Which respirator is worth buying to protect against coronavirus

Disposable respirators helpGOST 12.4.294-2015 (EN 149: 2001 + A1: 2009) Occupational Safety Standards System (SSBT). Personal respiratory protection. Filtering half masks for protection against aerosols. General Specifications (Reprinted with Amendment) protect the respiratory system from small particles and aerosols. They cover the nose, mouth and chin, are completely or partially made of filter material and, unlike a medical mask, fit more closely to the face.

Can a disposable respirator protect against coronavirus

According to researchCoronaviruses: An Overview of Their Replication and Pathogenesis, the diameter of coronavirus viral particles is about 125 nm, or 0.125 μm.

Depending on the class, respirators can protect against inhalation of elements of different diameters. The most effective ones are capable of trapping particles less than 2 microns and can become a barrier to the entry of viruses. Lower grade respirators protect against particles 2–5 µm in diameter and can obstruct contaminated dust or droplets of water and body fluids.

It should be noted that WHO and the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) advise againstFrequently Asked Questions about Personal Protective Equipment wear respirators at home, even when in contact with sick people. The only exception is WHO makesGuidance for health workers for doctors, and then during procedures that involve coughing or sneezing sick.

However, if the recommendations do not bother you and you are firmly decided to protect the respiratory organs with a respirator, it is important to choose the right class for maximum protection.

What are disposable respirators?

According to the European classification that is usedGOST 12.4.294-2015 (EN 149: 2001 + A1: 2009) Occupational Safety Standards System (SSBT). Personal respiratory protection. Filtering half masks for protection against aerosols. General Specifications (Reprinted with Amendment) and in Russia, respirators are divided into three classes of protection: FFP1, FFP2 and FFP3. Let's talk about each of them.

1. FFP1 respirator

Class 1 protective equipment traps 80% of airborne contaminants and prevents particles larger thanRespiratory Protection 5 microns. And although the half mask can pass by itself virus, it will filter out most of the virus-infected dust particles and small water droplets.

The cost of such respirators varies from 150 to 500 rubles apiece.

What to buy

• Respirator with valve FFP1, 469 rubles →
• Half mask-respirator FFP1 with filter, 489 rubles →
• A set of 10 respirators FFP1 with an exhalation valve, 3 490 rubles →

2. FFP2 respirator

The second class of protection is more effective. These products filter up to 94% of contaminants, although they can still pass the virus, as they delayRespiratory Protection particles with a diameter of 2 to 5 microns. WHO recommendsGuidance for health workers doctors wear such respirators when carrying out procedures with patients with coronavirus.

The cost of the second class half masks is about 450-600 rubles apiece.

What to buy

• Protective half mask with an exhalation valve FFP2, 439 rubles →
• Set of 20 respirators FFP2, 9 900 rubles →

3. FFP3 respirator

These filtering half masks trap up to 99% of impurities and do not allow viruses, bacteria and mold spores to pass through - they are effectiveRespiratory Protection against particles less than 2 microns. This is the best option for protection from disposable half masks. However, it should be borne in mind that such respirators protect only the respiratory organs and do not cover the mucous membrane of the eye, so that risk of infection still remains.

The cost is about 500-600 rubles apiece. We were unable to find such masks on sale. Perhaps they will be in hardware stores in your city.

4. Respirator N95

These are respirators from the US classification. Such half masks are recommended to be worn by doctors as an alternative to FFP2 during procedures with patients. Filtration - up to 95% of 0.3 micron particlesN95 Respirators and Surgical Masks (Face Masks), that is, the protection is as good as that of the second class.

Although one studyN95 Respirators vs Medical Masks for Preventing Influenza Among Health Care Personnel showed that the N95 is not much better than conventional masks. Among medical workers who put on such respirators, during the experiment, they fell ill flu and other ailments of the respiratory tract, only 9% fewer people than in the group of those who wore masks.

The cost of the N95 is about 120-200 rubles apiece. These respirators are sold in sets of 10 pieces.

What to buy

• A set of 10 masks N95 with a filter, 2,138 rubles →
• A set of 10 N95 masks without filter, 2 269 rubles →
• A set of 10 protective white masks N95, 652 rubles →

What to consider when buying a disposable respirator

Valve presence

The heat and moisture from breathing causes the respirator to lose its protective properties. The inhalation and exhalation valves help to reduce the wetting of the half mask and extend its life.

If respirators without a valve will effectively protect you for about two hours, then the option with such a part will last for 6-8 hours. But after that, you still have to throw it away and put on a new one.

Health status

Even with valves, breathing in a respirator can be difficult. Therefore, if you haveN95 Respirators and Surgical Masks (Face Masks) chronic respiratory diseases, heart problems and vessels or other conditions that may cause breathing problems, ask your therapist if you can do this before wearing a respirator.

Facial hair

The respirator is not suitable for people with a beard and mustache: the hair does not adhere to the skin tightly, and this reduces the effectiveness. Therefore, if you are not going to shave off your chic beard, do not waste money on half masks.

How to properly wear a disposable respirator

You must put on and take off the product correctly so that it truly protects you from the virus.

How to put on a respirator

1. Wash your hands with soap.

2. Spread out the respirator, apply it to your face with one hand.

3. Tuck the rubber bands behind your ears, or put them on the back of your head and neck. In the last option, make sure that they do not overlap with each other.

4. Squeeze the noseplate at the top edge of the respirator to fit snugly against your nose, following the shape of your nose bridge.

5. Make sure the half mask covers nose and chin.

How to check if a respirator is protecting well

Close the valve of the half mask with your hands or, if it is not there, its surface in the area of ​​the nose. Take a few sharp breaths in and out. If you feel air movement in any place where the half mask touches your face, the respirator does not fit snugly.

Try spreading the elastic bands around your head or pressing the noseplate more firmly against your nose. It is also worth correcting the half mask if during wearing you feel the movement of air from under it on the upper part of the face or eyes.

How much to use and how to remove the respirator

As we wrote earlier, disposable respirators without a protective valve lose their properties after 2 hours of use. Models with a safety valve will last a maximum of 8 hours, but it is advisable to remove them earlier - after 4-6 hours.

Take the respirator by the rubber bands and remove it from the head. Do not touch the front of it with your hands - it may be contaminated with bacteria.

How to dispose of a respirator

Throw away the product in a closed trash can, or wrap it in a plastic bag first and then dispose of it. Then wash your hands with soap and water.

And do not forget that a respirator will in no way save you from the virus if you do not follow the basic rules: self-isolation, hand washing, disinfection of household items.

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What means of protection do you use? Share in the comments!