-Concord Health Supply Personal Protective Equipment page
https://www.concordhealthsupply.com/Personal-Protective-Equipment-s/352.htm
-Should use N95 Masks for Covid-19 - Source: CDC (March 10, 2020)
https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/infection-control/control-recommendations.html
-Expired Masks and other countries' N95 masks can be used - Source: CDC (February 29, 2020)
https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/hcp/respirators-strategy/crisis-alternate-strategies.html
-Comparison of variations of N95 masks from around the world. USA, Europe, China Australia, Korea, Japan - FFP2, KN95, and N95 and Other Filtering Facepiece Respirator Classes. - Source: 3M
Based on this comparison, it is reasonable to consider China KN95, AS/NZ P2, Korea 1st Class, and Japan DS FFRs as “equivalent� to US NIOSH N95 and European FFP2 respirators
-What is the difference between a Procedure Mask (Surgical Mask) and an N95 respirator?
Source: CDC
https://www.cdc.gov/niosh/npptl/pdfs/UnderstandDifferenceInfographic-508.pdf
A key consideration for safe extended use is that the respirator must maintain its fit and function. Workers in industry routinely use N95 respirators for several hours uninterrupted. Experience in these settings indicates that respirators can function within their design specifications for 8 hours of continuous or intermittent use. The maximum length of continuous use in non-dusty healthcare workplaces is typically dictated by hygienic concerns. For example, stop use of that mask and exchange it after exposed to specific germs.
If the mask has an exhalation valve, it will last longer. If the user is in a non-stressful job and not breathing heavily it will last longer. In dusty environments, the filter material can get clogged faster. Exhaling will cause the mask material to absorb moisture making inhaling more difficult. The user must make a logical decision if breathing is too difficult. Here is a detailed link from the CDC: https://www.cdc.gov/niosh/topics/hcwcontrols/recommendedguidanceextuse.html
