Why some experts recommend upgrading to N95 masks to help fight the delta variant

[hedda_foil]

https://www.washingtonpost.com/lifestyle/wellness/n95-mask-delta-variant-kn95/2021/07/23/ee849e6c-eafe-11eb-97a0-a09d10181e36_story.html

The debate over masks is heating up again, with increasing calls for all Americans, regardless of coronavirus vaccination status, to return to wearing face coverings in indoor public places to help thwart the spread of the highly contagious delta variant. But some experts say the recommendations should specify the kind of masks people should be using.

“Delta is so contagious that when we talk about masks, I don’t think we should just talk about masks,” Scott Gottlieb, former commissioner of the Food and Drug Administration, said during a recent appearance on CBS’s “Face the Nation.” “I think we should be talking about high-quality masks,” such as N95 respirators.

In an interview with The Washington Post, Monica Gandhi, a professor of medicine and an infectious-disease expert at the University of California at San Francisco, expressed a similar sentiment: “We can’t say we’re going back to masks without discussing type of mask.”
--snip--
Not all masks are created equal
The efficacy of a mask is based on its material and fit. Medical-grade respirators, such as N95 masks, can provide greater protection from infectious coronavirus particles than surgical masks or cloth masks, said Linsey Marr, an aerosol expert at Virginia Tech who studies airborne virus transmission. And because the delta variant is much more easily transmissible than previously circulating strains of the coronavirus, “we really need highly protective masks along with everything else,” Marr said. “Where a simple cloth mask was helpful before, it’s not helpful enough now,” particularly for people who remain unvaccinated.

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https://www.washingtonpost.com/lifestyle/wellness/n95-mask-delta-variant-kn95/2021/07/23/ee849e6c-eafe-11eb-97a0-a09d10181e36_story.html

[Merlot]

1. Great. Any ideas on where to get them and how to tell if they're any good?

I looked around amazon and there are so many masks that when you read between the lines aren't much better than the simple surgical mask. There is a lot of hype, and I don't know enough about masks. Feeling like I don't want to get ripped off but more importantly I don't want a false sense of security.

[PA Democrat]

5. I came across a non-profit called Project N95 that looks legit.

Here is some information about the organization:

https://www.projectn95.org/about


And here is a link to buy products:

https://shop.projectn95.org/masks

[appalachiablue]

6. N-95 now on Amazon, 3M, NIOSH Approved, (See #4 below)

3M N95 Particulate Respirator 9502+, Disposable, Helps Protect Against Non-Oil Based Particulates, 50/Pack, Brand: 3M, 4.1 out of 5 stars 364 ratings | 14 answered questions

NIOSH Approved for environments containing certain non-oil-based particles
The adjustable nose clip helps provide a secure seal
FOLDS FLAT: Lightweight, vertical flat-fold design provides convenient storage and portability
EASY BREATHING: 3M’s Advanced Electrostatic Media filters dust and other particles while allowing for easy breathing
COMFORTABLE: Soft inner material and welded knitted headbands provide added comfort
For industrial/occupational use only. Not for consumer sale or use

https://www.amazon.com/3M-Particulate-Respirator-9502-Particulates/dp/B08NTS51JX/ref=rtpb_3/142-7665886-4090304

[moondust]

7. Some negative reviews for those

claiming they are fakes or something.

[appalachiablue]

9. Yes, I've seen it on other mask products, WTH

to believe... Check out the *ProjectN95.org LINK posted in this thread.. Good luck.

[appalachiablue]

13. N-95 3M Respirator Amazon, rec Sheltie Lover, 6/29/21

Currently out of stock, but you can note the info. Good luck.
______
Rihght here $37 for 50! 3M 9002s

These have kept me alive so far!

https://www.amazon.com/3M-Disposable-Particulate-Respirator-50-count/dp/B0076HIPCU

https://www.democraticunderground.com/10142762707

[wackadoo wabbit]

16. If it's on Amazon, it very likely is

Amazon has exactly ZERO quality control. A less-than-honest seller can list a product on Amazon with no questions and no repercussions. And when this seller with the counterfeit product arranges for Amazon to fulfill their orders, their phony merchandise gets mixed in with real product from an honest seller, so trying to buy from a seller who seems upright won't do you any good either.

Really, don't take my word for it. There are plenty of articles online that write about this problem.

[moondust]

17. Do you have a recommendation

for where to buy something like NIOSH-approved N95 masks?

I just checked the 3M website and they list the mask above. The image at 3M looks exactly the same as the image of the possible "fake" one at Amazon.
https://www.3m.com/3M/en_US/p/d/v101222050/

Short of buying directly from the manufacturer, who can you trust to ship the real thing?

[helpisontheway]

19. I purchase mine from ULINE. Nt

[wackadoo wabbit]

15. I wouldn't buy something as important as an N95 mask from Amazon if you held a gun to my head!

I can't tell you the number of fake products I've gotten from Amazon. The most egregious fake, without going into specifics, was a product meant to be used on the body, which fucked up that body part. It's been costing me literally thousands of dollars and numerous doctor visits to bring things back to "normal." (IM me if you want more info.)

I warn everyone I can: don't buy anything on Amazon that you'll be using in or on your body!

[PA Democrat]

8. This company sells PPE including KN95 and N95 masks purported to be made in the US

Info on the company:

https://www.protectly.co/pages/reliable-ppe-supplier


Masks they sell:


https://www.protectly.co/

[chowder66]

12. While they are out of stock on a lot of their masks they have some in stock

wellbefore.com

[Tadpole Raisin]

2. So what are the brand of

N95 and KN95 to get or to avoid for the regular person.

I’ve looked at so many and have no idea!!

[Tadpole Raisin]

3. Well...

Merlot and I are on the same page! Inquiring minds want to know….

[moondust]

4. List of NIOSH-approved N95 respirators

https://www.cdc.gov/niosh/npptl/topics/respirators/disp_part/N95list1.html

[Greybnk48]

20. Thanks for this! I got ours on Amazon and they're on the CDC list

of approved masks. Thank you again!

[luv2fly]

10. Maybe the feds could send every family a few

Apparently the idea has been tossed around before.

[DetroitLegalBeagle]

11. If you are buying online, make sure it's coming from a reputable place

There have been tons of fakes on ebay and Amazon. They have all the markings of the real ones but are total counterfeits. I wouldn't trust anything coming from overseas or from sellers who dont usually sell medical or protective gear. For example, a seller who sells mainly cheap pc accessories and now is also selling N95's...i wouldn't trust those.

[LetMyPeopleVote]

14. I used a N95 mask and it triggered a COPD attack

I was in the airport back in May and that mask was too tight and aggravated my COPD

[helpisontheway]

18. Sorry to hear that. Maybe a KN95 or KF94 would be better fit you.