Which Masks Are FDA Approved?

Masks are designed to help to protect the wearer from airborne particles. It is worth mentioning that some masks provide more protection than others. That's why the Food and Drug Administration [FDA] has done the research to determine which masks are effective in protecting wearers from the viruses circulating in the air. Through their research, the FDA has determined which masks are best for the population. In this article, we are going to discuss some of the best masks that are approved by the FDA.  Please visit Accumed to learn more about the FDA approved masks.

N95 masks

N95 masks are among the best masks in the market that are approved by the FDA. Their approval is due to their high level of efficiency. They can block 95% of particles or liquids that can come into contact with your face. They can filter both the large and small particles when the wearer breathes. What makes the N95 masks effective is the fact that they are made of several layers of fine polypropylene fibers, which use static electric power to trap outgoing and incoming particles and droplets. The N95 masks should be single-use only. However, both the Food and Drug Administration [FDA] and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention [CDC] do not recommend that the general public wear N95 masks to protect themselves. These are crucial supplies that need to be reserved for health care workers and medical responders. All FDA-approved N95 masks are labeled as "single-use," disposable devices. If your N95 mask is soiled or damaged, or if you experience difficulty breathing, you should discard it properly and get a new one. According to the FDA, N95 masks are not ideal for children and people with facial hair. That's because they cannot achieve a proper fit, hence not providing full protection.

KN95 masks

The FDA has also approved the use of KN95 masks. The KN95 masks are regulated by the Chinese government. They are almost similar in performance to N95 masks. There are slight differences in their features. The CDC lists this mask as a suitable alternative when N95 masks are not available. The FDA authorized the KN95 masks since they have met certain criteria, including documentation that shows that they are authentic.

Surgical masks

The FDA has approved surgical masks for use by the general public. The surgical masks are loose-fitting, disposable masks that create a barrier between the nose and mouth of the wearer and contaminants in the air. These masks are made in various thicknesses and with varying ability to protect the wearer from contact with liquids. If properly worn, the surgical masks can help block large-particle droplets, sprays, splashes, splatter that may contain germs, keeping the germs from reaching the wearer's mouth or nose. In addition to that, the surgical masks can help reduce the exposure of the wearer's saliva and respiratory secretions to others. These surgical masks should not be used more than one. If damaged or soiled, the wearer should remove it and discard it properly.