THE ULTIMATE GUIDE
RESPIRATORY PROTECTION +
VIRUS PROTECTION AND CONTAINMENT
Shop Respiratory Protection NowCoronavirus Update
Recommended Personal & Workspace Sanitizers:
Purell, Bacoban, & Lysol are highly recommended for a clean & healthy environment.
Shop All N95 Masks NowAccording to the World Health Organization...
Coronavirus
Coronaviruses (CoV) are a large family of viruses that cause illness ranging from the common cold to more severe diseases such as Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS-CoV) and Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS-CoV).
A novel coronavirus (nCoV) is a new strain that has not been previously identified in humans.
Coronaviruses are zoonotic, meaning they are transmitted between animals and people.
Detailed investigations found that SARS-CoV was transmitted from civet cats to humans and MERS-CoV from dromedary camels to humans. Several known coronaviruses are circulating in animals that have not yet infected humans.
Common signs of infection include respiratory symptoms, fever, cough, shortness of breath and breathing difficulties. In more severe cases, infection can cause pneumonia, severe acute respiratory syndrome, kidney failure and even death.
Standard recommendations to prevent infection spread include regular hand washing, covering mouth and nose when coughing and sneezing, thoroughly cooking meat and eggs. Avoid close contact with anyone showing symptoms of respiratory illness such as coughing and sneezing.
How to know the difference when it comes to breathing protection
Surgical Masks
N95 Respirators
Surgical Masks Elastomeric Half Facepiece Respirators
Testing & Approval
Cleared by the U.S. Food & Drug Administration.
Evaluated, tested & approved by NIOSH [42 CFR Part 84]
Evaluated, tested & approved by NIOSH [42 CFR Part 84]
Intended Use / Purpose
Fluid Resistant - protects against large droplets, splashes & sprays.
Reduces wearer's exposure to particles - small non-oil aerosols & large droplets.
Reusable device made of rubber & symthetic materials.
Fit Testing Requirement
No
No
Yes
Face Seal Fit
Loose fitting
Tight fitting
Tight Fitting
Designed for Reuse
No
No
Yes
User Seal Check
No
Yes - required every time the respirator in put on.
Yes - required every time the respirator in put on.
Filtration
Does not provide a reliable level of protection from inhaling smaller airborne particles. NOT CONSIDERED RESPIRATORY PROTECTION.
Filters at least 95 % of airborne particles including small & large particles.
May be equipped with filters that block 95 - 100 % of very small particles AND may be equipped to protect against vapors & gases.
Leakage
Leakage occurs around edge of mask when user inhales.
When properly fitted & worn, minimal leakage occurs around edge of mask when user inhales.
When properly fitted & worn, minimal leakage occurs around edge of mask when user inhales.
Use Limitations
Disposable - recommended for single usage.
Ideally should be discarded after each patient encounter and / or when soiled or damaged.
Reusable & must be cleaned, disinfected & stored between each patient encounter.