Where possible, make your purchase directly from a known quality manufacturer's website. In my case, 3M, who's been making high-grade filtration devices for decades. Their website can direct buyers to a link for suppliers of the particular product. In my case, I used the 3M Canadian site to purchase a case of N95 1870+ FDA approved surgical masks, made in Canada, from a local company that they supply. Cost per mask $1.22
Good point. And just to be clear, N95 masks are certified as such by the Natl Institute of Occup Health and Safety. (NIODH). The FDA layers an additional certification on N95 respirators as ‘medical respirators’ which are approved for use by clinicians. For non-clinical users, any NIOSH-approved N95 works well, and it is not necessary for the additional FDA approval. The 3M 1870 models are approved by both NIOSH and FDA, and one of the most commonly used medical respirators used in clinical environments. If you can find them for $1-2 each, that’s great! Be safe out there.
Thanks TG. Lots of chatter on masks these days, but most of it seems incomplete. I wanted something a bit more comprehensive (even if it is a little longer than usual). And I’m sure there are questions out there that I missed.
Where possible, make your purchase directly from a known quality manufacturer's website. In my case, 3M, who's been making high-grade filtration devices for decades. Their website can direct buyers to a link for suppliers of the particular product. In my case, I used the 3M Canadian site to purchase a case of N95 1870+ FDA approved surgical masks, made in Canada, from a local company that they supply. Cost per mask $1.22
Good point. And just to be clear, N95 masks are certified as such by the Natl Institute of Occup Health and Safety. (NIODH). The FDA layers an additional certification on N95 respirators as ‘medical respirators’ which are approved for use by clinicians. For non-clinical users, any NIOSH-approved N95 works well, and it is not necessary for the additional FDA approval. The 3M 1870 models are approved by both NIOSH and FDA, and one of the most commonly used medical respirators used in clinical environments. If you can find them for $1-2 each, that’s great! Be safe out there.
Best article yet.
Thanks TG. Lots of chatter on masks these days, but most of it seems incomplete. I wanted something a bit more comprehensive (even if it is a little longer than usual). And I’m sure there are questions out there that I missed.