?
A : N95
N99
N100
Q : What is the difference between mask and respirator?
A : Mask has loose fit , it does not seal nose and mouth snugly . During respiration air moves along the edges of the mask , while respirator has tight seal & most of the times air passes only through its material after filtration .
Q : Are all respirator masks same?
A : No. Respirators are graded according to their filtration efficiency , use of filter type , materials used and other additional features .They are of different types.
Q : What is the efficiency grading?
A : According to efficiency of filtration , these are usually graded as N95 , N99 and N100 . This implies that respirators are capable to trap 95 %, 99% and 99.9 % of particles which are smaller up to 0.3 micron .
Grading can also be done as :
FFP1 : 80 % filtration efficiency
FFP2 : 95 % filtration efficiency
FFP3 : 99.9 % filtration efficiency
Q : What is the NR or P meaning?
A : N - not oil proof
R - oil resistant
P - oil proof
Q : Few respirator masks have valve . What is that?
A : That valve is nothing but a simple exhalation port with one way valve mechanism . It reduces efforts of expiration , reduce heat inside the mask, dissipate humidity & reduce CO2 from the dead space of mask .
Q : When to use surgical mask?
A : Surgical mask or procedure mask is the most common mask used . It is not designed to protect wearer from inhaling the air borne bacteria and virus.It is used to block only large particle droplets,splashes,sprays or splatter.
It also reduces the exposure of wearer`s saliva and respiratory secretions to others .Surgical mask also remind wearer not to touch their mouth/nose which could otherwise transfer virus/bacteria after having touched a contaminated surface .
Q : What is the filtration efficiency of surgical mask?
A : It can vary between 10 – 90 % according to manufacturer .
Q : How can one assure about the quality of respirator mask?
A : Mask should be certified by authorized agencies .
NIOSH
EN 149 FFP 1/FFP2/FFP3
Bureau of Indian Standard BIS
Others
Q : Does cloth mask effective?
A : Cloth is woven material . Thus cloth masks pore sizes are much bigger than surgical masks / respirators which are made up of non woven material . Hence cloth masks are very less effective .
Q : Does extra layer of fabric improve efficiency of cloth masks?
A : No. It is not advisable . Each extra layer will add to 2 % of extra protection and that too at the cost wearer`s comfort .
Q : Can mask/ respirators be re-used?
A : Cloth masks can be washed and can be re-used .
Surgical masks should be discarded after single use .
Respirator masks should be discarded when resistance of breathing get increased .
Q : What all inputs determine quality of masks/ respirators?
A : Input layers of nonwoven fabrics need to be tested for defined specifications . It plays an important role and determines quality of mask and its effectiveness.
Q : Does mask need testing for its authenticity?
A : Yes. There is extensive testing procedures which need to be followed to make authentic masks/respirators . It all is done on several hi-tech testing equipments . These masks /respirators need to be checked for Particulate /Bacterial efficiency , air leakage test , breathing resistance test , blood penetration test and so on and so forth .
