Tracking the next pandemic: Avian Flu Talk |
MASKS |
Post Reply | Page <1234> |
Author | |
striper
Valued Member Joined: February 25 2006 Status: Offline Points: 38 |
Post Options
Thanks(0)
|
The amount of contradictory infromation out there is amazing. One day it is "Wear face masks". Another day it is "Face masks may not help". I remember reading a month or two ago a declaration by a scientist in Asis that Tamiflu is useless as a therapy for Avain Flu. Most of us know that Tamiflu is not a vaccine but a medicine that helps control and shorten the flu once we get it. I am puzzled by all this contradictory stuff. I am even more confused about the masks to purchase. |
|
Guests
Guest Group |
Post Options
Thanks(0)
|
main1297500.shtml">http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2006/02/08 /health/ webmd/main1297500.shtml "Everyone wore one in 1918 and there was still a pandemic". I think the quality of the masks or the information available was below par. |
|
Hope
Valued Member Joined: February 01 2006 Status: Offline Points: 49 |
Post Options
Thanks(0)
|
I went to order more masks today and see this. The sign of the times... "3M is currently back-ordering the 3M 1860 and 3M 1860S Healthcare Particulate Respirator. We hope to begin shipping our backorders by the beginning of March. Orders will be filled in the order in which they were received. We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause you. We will continue to keep everyone updated." |
|
Hope
|
|
Guests
Guest Group |
Post Options
Thanks(0)
|
Guests
Guest Group |
Post Options
Thanks(0)
|
http://www.startribune.com/535/story/269007.html Sat Feb 25/06 |
|
RotroShaggy
Valued Member Joined: February 13 2006 Location: United States Status: Offline Points: 42 |
Post Options
Thanks(0)
|
hi Striper. I have posted the following information on this and other threads, but I'll repeat it in case my experience can help someone. 3M is not the only manufacturer of N95s. When I first started shopping, I was stuck on 3Ms because they were a name I recognized and trusted. So I ordered the 8000's without having first tried one on. They were very inexpensive, so I could afford a bunch and I thought having a bunch would be important. BUT I made the mistake of underestimating fit. An N95 is an N95 when it comes to how they are rated (95% or greater at .3 microns), BUT they are not all created eqally when it comes to fit. The 8000's didn't even come close to providing a secure fit. So I had to spend about $30 to send them back to the distributor and wait for my credit card to be credited. Based on my knowledge that the 3M 8210 was the best selling N95 on the market, I made the SAME mistake and ordered some of those without trying one on. In the meantime, I orded a sampler pack from Masksnmore.com (I HIGHLY recommend these guys. They are friendly and fast) Anyway, I was able to try 12 different brands, including the ever so popular 3M 8210. Guess what? The 8210 didn't fit, either. So I called the company from whom I ordered the 8210's and cancelled my order. Based on the sampler pack from Masksnmore.com, I narrowed my selection down to the North 7140 and the Moldex 2200. Both fit very well. The North has an exhaust valve but the Moldex does not. Keep in mind that neither model is the "best" that the respective companies have to offer--there are higher models, like the Moldex 2300 and 2400, for example. BUT I had to find the line between getting the best I can but at the same time getting enough to last through 3 or 4 waves of pandemic. I personally could not afford to buy 400 N95's at $6.00 a pop or more (See Tryosin, etc.) So you have to sort of find that line and buy within your comfort zone. I am not bashing 3M. They just didn't fit MY face. They may work well for you. The point is, don't make the mistake I made TWICE--try some out for you and your family and then buy the highest quantity of the best model(s) that you can afford, depending on how many you think you will want or need. Remember--the fanciest, highest qualty N100 with all the bells and whistles is WORTHLESS unless it fits properly. Fit is the most important factor when finding the right N95 for you. If it leaks, nothing else matters. Good luck! Hope this post helps someone. |
|
RotroShaggy
|
|
striper
Valued Member Joined: February 25 2006 Status: Offline Points: 38 |
Post Options
Thanks(0)
|
Went to Home Depot and bought a 3M N100 8233 respirator for $15.97, two of 3M N95 8511 respirator for $6.97 and a 20-box of 3M N95 8110 respirator for $17.97. Will try these to see which one fits. Looks like the N100 is way too expensive. I had seen it for about $6 onm the web. |
|
Guests
Guest Group |
Post Options
Thanks(0)
|
You need to try on a mask to see how they fit. The higher rated masks "N100" will be less comfortable to breathe than N95. The following site might help with your questions. There is a sample of some below. http://products3.3m.com/catalog/us/en001/safety/occ_health_s afety/ node_GS63SXS2HXbe/root_GST1T4S9TCgv/vroot_5SDD44F7DZge/ gvel_RL5PK085P3gl/theme_us_ohes_3_0/command_AbcPageHandler/ output_html |
|
striper
Valued Member Joined: February 25 2006 Status: Offline Points: 38 |
Post Options
Thanks(0)
|
I am more confused than ever about which mask to get. I need to buy for 2 adults and one 8-year old. I see the following made by 3M. Some seem to have an exhaust valve and some don't. How do I kinow which one to get. Mind you, I am not a healthcare professional and in the event of apandemic, my exposure could be limited to caring for my family. 3M 8210 N95 |
|
Hope
Valued Member Joined: February 01 2006 Status: Offline Points: 49 |
Post Options
Thanks(0)
|
Rick, Do you have a good source for ordering the 3M 1860's. (Like 100 of them.) Thanks for your info!
|
|
Hope
|
|
Guests
Guest Group |
Post Options
Thanks(0)
|
Guests
Guest Group |
Post Options
Thanks(0)
|
Unfortunately there is remarkably little information about masks. I agree
that fit is priority one. The following was the only references I could find regarding recent experiences with masks that might be relevant. "When we compared use of N95 to use of surgical masks, the relative SARS risk associated with the N95 mask was half that for the surgical mask; however, because of the small sample size, the result was not statistically significant. Our data suggest that the N95 mask offers more protection than a surgical mask. This study focused on critical care nurses working at the first SARS hospital outbreak in Toronto. Since use of personal protective equipment was not standardized during the study period, it was possible to assess the effect of personal protective equipment. The use of personal protective equipment was highly variable because the nurses were often unaware that their patients had SARS. Our results highlight the importance of using personal protective equipment when caring for SARS patients. We estimate that if the entire cohort had used masks consistently, SARS risk would have been reduced from 6% to 1.4% per shift." http://www.cdc.gov/ncidod/EID/vol10no2/03-0838.htm#1 |
|
Hope
Valued Member Joined: February 01 2006 Status: Offline Points: 49 |
Post Options
Thanks(0)
|
Rocky, Did your new masks come in yet? I think it was this week you were getting another type. You preferred them to the ones on Oprah. Let me know! |
|
Hope
|
|
Elizabeth
V.I.P. Member Joined: February 18 2006 Location: United States Status: Offline Points: 113 |
Post Options
Thanks(0)
|
I ordered from www.labsafety.com About a month ago, before I knew I could find out anything I needed to know in here, I was at Longs looking for masks. I knew the ones they had wouldn't do it. So I called the 800 number on the box, and asked what kind I should get for bird flu. The guy gave me the above website. They arrived within a week. I got 2 kinds, wasn't sure what to do so I got both. Here is my actual order and what I paid. RESP N95 DISPSBL 3M 8210 NIOSH & nbsp; 2 37746 & nbsp; BX 1 Available LSS &nb sp; &nb sp; 18.40 RESP N95 DISPBL MOLDEX STD NIO &nb sp; 3 4573 &n bsp; PK 1 Available LSS &nb sp; &nb sp;
|
|
Guests
Guest Group |
Post Options
Thanks(0)
|
Good advice. You only need the wear the thing when you feel you might come in close proximity to a potential vector/virus carrier. So assuming you need to go out, if the stores are open, I would put my mask on before I went shopping. If you don't come in close proximity to anyone, then I would consider reusing the mask another day. If I was within a few feet ofanyone, less than 15-feet, I would toss the mask. Because they are not coughing does not mean they are not infected. If I'm taking care of someone that is sick, I would change the mask frequently. Just an opinion. |
|
RotroShaggy
Valued Member Joined: February 13 2006 Location: United States Status: Offline Points: 42 |
Post Options
Thanks(0)
|
I also asked the CDC/NIOSH guy about how long a respirator can be worn. I told him I had heard they are effective anywhere from 30 minutes all the way up to 8 hours. He would not give me a solid answer, but said they recommend changing after one of three events 1) it has gotten wet 2) it has been damaged 3) breathing resistance increases. He said that in dry particle environments one of these things can last for a few days. I plan on discarding after each use, so I didn't go into any more detail with him on that.
|
|
RotroShaggy
|
|
RotroShaggy
Valued Member Joined: February 13 2006 Location: United States Status: Offline Points: 42 |
Post Options
Thanks(0)
|
This post is in response to the above conversation between Rick, Ella and Duck Off regarding N95 Masks and fluid resistance. I am also worried about this topic and, like Rick, think that the stakes are so high here we don't want to be misinformed or cut corners to save a buck. I Just got off the phone with CDC/NIOSH's respirator technical advisor in Pittsburgh. I told him I was lookiing for the best N95 and that the 3M 1860 looked great because of the fluid resistance but that 3M masks don't fit me very well. He agreed that a mask that doesn't fit is worthless--even if it is the Mercedes of all masks. I asked him how important "fluid resistance" is. He said he was puzzled by the question. He said ALL N95 masks are appropriate for airborne particles. NIOSH subjects ALL N95 masks to 6 hours of high humidity conditions when testing. So, any N95 maks has been approved to 95% efficiency to .3 microns AFTER having been subjected to 6 hours of high levels of humidity. They are designed with moisture in mind. If you plan on working directly with patients and anticipate getting splashed with blood, urine, fecal matter, or large quantities of sputum, then the "fluid resistance" comes in handy and would be recommended. I won't pretend to be an expert, but based on my conversation, I am going to stress fit over any fluid resistance features. Based on my conversation with DCD/NIOSH, I think any NIOSH N95 is going to be able to handle moisture particles and tiny droplets. The 3M 1860 and 1870 do have the fluid resistant shell, but they are shaped identical to the 8210 and made with the same materials, which were not as high quality as some of the others I tried and did not fit my face properly. For the record, I had the best fit with the North 7140 and the Moldex 2200. Both great masks and fairly inexpensive. I ordered 300 of the North and 100 of the moldex. |
|
RotroShaggy
|
|
Guests
Guest Group |
Post Options
Thanks(0)
|
Anita, The half-mask NBC masks are effective and last longer than surgical masks but they are negative-pressure masks that require quite a bit of diaphram effort for each breath. They can easily cause hypoxia from bradypenia due to fatigued primary and ancillary breathing muscles. If a person is not a first responder or front line medical professional they would be better off with a good quality N95 surgical mask with an exhaust vent. They last several days. First Responders and Front Liners should look into PAPR respirators. |
|
AnitaRNpulmo
V.I.P. Member Joined: January 02 2006 Location: France Status: Offline Points: 82 |
Post Options
Thanks(0)
|
That's why in the worst scenario it will be useful to plan reusable (NB)C facemasks, they last for months !
|
|
Guests
Guest Group |
Post Options
Thanks(0)
|
|
|
Ella Fitzgerald
Valued Member Joined: January 15 2006 Location: United States Status: Offline Points: 586 |
Post Options
Thanks(0)
|
Hey just wanted to let everyone know that typical workshop masks are not fluid resistant. I am only stating that the 3M N95 automotive masks are fluid resistant and are the exact same mask as the 3M N95 medical masks. The medical mask is green and the automotive is white. Both boxes are clearly marked as N95 and fluid resistant. Check it out...it will save you money and offers the same exact protection! |
|
Ella Fitzgerald
Valued Member Joined: January 15 2006 Location: United States Status: Offline Points: 586 |
Post Options
Thanks(0)
|
The 3m N95 automotive masks are fluid resistent also. They are used in paint booths to prevent airborne paint from entering the respiratory system. Paint may not be a virus or bloodborne pathogen but it is dangerous if inhaled into the lungs. Same mask as medical N95 mask. Call 3M to verify.
|
|
Guests
Guest Group |
Post Options
Thanks(0)
|
"Surgical N95" masks have fluid resistance, other masks intended for
workshops, don't have that feature. Your mask should say it meets CDC guidelines. Before you consider what you are paying, consider what you are protecting. Interim Domestic Guidance on the Use of Respirators to Prevent Transmission of SARS May 3, 2005 Respiratory protective devices with a filter efficiency of 95% or greater (e.g., N95, N99, N100) may not be available in some settings due to supply shortages or other factors. In this situation, a surgical (procedure) mask should be worn. Surgical masks will provide barrier protection against large droplets that are considered to be the primary route of SARS transmission. However, surgical masks may not adequately protect against aerosol or airborne particles, primarily because they allow for leakage around the mask and cannot be fit tested. The mask should resist fluid penetration and fit tightly around the mouth and nose when properly applied to the face. http://www.cdc.gov/ncidod/sars/respirators.htm |
|
Daffy Duck
Valued Member Joined: February 20 2006 Status: Offline Points: 8 |
Post Options
Thanks(0)
|
i guess i need some masks. thanks for the tip ella. |
|
Ella Fitzgerald
Valued Member Joined: January 15 2006 Location: United States Status: Offline Points: 586 |
Post Options
Thanks(0)
|
Sorry AnitaRNpulmo. I have a relative that works for 3m and there is no difference in their N95 masks. What brand are you talking about?
|
|
AnitaRNpulmo
V.I.P. Member Joined: January 02 2006 Location: France Status: Offline Points: 82 |
Post Options
Thanks(0)
|
False -the green 1860 has a fluid outer protection, its the best mask for healthcare protection against tuberculosis, sars, ....
Harder to breathe, but safer - and more expensive - exist in size small chec my site http://avianflu-personal-protection.blogspot.com/ |
|
Duck Off
V.I.P. Member Joined: February 10 2006 Status: Offline Points: 69 |
Post Options
Thanks(0)
|
3M makes a N95 medical mask that is green and a automotive mask that is white. they are both N95 masks and are exactly the same! The white masks are much cheaper and can be found in any automotive store. I called 3M to verify that the masks were the same. |
|
Guests
Guest Group |
Post Options
Thanks(0)
|
Rocky
V.I.P. Member Joined: January 07 2006 Location: United States Status: Offline Points: 219 |
Post Options
Thanks(0)
|
Hi MissRX,
I don't want to cross post so let me give you the Avian Flu link I just wrote a few minutes ago under the Forum:Priority Preparations/Topic: Respirators. It will be at the bottom because I just posted it under my username Rocky. Be Safe, Stay Well. Rocky |
|
Rocky |
|
MissRX
Valued Member Joined: February 03 2006 Location: United States Status: Offline Points: 80 |
Post Options
Thanks(0)
|
Anita - Thank you so much!! Take your time :) I wanted to make sure that I use the proper materials because it is made of silicone I believe, and rubber pieces. Also the headband is plastic. I don't want to use anything that could destroy the materials on the mask :) |
|
"The more you sweat in peace, the less you bleed in war"
|
|
AnitaRNpulmo
V.I.P. Member Joined: January 02 2006 Location: France Status: Offline Points: 82 |
Post Options
Thanks(0)
|
To MissRX - Shall post something about the cleaning way for respirators
in my site, but let me sometime to upload and get the page
actualised/published. Basically spraying, wiping and washing, but be
careful with the product use for the mask pieces (silicone, rubber,
...?)
Anita |
|
worriedlilchic
Valued Member Joined: February 14 2006 Location: United States Status: Offline Points: 20 |
Post Options
Thanks(0)
|
This is what the website says about the...
|
|
worriedlilchic
|
|
worriedlilchic
Valued Member Joined: February 14 2006 Location: United States Status: Offline Points: 20 |
Post Options
Thanks(0)
|
Someone put in a post on another page about these mask... what do you think about them? The Triosyn T-3000™ |
|
worriedlilchic
|
|
MissRX
Valued Member Joined: February 03 2006 Location: United States Status: Offline Points: 80 |
Post Options
Thanks(0)
|
Hi All, I just came across this respirator yesterday, and I'm wondering if anyone knows whether this would be a good respirator to have on hand? I was considering purchasing some. they look like they'd be great during a pandemic. The Triosyn T-3000™ respirator provides front-line protection for police officers, homeland defense personnel, and other emergency and rescue responders against viral and bacterial threats with the most advanced particulate barrier available. The proven ability of Triosyn T-3000™ Respirators to trap biological agents is maintained throughout the life of the product by the antimicrobial action of Triosyn® T50 powder, which protects the filtration media from microbial deterioration. |
|
"The more you sweat in peace, the less you bleed in war"
|
|
MissRX
Valued Member Joined: February 03 2006 Location: United States Status: Offline Points: 80 |
Post Options
Thanks(0)
|
I've purchased 2 of the North 5500 Half Mask AP Respirators with the P100 Filters...I had a question though. does anyone know the best way to clean/disinfect these puppies? Can they be sprayed down with bleach?? http://us.st11.yimg.com/store1.yimg.com/I/masksnmore_1883_70 8310 Edited by MissRX |
|
"The more you sweat in peace, the less you bleed in war"
|
|
AnitaRNpulmo
V.I.P. Member Joined: January 02 2006 Location: France Status: Offline Points: 82 |
Post Options
Thanks(0)
|
Otskot you are right, if your protective device is well fit and has the right filter, you are OK.
Problems occurs 1) if you dont stand yet the gear (sweat, breathing, fog)- and are still exposed to contamination (public high risk areas or worse close contact with ill or suspect people) ... you CANT put it off as long as you are not in a safe area - and decontaminated. 2) wrong way of decontamination after exposure |
|
AnitaRNpulmo
V.I.P. Member Joined: January 02 2006 Location: France Status: Offline Points: 82 |
Post Options
Thanks(0)
|
Either you have a bifilters mask with filter holders - every piece of
the mask can be cleaned or disinfected or replaced separately.
If you have a NATO screwing filter, its plain since the mask has only a little screwing piece or a corrugated hose. You spray the mask to decontaminate it, before donning it off (filter yet screwed in !). So you dont breathe the hazardous contaminants (as infected particulates) neither the spray. Procedures are explained with pics or videos in some professional sites or training documentation. Shall post more in the following days in my site too ... Please wait a little more ... I have too my job and family life .... Anita ! |
|
otskot
Valued Member Joined: February 15 2006 Status: Offline Points: 38 |
Post Options
Thanks(0)
|
I have some of the 3M 6000 Series. They're plastic and fit very snugly
-- a key factor in ensuring that none of the virus-laden air sneaks
around the mask and gets in you.
http://www.safetysaves.com/safety_wear/product.php?product id=457 As for disinfecting, I will spray myself and it down with bleach-water upon return from wherever I have to go to. I then will put the respirator into a bleach water tank to thoroughly sanitize. Theone thing everyone needs to remember is that from what I understand, the virus spores could anywhere on you after being in an infected area -- so it is key to decontaminate well after returning. In fact, I'm almost more worried about the decontamination aspect than whether my respirator and goggles will work OK Edited by otskot |
|
Guests
Guest Group |
Post Options
Thanks(0)
|
Some things to think about regarding mask use. I'm no expert. You only need to wear the mask when you might be exposed, like a trip to the bank machine or corner store (if they are open) . But if you don't come into close proximity to anyone, I would hold on to it and use it another day. If you are in a room taking care of someone that is ill, you might want to change that mask after you are done. My 2-cents. Edited by Rick |
|
Flubird
V.I.P. Member Joined: January 02 2006 Status: Offline Points: 43 |
Post Options
Thanks(0)
|
Ot, I like the concept of disposable filters too, but haven't located a good brand/type, what do you like? I am also a little more concerned about fit with reuseable masks with disposable filters. How do you plan to disinfect the filter-holding mask device? |
|
There's a lot to learn, just my opinions here.
|
|
otskot
Valued Member Joined: February 15 2006 Status: Offline Points: 38 |
Post Options
Thanks(0)
|
Everything I've read, procedure masks and related types are simply not
effective enough. What is required is the respirators with disposable
filters. This is what I've gotten -- along with the P100 filters -- I'm
not willing to risk that 5% to save a little bit of money. Are you all
comfortable with masks?
|
|
Guests
Guest Group |
Post Options
Thanks(0)
|
Very helpful Anita, thanks for all the info!
|
|
AnitaRNpulmo
V.I.P. Member Joined: January 02 2006 Location: France Status: Offline Points: 82 |
Post Options
Thanks(0)
|
I am uploading day after day docs and files about personal protective
equipment in my site (lot of pics) -
http://avianflu-personal-protection.blogspot.com/
another traditional web site with linked page willopen soon with donwloadable files. Anita |
|
Guests
Guest Group |
Post Options
Thanks(0)
|
I have 120 of 3M's 9211 N95 and 100 procedure masks. I feel very light on the mask front but I plan on ordering more procedure masks, don't know about the N95's. When I ordered my gross it was about $140 which included shipping. I'm afraid to look what it is now. As an aside: When I ordered the gross I had the salesman call me (thinking I was a new customer of bulk items) and asked what I wanted them for. It was before BF was in the papers or news more than a paragraph here or there. I was so embarrassed to tell him why I wanted them that I lied and said that I had an Immunocompromised friend whom I intended to gift them to. He replied "Ummm, that's nice." Disappointed I wasn't some doctor's office or something for repeat orders. |
|
Guests
Guest Group |
Post Options
Thanks(0)
|
So far I have one box of each. I am not sure how many I will end up buying. It is the only kind of mask I have so far. That is a great idea about having a better mask for higher risk areas. (Dont forget eye protection!) Using 3 masks per week for 18 months will need 216 masks per person (that will add up quickly $$$!). Keep in mind that the masks are only recommended for a short while (30 minutes of use if I recall correctly), be sure to double check that and compare it to your usage intentions. (Though you could contract it from surface contamination as well, dont forget some surgical gloves. Costco has boxes of 300 gloves for $9.99 right now). |
|
Post Reply | Page <1234> |
Tweet
|
Forum Jump | Forum Permissions You cannot post new topics in this forum You cannot reply to topics in this forum You cannot delete your posts in this forum You cannot edit your posts in this forum You cannot create polls in this forum You can vote in polls in this forum |