The N-95 mask: invaluable ally in the battle against the COVID-19 pandemic

The N-95 mask: invaluable ally in the battle against the COVID-19 pandemic

Zarir F Udwadia, Reyma Sara Raju

The present COVID-19 pandemic, caused by the airborne SARS-CoV-2 virus, has highlighted the vital importance of appropriate personal protective equipment for all exposed health care workers. The single most important part of this armor is the N-95 mask. With the awareness that the virus is spread by both droplets and through the aerosolized route, the N-95 provides protection that a surgical mask cannot match. This timely review looks at the special advantages that an N-95 offers over a surgical mask with specific reference to the COVID-19 epidemic. It also emphasizes the crucial importance of ensuring quality masks with a proper fit. Finally, with acute scarcities of N-95 masks being reported from hospitals globally, it reviews recent literature which attempts to prolong the life of these masks with extended use, reuse and decontamination of used masks.

2020

Personal protective equipment, n95 mask, decontamination measures, extended use

10.4103/lungindia.lungindia_339_20

Lung India

Wolters Kluwer Medknow Publications

Diseases of the respiratory system