aaron collins mask spreadsheet

If you wish to go the cloth route, you should read their review. "I wouldn't just buy random stuff on Amazon," he says. Another social media community has started to blossom around Aaron Collins a.k.a. Mr. Collins, the Mask Nerd, has created a number of lists and resources for mask buyers. 2023 The American Society of Mechanical Engineers. As discussed above in Section 5.3, an ASTM rated Level 2 or Level 3 surgical mask filters just as well as the materials used in the N95 masks. 3-ply disposable face mask, you can still carefree breathing. If you buy at Amazon or eBay, you are probably even less likely to have confidence in the quality you are getting. 2023 The American Society of Mechanical Engineers. Use of the website is at your own risk. testing KF94 and other masks. The following elastomeric masks with two-way filtering provide test results indicating they would pass NIOSH filtration and fit standards. We interviewed mask manufacturers, importers, public health officials and independent researchers for advice on choosing a quality mask. Some 12 year old have small faces, and some 8 year olds have buckets. ASTM rated surgical masks are also made out of high quality filtration materials. (Emphasis added.). A mechanical engineer by day, Collins' master's degree research focused on aerosols. You can find these materials in surgical masks and medical respirators such as N95s, which can filter out over 95% of these smaller particles containing viruses. Six of them failed to filter at even half the standard. We know of only one consumer grade PAPR on the market, the JustAir. And of those that are submitted, up to four of 18 can fail and still obtain certification. By accepting all cookies, you agree to our use of cookies to deliver and maintain our services and site, improve the quality of Reddit, personalize Reddit content and advertising, and measure the effectiveness of advertising. But we cant recommend you wear an elastomeric with a sealed valve for long periods of time because of the possibility of carbon dioxide (CO2) build up inside the mask. 2/ Take first one out and place it directly in from of mask. Knowing which mask to pick and making sure its not a counterfeit requires the sleuthing skills of a forensic investigator. In a. using headforms and a simulated cough by an unmasked person, and the receiver was fitted with the double mask, the receivers cumulative exposure was reduced by 83.0% compared to not wearing a mask. Keep in mind that for websites like Amazon or eBay, there is not necessarily any vetting of vendors that claim to be selling NIOSH-approved products. You can find that page here. Keep in mind that, an FDA listing does not indicate FDA testing or approval of the product, . For protecting yourself in daily life, either will work equally well. to alert users, purchasers, and manufacturers. (Here's Collins' video primer for parents looking for masks for the 12-and-under set.). Aaron Collins is a mechanical engineer with a background in aerosol science who tests and reviews masks on his Youtube channel. Given that Aaron Collins is in the US, and generally doesn't test many elastomeric or quasi elastomeric masks, it is unsurprising that he has not tested your favorite European certified mask. This post by Smart Air summarizes the differences, which are minor. Keep in mind the CDC tests are for the sample tested and may or may not be representative of a larger lot,including the one you may buy. Therefore, the authenticity of the claims, that the product meets a particular international standard, cannot be validated. Terms of Use Some cloth masks provide good fit, but surgical masks have a loose fit. Masks produced after July 1, 2021, bear the standard number GB2626-2019; masks produced before that date have the standard number GB2626-2006. Please see Section 5.3 for information on how to find a good quality surgical mask to pair with your mask fitter/brace. Some KF94s are made in China. There are some clues to detect fakes. One option for a KN95 that may give you a good chance of getting a good one is the Powecom KN95s at Bona Fide Masks., That US online retailer publishes a statement saying they buy only directly from the manufacturer and that they are the Premier Authorized Distributor in the U.S. The headband style is likely to provide better fit, and thus better protection. 3D printing is commonly associated with manufacturing, but the technology is being successfully applied to medicine and biotechnology. If you are using a disposable respirator mask for personal, not medical use, it is safe to reuse it. Theres no way to say for sure. It is believed, but not proved, that some of the most protective of the basic mask options might get up to about 80% effective filtration efficiency. Respirators, when "worn properly" protect better than cloth or surgical masks, the CDC said. According to him: For now, choose a kids' mask made by a manufacturer which also makes good-quality adults' masks. Here is a. by Collins, which summarizes his results. Masks and Respirators. If a mask claiming to be an N95 has ear loops, its most likely a fake. Many of the options described below have not yet passed NIOSH certification. Far too many people focus on how well the materials in their mask filter the air. But if air leaks out, it will leak when you breathe in too. Here are three videos explaining how to do this hack: UNC Health: Pro Tip to Help Your Earloop Mask Fit More Tightly (Video linked to by the CDC). Signs that a respirator may be counterfeit: No markings at all on the filtering facepiece respirator, No approval (TC) number on filtering facepiece respirator or headband, Presence of decorative fabric or other decorative add-ons (e.g., sequins), Claims for the of approval for children (NIOSH does not approve any type of respiratory protection for children), Filtering facepiece respirator has ear loops instead of headbands. Please include the date and version number given at the top. In many circumstances, it appears you can still get pretty good protection if you have a short beard (under 1/4) and wear a hard shell N95 or an elastomeric respirator. KF94 masks are similar but offer 94% filtration. Dont send tweets, emails or DMs as we cant keep track of questions or suggestions that way. While you can find legitimate KN95 masks, the supply chain is riddled with counterfeits and theres little regulation or oversight of the product. If you are looking for mask advice for kids 12 and under, this 20-minute video by Aaron Collins is an excellent introduction. Some companies offer fit kits that contain various N95 styles, so you can try them all to find the best fit. Collins also compiles a spreadsheet on masks for kids, which you can access here. Aaron's top KF94 mask recommendations (as of late December) are in this video segment. (If your mask has a GB number that ends in 2006, which is a previous standard, just check the expiration date.). The N95 mask is considered the gold standard in personal protection. Unlike cloth masks, high-quality masks called N95s, KN95s and KF94s are made with layers of high-tech filtering material that trap at least 94 to 95 percent of the most risky particles. (see video) [1/4]Here is the recommendations right now, and remember buy a few of a variety of sizes, faces are unique and there is a huge range. Do not use if the face mask is broken or with hole or leakage Wearing instruction (for 9501 earloop mask) 1. He's also known as the Mask Nerd because he has been testing hundreds of masks over the last year and a half. If you can find N95 masks for a reasonable price, I personally would recommend that you buy those instead of KF94 masks. Packs of 25 filters cost $25, with the filters are rated for 8 hours of continuous use under normal air quality conditions., The FDA advises that patients may be injured if they wear face masks (such as surgical or non-surgical masks and respirators) with metal parts and coatings during a Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) exam. Had to talk to the supervisor to do it. The initial cost for elastomerics aimed at the medical market typically ranges between $40 and $80. This is the only better mask we know that claims to work with most beards. Immediate Availability. Not only will you better protect yourself, but you will also help better protect your community, your country, and the world. Fix The Mask independently tested a number of the most commonly available surgical style and surgical masks. Pack or store respirators between uses so that they do not become damaged or deformed. When infected, people can have viral loads in the tens of millions, endangering you and others. Here is the official NIOSH guidance regarding facial hair, which is available. Its best to rely on the list of approved respirators. If it does not fit well or it becomes hard to breathe, you should discard it. But obviously it is a good sign that the tested filtration levels were high. 6.3 The N95, N99 and N100 6.4 Surgical Mask Plus a Mask Fitter or Mask Brace 6.5 Korean Masks (KF94) 6.6 Risky Foreign-Made Masks (the Chinese KN95) 6.7 Elastomeric Masks 6.8 Consumer Grade Powered Air Purifying Respirators 6.9 Fancy N95, N99 and N100 Masks 6.10 Unique Designs Not in Any Other Category 6.11 Avoiding Fakes 6.12 Other Consumer Grade Better Masks Worth Considering 6.13 Other Resources To Find New Types of Better Masks 6.14 Clear Better Mask Options 6.15 Strapless N95 Mask 6.16 Kids Masks 6.17 Masks for a Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) exam. Keep in mind that a mask that has been NIOSH approved didnt necessarily submit fit test data. Aaron measures various numbers for each mask: Filtration efficiency, on his own face. Only masks that are certified by NIOSH may carry the N95 label. Home Depot offers a great guide to respirator masks here. Some masks that are available with filters come in custom shapes so that it is often hard to put in an aftermarket filter that fits well. In the United States we have NIOSH to check if masks meet the standard or not. Academic paper in preparation. Probably. Unfortunately, it is hard to say for sure as the manufacturers dont provide data for both filtration and fit. New comments cannot be posted and votes cannot be cast, "Pressure drop of filtering facepiece respirators: How low should we go? Privacy and Security Statement This year's back-to-school supply list has an important line item: masks. A powered air purifying respirator (PAPR) usually uses a battery operated fan to pull in air through a filter and blow filtered air into your mask. Other clear masks on the market are likely no better than a cloth mask. Perhaps they got a good lot. The idea is to let it rest for five days so any viral particles trapped on it can die off. Before reuse, you should ensure there is no visible damage to the filter or straps and that it is not soiled. Remember that the best mask filtration material wont do you much good if your mask doesnt fit your face well. If you use a cloth mask alone, the CDC recommends two or more layers of washable, breathable fabric. However, we dont recommend double masking with two cloth masks with two or more layers of fabric. 7.1 How to check to see if your mask is providing a good fit. (scroll down to Appendix A) from October 15, 2020 is nice, but the February NPPTL report is more useful. All rights reserved. In the CDC experiment cited below, the reduction in exposure with an ear loop design to the tested particles was just 7.5%. We only ask that you give the link masks4all.co/faqs-on-better-masks as the source of the information. He tweeted that it fits definitely better than KN94 (sic) or other options we tried., The Flo Mask is designed especially for kids. The best cloth masks have difficulty achieving more than 50% filtration efficiency for the smaller droplets and aerosols that can contain viruses. Kimberly-Clark, 3M and Gerson all make duckbill N95s he likes. The mask provides two way filtration. indicating fitted filtration efficiency of about 85%. National mask mandate could save 5 percent of GDP, Goldman Sachs economic study. Collins, an aerosol expert, compiled a list of the best child-sized masks to. However these standards will not evaluate fit, which as explained above, is vitally important to getting full protection from your filtering materials. has created an infographic showing you the printing to look for on your N95. Combining the two is much more effective. If the manufacturer doesnt show test results, you should probably shop elsewhere. Aaron Collins (u/coll0412) tests and reviews various KN95 / KF94 masks, so that you can know which ones are best. The FDA recommends patients wear face masks with no metal during MRIs.. The Content is intended to complement, not substitute, the advice of your doctor. See our explanation above for more info. Experts also recommend buying a mask with a filter pocket so you can add filters to improve your masks filtration. Yes, though Miller advises following the "brown bag decontamination method." [T]en respirators were submitted for evaluation. If you have an earloop mask and the straps do not adjust, your best bet is to buy or make an ear savers attachment, which not only take the pressure off your ears, but it will likely improve your fit. Prices range from about $24 for the white version to $30 each for any of the wide variety of colors and patterns. The company says the mask is designed for little lungs, so we focused heavily on the breathability of our filter. It has fewer layers and the company claims the filter has unparalleled breathability. This reusable mask offers a silicone seal and a filter tested by Nelson Labs that for the samples offered over 99% filtration efficiency and good breathability. Ballistic droplets are not exhaled at all when breathing. There are many other elastomerics, too numerous to cite here, that are aimed at the construction and industrial markets. "There is not much difference between 94 and 95% filtration," said Dr. Andrabi . John Brooks, MD, chief medical officer of the CDCs COVID-19 Response recently said, that a combination of a medical grade surgical mask and fitter, is getting into that range of filtration efficiency afforded by N95 respirators. You can view the portion of his Jan. 29 briefing on mask fitters here. The kit has *everything* you need to do mask fit tests at home. We do not endorse any product listed in this guide this is for your information only. It may take some time and trial and error to find a good match for you. Not only will you better protect yourself, you will help better protect your community, your country and the world. If you wear a cloth mask over a surgical mask, in nearly every case you can significantly upgrade your protection compared to cloth or surgical masks alone. Wearing a mask leads to people becoming less sick if they do get infected, study. The Wirecutter review indicated that the Kitsbow solid, Cottonique Elite and Baggu masks were the most breathable among the favorite masks they tested. Aaron Collins ( u/coll0412) tests and reviews various KN95 / KF94 masks, so that you can know which ones are best. If its too hard to breathe through your mask, more unfiltered air will rush in through the leaks in your mask. If inadvertent contact is made with the inside of the respirator, discard the respirator and perform hand hygiene as described above. Use a pair of clean (non-sterile) gloves when donning a used N95 respirator and performing a user seal check. The white one can be easily labeled with a marker so people can keep track of their masks and provide caring and cheerful messages to patients. Other cloth masks tested for the paper ranged from 26.5% to about 50% in FFE. You should always wear a mask. So you may have to try some different masks to get one that works well for your child. Some people think filtration effectiveness is based on how small the holes are in the material, but thats not how cloth or high tech materials work. This disposable mask respirator has a soft silicone seal that likely makes it more comfortable than a standard disposable N95. The fast-spread of the infectious Omicron variant has prompted many people to try to upgrade to a higher-quality mask. You should also not allow others to talk to you without a mask from a close distance., Recent coronavirus mutations appear to be much more transmissible. Pressure drop. Still, high levels of carbon dioxide can have health effects. In some cases, double masking two cloth masks could produce a drop in FFE. If you have a cloth mask that already fits well on your face, and has a nose wire, there is no need to buy a new one. But overall, it can be hard to tell if you've got the real deal with any mask, which is why Collins and Miller both say it's important to buy from a trusted source. If a manufacturer starts making shoddy masks, NIOSH will yank approval. Some Covid masks are better than others. (You can usually find a link to a makers online store right below a product name.). For instance, Happy Life lists its five U.S. distributors on its home page. Please note that the translation is by machine, not a person. We know of no N95 certified respirators that only use a set of earloops. The uberinfectious omicron Covid-19 variant has triggered a race among U.S. parents to locate high-quality kid-sized masks, a run on . Full disclosure: I speak from experience. . Some people prefer them for comfort, and because they come in smaller sizes. The video in this tweet is an excellent explanation of how to use fold style N95 mask or KN95 mask. Are these FAQs available in other languages? Thats why NIOSH certified elastomerics typically have an exhalation valve. In his free time, he makes YouTube videos in which he tests and reviews . If you are using a disposable respirator mask for personal, not medical use, it is safe to reuse it. Aaron Collins tests masks on his YouTube page and compiles a spreadsheet of test results here. Many people who are getting a poor fit fail to adjust their ear or head straps. Anyone who has shopped for a mask online or in stores has discovered a dizzying array in a variety of shapes, sizes and colors. CDC recommends the use of a mask fitter in its official Feb. 13, 2021 guidance titled Improve How Your Mask Protects You. A recent CDC research paper said that results [from another study] indicated that when fitters are secured over a medical procedure mask, they can potentially increase the wearers protection by 90% for aerosols in the size range considered to be the most important for transmitting SARS-CoV-2 (generally <10 m).. National. If you do buy a KN95, be sure it has filtration results of over 95% from this report or updates to it. The mask probably offers significant protection for men with beards because of the filtered air pumped in the mask. The basic advice is to store it in a paper bag for a few days and reuse it. The Wirecutter assessment appears to be the best information available to the public at this time and their most recent report included testing for each masks filtration capabilities. If a porous obstacle is put in the path of air that contains aerosols, some of the aerosols will end up in the obstacle. But if I were wearing one all day, every workday, Id consider having one for each day and replacing them maybe every month. NIOSH-approved FFRs will always have one the following designations: N95, N99, N100, R95, R99, R100, P95, P99, P100. Collins has tested a bunch of brands you can find his results for kids' masks here, which also suggest which masks might fit different age ranges best. It is one of the few masks that come in multiple sizes, including small. 3M has a dedicated spot on its website to help consumers spot fake masks. Keep in mind what NPPTL said in releasing the report: The results of these tests are for the sample tested and may or may not be representative of a larger lot or population of similar respirators. The company provides evidence of high filtration levels (over 95%) and claims 40-hour protection. 1.1 What is the goal of these FAQs? you can use Collins' YouTube videos and spreadsheets to track the non-approved ones. Older children and teens may be able to wear petite, small or medium-size N95s. Another great option is to combine a surgical mask with a mask brace or mask fitter, two phrases for the same thing. Should I wear a mask indoors even if I can distance? Teachers need strong protection, but they also need to be heard clearly. You can find his reviews on his YouTube channel. If you can find a tight fitting and breathable cloth mask for your face, then combining it with a surgical mask should give you a substantial boost in protection. Real KN95s have GB2626 imprinted ON the mask, 2. The C.D.C. CDC recommends the use of a mask fitter in its official Feb. 13, 2021 guidance titled, ] indicated that when fitters are secured over a medical procedure mask, they can potentially increase the wearers protection by 90% for aerosols in the size range considered to be the most important for transmitting SARS-CoV-2 (generally <10 m)., The CDC confirms that mask fitters work. It will leak unfiltered air around your mask. The initial cost for elastomerics aimed at the medical market typically ranges between $40 and $80. 8/9, Trevor Bedford (@trvrb) January 20, 2022. Like I said above: Aaron measures the pressure drop of each mask he tests. You can also look for companies that are exclusive distributors of KN95 masks, like Bona Fide Masks. Various 3D printer mask fitters (search online). You can place a surgical mask over the exhalation valve to provide some source control from your mask as illustrated below. Note that you should NEVER wash and NEVER use any liquids (such as rubbing alcohol, hand sanitizer, bleach, or hydrogen peroxide) on your disposable respirator. 2. using headforms and a simulated cough by an unmasked person. There is no need to ask permission. That's after the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention on Friday updated its mask guidance for consumers, emphasizing that N95s and similar high-filtration respirators offer the best protection against COVID-19. Clear Masks Communicating with deaf persons, use by persons using American Sign Language, or persons who need to convey facial expressions, FAQs on Protecting Yourself from COVID-19 Aerosol Transmission. from $2 99 from $2.99 Regular price $8 99 $8.99 Save $6 Recently viewed. My sense from having heard a lot from people using all the other disinfection methods, like heat, is that they just increase the risk of damaging the mask. Whereas in a. published by the American Medical Association, the differences were less pronounced, 92.2% of participants passed fit testing with elastomerics compared to 88.5% using disposable N95. Keep in mind these studies were conducted on healthcare professionals, so your likelihood of getting a proper fit is probably worse. Heres a video on how to do a user seal check: This tweet thread by Dr. Richard Corsi shows a quick way to check on how well your mask fits. With omicron, you need a mask that means business. According to the website Patient Knowhow, a study of 60 participants by the Australian Society of Anesthesiologists, 98% of elastomerics passed fit testing versus 57% of disposables (Table 1). We list the MSA Advantage 290 in this group because it claims it was the first NIOSH approved respirator without an exhalation valve. The mask market is particularly tricky for parents trying to find masks for children. Storage containers should be disposed of or cleaned regularly. Dilution over distance is the main reason why social distance reduces transmission of COVID-19. KF94 masks have ear loops. Since no one has a sharp v-shaped nose, you will need to reshape the nose wire to get a better fit. I know - I . Book Review: UVF: Behind the Mask, by Aaron Edwards (2017) ireann Ascendant: An Irish History Blog March 1, 2022 . Carbon dioxide is not a silent killer like carbon monoxide. The paper uses pascals; one inch of water equals 248.84 pascals. It appears more compact than many other elastomerics on the market and offers both NIOSH approved N95 and P100 filter options. Some impressive lab studies. However, some fake masks made in China may be labeled KF94, so shoppers still need to do their homework. 2. For example, I dislike rigid. Another option to consider is a filter made from the same material as a surgical mask, such as this or this, if your mask has a filter pocket but no custom shaped filter. A number of resources have sprung up to help people navigate the mask-buying process. The company provided a video showing it passing a hospital-grade fit test on an adult. For hair cutting and styling, its huge advantage is the strapless design.The only concern is that many customers wont know how to put one on. Any degradation to the respirator seal has the potential to decrease respiratory protection to the wearer. . The same paper found that either use of an ear saver type guard or claw hair clip to pull the earloops tighter behind the head produced similar FFE gains. In many cases, the masks will eventually get certification. As of February 17, 2021 these appear to have up to an 8-week lead time for orders. Powecoms website provides information on how you can verify you have one of their genuine masks. 60 participants by the Australian Society of Anesthesiologists, 98% of elastomerics passed fit testing versus 57% of disposables (Table 1). 1.4 Are these FAQs available in other languages? They wouldn't fit his face, so the efficiency testing would fail miserably. Some American consumers really prefer the flat-fold shape and ear loop attachments of the KN95 so much so that "one really anomalous thing has happened," says Anne Miller of Project N95, a nonprofit organization that connects consumers with legitimate masks and other personal protective equipment: NIOSH-rated manufacturers in the U.S. have now started making KN95-style masks a Chinese standard for sale in the U.S. market. The paper did not specify which model of the Easy Mask was tested this is our best guess by examining the paper and the Easy Mask website descriptions of their mask options. It comes in three sizes and has a P100 option. Moldex. Collins, an aerosol expert, compiled a list of the best child-sized masks to protect against COVID-19. Authorized Resellers and Electronic Version Licensees, ISO Committees & Technical Advisory Groups, Other Association Offers for ASME Members, Volunteer Orientation & Leadership Training, Engineers Design a Reusable Alternative to N95 face mask, 8 Ways 3D Printing Is Helping Fight Coronavirus, Protolabs Dedicates Manufacturing to Battle the Coronavirus, A Mechanical Engineer Becomes a Mask Nerd. Youll find cup style masks, duck bill masks and flat-fold masks. pic.twitter.com/SJfkMoWjZ1, curiouser and curiouser (@SueSueCurious) January 13, 2022, We strongly recommend you read this excellent document by 3M, which is titled Filtering Facepiece Respirators FAQ: General Public., It covers the following topics: 1) Respirators vs. It does have a higher price, but the manufacturer says it can be reused until the filter gets clogged with dust and becomes hard to breathe through, or if the insides get dirty and contaminated, or if the respirator is punctured, crushed, or otherwise structurally damaged.. Collins likes trifold or boat-shaped N95s like the 3M Aura 9205+, which has foam over the nose clip for added comfort. You can find that page. (You can explore a master spreadsheet of his results here.). The company claims the filtration data is valid for at least 50 washes. It's also expensive acquiring and testing masks. There are increasing numbers of elastomeric masks available that provide two-way filtering. Happy to report my husband was able to use a N95 Readimask during his MRI. You may need to type a note specifying this as you checkout. No conclusions can be made regarding equivalency to N95 products that are NIOSH approved.. Remember what we warned you about earlier the fit of your mask is just as important as filtration. Fold the wire flat and you can seal it around the your nose. So don't expect your order to arrive overnight. NIOSH has a not very user friendly website where you can check if the mask is on its certified list. See. N95 fold style masks and KN95 masks. And once you choose one, its still a gamble; many people discover theyve ordered a mask thats too big or too small for their face or just doesnt fit right. The samples were tested using a modified version of NIOSH Standard Test Procedure Only particulate filter efficiency was assessed. And of those that do submit fit test data, not all submit data for each of NIOSHs 10 face sizes. The company says it is in the process of obtaining NIOSH certification: 3Ms 6000 series comes in three sizes and offers two-way filtration when fitted with the 3M Exhalation Valve Filter 604. . Korean KF94 masks are similar in performance to the USA certified N95. Although you may find one in a fun color, masks that are printed with fancy designs or dont have text stamped on them are probably fake. Masks protect the wearer, study. Aaron Collins has made a series of useful videos testing KF94 and other masks. on the box itself and/or within the users instructions). A reasonable price for N95 masks is $2 per mask or less. Mr. Collins may be best known for his list of childrens masks. Consider carefully the size and shape of your face when choosing a mask. , Tying the ear loops and tucking in the corners of the procedure mask to minimize gaps in the sides of the mask increased the mean (SD) FFE to 60.3% from 38.5%. The best filter in the world wont protect you if a lot of unfiltered air goes around the mask or mask filter. If you can find a tight fitting and breathable cloth mask for your face, then combining it with a surgical mask should give you a substantial boost in protection. One mask they tested, the Zubrex, did just as well as the masks built to pass one of the ASTM 2100 standards.