Overview
As increased demand for face masks has resulted in a worldwide supply shortage, the medical community urgently needs one particular piece of protective equipment for its powerful ability to protect the wearer and lower their risk of contracting the infection.
An N95 respirator is an effective respiratory protective device due to the very close facial fit design and efficient filtration that blocks at least 95 percent of very small airborne particles. Healthcare workers especially need them to prevent contracting the virus so they can continue to treat patients and save lives.
This respirator shortage has motivated many companies to shift their production to N95 respirators; however the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) standards need to be met to ensure effectiveness and safety of the mask wearers.
To meet ASTM standards, N95 respirators need to pass the following tests:
- Bacteria Filtration Efficiency in vitro (BFE). BFE > 95% for level 1.
- Particle Filtration Efficiency. PFE > 95% for level 1.
- Breathing resistance. <5.0 mmH2O/cm2 for level 1.
- Splash resistance
- Flammability
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