The N95 Mask vs N99 Mask Comparison
Which is better; the N99 mask or the N95 mask? Face mask protection has become a part of everyday life. Some need them in their professional work. Everyone now needs one to go about their daily activities. They are vaccinated against the latest viral epidemic. Is the N99 mask better than the N95 mask?
There can be a massive difference between various types of face coverings. They now range from cloth fashion face coverings to full-on-whole face-covering HAZMAT style gear.
The N95 mask has emerged as one of the most recommended and famous since the explosion of the original Covid-19 pandemic. Then there are also N99 masks. What is the difference? Which is better? Which one do you need and should have in your cart now?
Cloth Face Coverings Versus Particulate Respirator Masks
The most significant difference between classifications and types of face coverings is between cloth options and particulate respirators. Cloth options may include bandanas, scarves, and those bluish medical-looking cloth masks you probably saw in a hospital or on TV long before the coronavirus.
Dr. Peter, a pediatric dentist in Arlington, Virginia, points out one huge difference between these cloth face masks and respirator masks. Cloth masks, including those you might commonly see in healthcare settings. They are designed to protect others from the person wearing the mask.
Furthermore, to catch and filter what you are breathing out. For example, a doctor does not infect a patient with an open wound. So what is the difference between N99 and N95 respirator masks? The N95 and N99 are two ratings for particulate respirator masks.
N95 Masks
N95 masks have gained a lot of visibility and attention since the Covid-19 pandemic began. They have been among the most in-demand and recommended by governments and infectious disease experts.
You might consider this the gold standard of personal protective equipment. Recommended by CDC and NIOSH regulates and approves masks by FDA. They are proven to filter out 95% of airborne particles, down to ultra-fine particulates as small as 0.3 microns.
N99 Masks
The N99 mask is very similar to the N95. Strict professionals and government agency standards regulate it. The N99 is tested and proven to filter out 99% of non-oil airborne particles. The Bielcor N99 respirator mask also incorporates an internal valve to make breathing easier.
At the beginning of a crisis, you may often hear that N95 or the superior filtration of the N99 respirator mask is unnecessary for civilians.
That is so emergency responders and others feeding out the messaging can secure the premium protection of these masks. But, of course, as we saw with Covid-19, the CDC and government then admit these are the best protection for everyone.
They are designed to be close-fitting. It keeps the wearer even better protected than many other types of coverings, which tend to lose or even put them more at risk by pulling in more infected air around the mask.
Uses for N95 and N99 Masks
There are many uses for these respirator masks. This was true even before the coronavirus and will continue to be true.
Virus Protection
While the government wants everyone vaccinated, the fact is that no vaccine is 100% effective. Some vaccines have proven ineffective at protecting against new coronavirus strains, like the new and rapidly spreading Delta variant.
In contrast, a respirator that filters out 95% to over 99% of airborne virus particles may provide even more protection than a vaccine. From here on out, it is clear we all need effective masks for emergencies, if not everyday life, and especially any travel or public transportation.
Healthcare Settings
This is the gold standard for respiratory protection, even more so in infectious disease or emergency response situations, like building collapses.
Returning to Water-Damaged Buildings
It is recommended to enter any site or building that may have water damage. Such as returning to homes, rental properties, and offices after flooding, major storms, and hurricanes. Any water infiltration can result in toxic mold, with immediate and severe health consequences even for a short period.
Dust Masks
The N95 and N99 are effective dust masks for hazardous work environments from construction sites to home remodeling, hobby rooms, and wood and metalworking shops.
Daily Air Pollution
The World Health Organization (WHO) says air pollution causes at least seven million premature deaths. It is also responsible for various health issues, from several types of cancer to respiratory problems and attacking vital organs like the kidneys and liver.
This all makes us even more susceptible to other medical threats, like viruses, because our organs are not at their best functioning. WHO also warns that 9 out of 10 people breathe air that exceeds their pollution standards daily. In some countries, wearing masks and respirators is just a part of everyday life because of this. It should probably be a more common practice in many more cities.
What Is Most Important in Choosing a Face Mask?
There are several vital things to look for when buying an N95 or N99 mask:
- It fits perfectly
- NIOSH certified and stamped with an approval number
- Authentic masks directly from approved suppliers
- Handle your mask well, and avoid contaminating it
- Change your disposable respirator mask regularly
By reading this article, we hope you can now decide which of these masks would best serve your purpose. Whichever you choose to go for, have the peace of mind from getting the best protection possible with NIOSH-certified and CDC-approved masks from Bielcor. What are you waiting for? Get your N95 mask or N99 mask now at bielcor.com
