#sgunited #conquercovid19 #stayhome #staysafe #cottonfacemask #surgicalfacemask
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Face mask (cloth or paper masks) |
Surgical mask |
N95 respirator |
Surgical N95 respirator |
|
Is it a medical device? |
No |
Yes |
No |
Yes |
Purpose |
Prevents large particles expelled by you, the wearer, from reaching the environment. |
Prevents large particles expelled by you, the wearer when you are ill, from reaching the environment. To be used as a physical barrier to protect you from large droplets of blood or body fluids. |
Reduces your exposure to very small airborne particles or contaminants. May not protect against sprays and direct liquid splashes. |
Provides the protection of both a surgical mask and N95 respirator. To be used as a physical barrier from large droplets of blood or body fluids as well as very small particles (e.g. fine aerosolised droplets), such as those produced by coughing. |
Fit |
Does not fit tightly |
Does not fit tightly |
Tight fit# |
Tight fit# |
Filtration efficiency |
Does not fit tightly |
Bacterial filtration efficiency above 95%* |
Minimum 95%** against particulate aerosols (of 0.3 micron in size) free of oil |
Minimum 95%** against particulate aerosols (of 0.3 micron in size) free of oil. |
Fluid resistance (i.e., resistance to penetration of bodily fluids) |
Not fluid resistant |
Yes |
Not tested for fluid resistance |
Tested to be fluid-resistant |
* As recommended in European Standard for Surgical masks - Requirements and test methods (EN 14683:2005)
** As certified by National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH)
# Proper fit of respirators is verified by respiratory fit testing as per Singapore Standard 548:2009: Code of Practice for Selection, Use and Maintenance of Respiratory Protective Devices.
Follow these steps to ensure that the mask is put on and removed safely and correctly.
Face or surgical mask
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Surgical N95 respirator
|
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Step 1
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Wash your hands with soap and water.
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Wash your hands with soap and water.
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Step 2
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Put on the mask to cover your nose and mouth, then stretch it gently over your chin.
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Select a fit tested respirator.
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Step 3
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Press the thin metal wire along the upper edge gently against the bridge of your nose so that the mask fits nicely on your face.
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Place the respirator over nose, mouth and chin.
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Step 4
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Do not remove your mask when you cough or sneeze.
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Fit flexible nose piece over nose bridge.
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Step 5
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Change your mask when it becomes wet, soiled or damaged, or if you have difficulty breathing.
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Secure on head with ties and/or elastic and adjust to fit.
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Step 6
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Wash your hands after removing your mask.
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Perform a fit check by inhaling and exhaling. During inhalation, the respirator should collapse. During exhalation, check for leakage around face. There should be a good fit.
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Step 7
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See below for steps to disposal.
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See below for steps to disposal.
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You can also check out Health Hub for more tips on how to buy a mask that fits.
When purchasing masks, avoid dubious or unknown websites or sellers, as the quality of their surgical masks and respirators is not assured.
In contrast to a thin, single-layered or double-layered paper mask, a surgical mask usually consists of three layers of flat or pleated fabric.
Ideally, a surgical mask:
When purchasing a respirator, check that it is labelled with the NIOSH certificate number and is not expired.
If it is NIOSH-certified, it should:
The respirator should not contain materials that can cause allergic reactions.
You may also check if the product is listed on NIOSH’s website as a NIOSH-certified N95 respirator.
Respirators are not designed to fit children. The faces of children may be too small for the respirators to fit properly and may not provide adequate protection. It may be better for children to wear a surgical mask if protection is needed.
(Adapted from HSA: https://www.hsa.gov.sg/consumer-safety/articles/guide-to-masks-and-respirators)