I keep posting this:
'Mask'
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'Respirator'
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A respirator only works if properly fitted and properly worn. Otherwise, it is a fashion accessory. Air (and contaminants) will take the '
path of least resistance'
around the edges, if not sealed tightly to the user's face. I was taught that if it fits comfortably, it's probably not tight enough.
Philbert
I guess I need a lesson in breathing apparatus. My respirator is rubber, fits so tight around you face that it leaves it deformed for an hour after you take it off. There is room between your nose and lips, they don’t touch the filter. The one you have pictured isn’t shaped any thing like a human face. It’s stiff, no matter how many times you pinch, push and tweak it, it won’t fit tight.
On one hand, the N95 doesn’t have to seal because it’s not protecting you, it’s protecting others from you, and stopping 95% of particulates from getting out is enough.
On the other hand a rubber respirator, with P100 filters, that stops 100 percent of particulates from getting in or out of the mask, doesn’t work. Why, because it’s not worn properly. How can you not wear it properly? It’s shaped like your face, it can only be worn one way, you can’t wear it under your nose like idiots you see ever day.
I’d have to do my search again. It’s not the CDC, it’s something like “ The Center For Disease Control and Respiratory Research”. They explain the difference between filter ratings, masks and respirators.
This is the kicker for me. At the end of the article, they said, “ if you have a P100 respirator, please donate it to the front line workers who really need it”.
To me, if I’m walking down an isle with my respirator on and sneeze, cough, or flat out spit at some one, no, “zero” ,particulates will land on their face, eyes or body parts that can get rubbed in their eyes. If they are wearing their N95 and sneeze or cough in my direction, by definition of the mask, at least 5% of their particulates are heading my way. Then, if some one gets in one of those sneezing or coughing fits that leave you all contorted, do you think that fiber N95 is staying in place. My rubber respirator can’t shift, move, or fall off.
To me, it’s all moot point, I don’t wear anything. I don’t get near anyone out side of my house. I still mow my lawns. While I’m mowing the back yard, my customer put my check on the front seat. Yes the check can be contaminated too. No breathing apparatuses will stop that.
I live in a rural farming area. I have to go out of my way to get close to people. If I lived in the city I might feel different. If I lived in the city I’d probably be wearing my respirator, because I didn’t have a sulply of N95’s, and I’m not wearing one of my sons sweat socks with rubber band on it, because it’s all I have, and better than nothing. P100 is much better than nothing.
. I hope I'm able to do what you do when I'm your age, never mind being a week or so out of the hospital bed.
