Respiratory masks are a vital piece of equipment in health care facilities and in personal emergency kits. In health care facilities, respiratory masks help keep medical professionals and patients from spreading germs. Respiratory masks can also be used to protect workers who are exposed to fine particles in the air. In the event of a disaster, masks can help protect a person from inhaling dangerous particles that may be in the air. Choosing the right mask for the job is key to protecting your lungs from danger.
Surgical Mask
A surgical mask is a loose fitting disposable mask that covers the nose and mouth. This is the most basic type of respiratory mask, and is used in medical offices and hospitals. Surgical masks will not protect the wearer from inhaling fine particles in the air, but they prevent the person wearing the mask from spreading droplets from their mouths and noses. Surgical masks will also help protect the person wearing the mask from splashes and sprays he or she may encounter in their profession. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention advise that surgical masks are to be used once and then disposed of.
N95 Masks
N95 masks are designed to help protect the person wearing them from fine particles that may contain viruses. The N95 mask fits tightly over the face and covers the nose and mouth. N95 masks must be fitted for each person to ensure a proper fit. Health care workers wear N95 masks when working with a patient who has a disease that can be spread through the air. These masks are also often used on construction sites to prevent workers from inhaling dust.
Powered Air Purifying Respirator
The Powered Air Purifying Respirator, also known as PAPR, consists of a fan that blows air through a HEPA filter and into a breathing tube that connects into the hood. The National Institute for Occupational Health and Safety reports that PAPS must have a fully charged battery to work properly. Users must be trained on how to properly put on, take off and clean a PAPR.
Escape Respirators
Escape respirators contain a hood that goes over a person’s head and is sealed at the neck seal. An oxygen tank with a tube transfers oxygen into the hood. According to the National Institute for Occupational Health and Safety, escape respirators are to be used only during an emergency to escape to a safer place because these respirators are only good for 15 to 60 minutes.
Gas Masks
Gas masks are air purifying respirators that clean the air from chemicals and particles as the person breathes. Gas masks contain a face piece with straps to secure it to the person’s head and a filter and/or a cartridge. According to the National Institute of Occupational Health and Safety gas masks are only effective if the correct cartridge or filter is used for the particular biological or chemical agent that has been released into the air.
Self contained breathing apparatus
A self contained breathing apparatus, also known as SCBA, is mainly used by firefighters. This type of respiratory device includes its own air tank that lasts for about an hour and weighs about 30 pounds, according to the National Institute of Occupational Health and Safety. The self contained breathing apparatus protects against higher concentrations of particles and chemicals that may be in the air. Extensive training is required to use a self contained breathing apparatus.
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