All You Wanted to Know About Coronavirus N95 Face Masks

We all have seen and heard the demand for M95 Mask has soared in the market and there is a severe demand-supply shortage of these marks during the CoronaVirus pandemic across the world.

Let us first understand what this N95 Mask is all about and why is in such demand during COVID-19 outbreak and what material is used in the production of these special masks. SlimmingStar breaks this down for you so that you will understand some basics

What is an N95 Mask?

N – stands for Non-oil, meaning if there is no oil based particulates are present, then you can use this in work environment.

As per Respirator Rating Letter Class, N refers to Non-Oil; R refers to resistant to oil for 8 hours; and letter P refers to Oil-Proof

95 – refers to the efficiency percentage. As per the HEPA Quality Filter, masks ending with 95 will have a 95 percentage efficiency. Masks ending with 99 will have 99 % efficiency and those with 100 will have 99.97 % filter efficiency.

N95 simply means this masks can remove 95% of .3+ micron particles

.3 microns – According to the Center of Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), this mask filters out contamitants like mists, fumes and dusts. Minimum size of .3 micron of particulates and other large droplets finds it difficult to pass through this special mask. It protects the person who wears this mask efficiently filtering all the dust and other particles of as lesser than .3 micron sizes.

What material is used in N95 Masks?

The material used in making this N95 Mask is slightly tough and yet flexible. Electrostatic non-woven polypropylene fiber material is being used and this makes these Masks more special. In many countries, these masks are not for use by the general public

CDC guidance doesn’t recommend this mask to be used by general public due to high demand and less supply in the market. However, since these are critical supplies and should be available only for certain segment like health care workers, physicians and other medical first respondents

N95 Respirators and surgical masks are a good examples of PPE (Personal Protective Equipment) used to protect the user from both liquid and airborne particles contaminating the face.

COVID-19 impact on N95 Mask Market Globally

According to a latest market research report from Technaivo, the demand and production for this N95 mask has boosted greatly due to coronavirus outbreak and is expected to significantly increase the respirator masks production, particularly N95 type masks across the world.

The global N95 respirator mask market is poised to grow by close to $400 million from 2020 to 2024 with a CAGR of 9% during the forecast period.

Let us quickly look at the Top Manufacturers of N95 Respiratory Masks

• 3M – An American Multinational Conglomerate oeparting in many counties. One of the largest manufacturers of Surgical Masks including N95 respiratory masks. The company focuses on workers safety, healthcare, and consumer goods. Aims to produce 2 billion N95 masks globally within one year.
• Kimberly- Clark Corporation – An American health and hygiene company provides consumer goods and personal care products. Key products are diapers, paper towels, tissues, surgical gowns, and disposable face masks including N95 respiratory masks.