Protection Mask

[dcfrey]

Hi...Does anyone know which mask works best when traveling on an airplane. I have a compromised immune system due to CLL. Not in remission yet. Thanks you.

[Tommays56]

And N95 mask with a vent is about the best protection you can use in this case

In general even for a healthy person there difficult to use over long periods of time due to condensation

Beware right now as the scam artists our in full swing given world events right now with all kinds of FDA approval claims

3M™ Particulate Respirator 8670F

3M™ Particulate Respirator 8612F

Pasture Tm F550G Respirator

Pasture Tm A520G Respirator

People with chronic respiratory, cardiac, or other medical conditions that make breathing difficult should check with their healthcare provider before using an N95 respirator because the N95 respirator can make it more difficult for the wearer to breathe. Some models have exhalation valves that can make breathing out easier and help reduce heat build-up. Note that N95 respirators with exhalation valves should not be used when sterile conditions must be maintained.

All FDA-cleared N95 respirators are labeled as "single use", disposable devices. If your respirator is damaged or soiled, or if breathing becomes difficult, you should remove the respirator, discard it properly, and replace it with a new one. To safely discard your N95 respirator, place it in a plastic bag and put it in the trash. Wash your hands after handling the used respirator.

[Panz]

I am sure you may receive several thoughts on masks. My doctor told me he doesn’t put much faith in face masks as there are so many out there that are no good at all.

He told me if I truly felt I was in a situation where I felt I needed one that it was his opinion that Curad’s Antiviral Facemasks were the best over the counter ones.

Better then face masks he told me was washing your hands frequently was the best protection .

Panz 🙏☘️💕😍

[MsLockYourPosts Passed Volunteer]

I just had a conversation with my infusion nurse about masks - checking to find out whether the information by a local health department official, after the Thomas Fire, was correct. It was. To keep the germs of others out you want an N95 or N99 NIOSH CERTIFIED mask. If it isn't certified, forget it! To keep your germs from spreading, if you are sick, you want the flat, pleated, "surgical masks". Also for anyone who might expose you to their germs.

The masks need to be fitted tightly so that air can only come through the mask itself, not in where there are any gaps? Once the N95/N99 masks get moist they need to be changed.

CVS (big chain drug store) had masks with a label on the front stating that they will protect against flu germs, and a number of other things. On the back at the bottom, in small print, there is a warning stating that they will not protect against illness. Make sure that anything that you buy is NIOSH CERTIFIED! Most drug stores carry them. I also found them in bulk at Home Depot and Lowes (building supply chains). They are used on construction sites.

[Elle_V]

I use Cambridge N99 masks. I bought them from Amazon, they are made in the UK. You can google the site and it describes how their filtering system works. The only thing I find is when I wear the mask I have a small gap above my cheeks so I am constantly trying to close the gap by pushing the mask towards my face and they do get quite warm when breathing in them for a long time.

[MsLockYourPosts Passed Volunteer]

Cambridge left the company that makes VOG Masks. I assume that they might have the same official rating. VOG masks are NIOSH N99 rated. Both are highly promoted for use in countries with major air pollution issues.

3M disposable masks should be discarded after every use, if removed to eat, or if moisture builds up. I sent a question to VOG asking whether one would need more than one mask so that one’s mask could be traded out if it becomes moist or is removed (eg to eat). Elle_V - does your mask build up moisture?

One comment is that masks help people keep their hands away from their nose and mouth, but not from the eyes, giving wearers a false sense of security, which makes hand washing and gels/wipes important.

The bad news - Several sites report that they are currently sold out, internationally, because of the current corona virus scare.

[Hoffy]

My doctor recommends Neosporin under your nose in an airplane. If bacteria gets near your nose it might be killed.

A mask is always good too. I have the N95

Be well,

Hoffy

[81ue]

At the local drugstore there's a sign that says they no longer sell (paper) masks due to high demand. The home improvement store has none but says we can compete for them when restocked tomorrow morning. I heard the N95 is reusable, is that so? Now that we compete with non-immune compromised people who want a mask, I've been wondering if I can refresh my paper mask by baking it at 250F for 15 - 20 minutes for use as a regular flu protection mask(haven't experimented yet). I have my N95 too at the ready and if that's reusable, then I'm ok with reuse.