Guideline For Using N95 Mask From WHO

N95 masks is a particulate-filtering facepiece respirator that meets the U.S. National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) N95 classification of air filtration, meaning that it filters at least 95% of airborne particles. This standard does not require that the respirator be resistant to oil; another standard, P95, adds that requirement. The N95 type is the most common particulate-filtering facepiece respirator.

N95 masks are very efficient as they filter air pollutants easily. 95% of air pollutants can be easily filtered through these masks but according to the doctors, people who are suffering from respiratory diseases should not use these masks as they have to face serious consequences. N95 masks sometimes make difficult to breathe. Children should not use N95 masks. These masks do not provide full security in coronavirus. You can feel difficult to breathe in N95 masks and full security is also not guaranteed.

According to WHO guideline on rational use of PPE for COVID-19, N95 mask (respirator) can be used for many patients with the same diagnosis up to a period of 4 hours.

This recommendation was based on a study where N95 masks (after a fit test) for continuous use for a target duration of hours with a valve was better tolerated than without a valve and males tolerated better than females .

Therefore, if tolerated, one N95 mask can be used by one person while caring for multiple patients of COVID-19, for a maximum duration of hours, or until comfortable (whichever is more).

Continuous wearing of N95 face mask can cause discomfort and a C-shaped pressure injury on the nose as described in this report by an ICU doctor looking after COVID-19 patients for Eight (8) hours.

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