N95 Mask — What, Why, and Original vs. Fake
By: Al Akram Chowdhury
Tags: N95, USA, China, Masks

NIOSH is rated for use by the National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) in the United States. They have three types of ratings

1) N series: N represents “Not resistant to oil.” Used to filter non-oily particles.

2) R series: R represents “Resistant to oil.” It can be used to filter non-oily and oily particles.

3) P series: P represents “oil Proof.” It can be used to filter non-oily and oily particles. The N series (as most biological particles belong to non-oily particles) is needed to prevent coronavirus. The N series is further divided into three parts by their efficiency: N95 — Filters at least 95% of airborne particles. N99 — Filters at least 99% of airborne particles. N100 — Filters at least 99.97% of airborne particles. ## Of course, the N99 and N100 respirators offer more protection than the N95, but they are extremely expensive and not comfortable to use for long periods due to low airflow. So the N95 is ideal considering all aspects. N95 with Exhalation Valve An N95 mask can be seen on some models. Many people think of it as a filter. Its name is Exhalation valve. It is not a filter but a oneway valve- it does not allow outside air to enter, but air can come out easily with this device while exhaling. Advantages: — It is easier to exhale (less feeling of suffocation) — Does not accumulate moisture inside the mask Difficulty: Exhaled air comes out of the Enfield unfiltered so — If the user is sick, germs can come out of the mask — If used in a sterile environment (e.g., Surgery / Procedure) Sterility may be lost — Repeated use may reduce/lose valve capacity (speculated, not proven) ‘Standard N95 respirator’ vs. ‘Surgical N95 respirator’ All original N95 respirators are NIOSH certified. Some of these models (3M 1860/1870 + etc.) have also been approved by the FDA as surgical masks due to their superior fluid resistance (high-velocity splashes, sprays, or splatters blood or body fluids).

‘They are meant to be used during surgery and other tasks during which both of these are true:

Wearer requires respiratory protection Plus 2) Expelled particulates must be contained or fluid resistance is required’ Note: 1) In all cases Standard N95 respirator ( without exhalation valve) You can use surgical mask and face shield on top. You can use Standard N95 (any model) in all other cases except some of the above special situations. Understanding 3M brand N95 mask is not original or fake: # N95 mask means 3M brand mask. If you want to buy the original N95, don’t even think of any other brand except 3M. # I’m just talking about the 3M brand N95 mask below.

I will write about the KN95 / FFP2 mask of 3M or any other brand next time.

1)First, ask the seller to send the original picture and video of the mask and package. Be careful with photos collected from the website.

2) Find out the Country of origin of your mask. If the package/mask has Chinese writing on it, it is made in 3M’s Chinese factory. (The product is not counterfeit as long as the package/mask has Chinese text on it.) 3M manufactures several special models of N95 at their China factory. You can’t find these models on 3M’s USA website; you have to find them on the Chinese site. Mask export from the USA is currently banned)

3) Take a good look at the picture of the product. Don’t buy any inconsistencies, spelling mistakes, uneven placement of the mask/ink does not come out, blurry/dirty writing. The text of the original mask is laser printed so clear. There will be no writing or ink missing anywhere.

4) Check if there is a security strip on the packet. If there is a strip, notice if it changes color. (If there is no security strip, it is not counterfeit. Older products of 3M did not have the strip. If there is a massive counterfeit for additional demand, then a security strip ad will be added in some product packages later.) Done)

5) 3M has now arranged some of their product web verification due to being widely counterfeited: N95 masks come in different sizes and models. Everyone’s face shape is the same, so not all masks will fit everyone’s face. If not, he will not be able to seal. Full protection of this N95 mask will not be available if not sealed. So as soon as the mask is original-