Debunking the myth that N95s are super protective for 40 hours of wear (let's stop recommending it!)

https://mathissweet.substack.com/p/debunking-the-myth-that-n95s-are

Some considerations:
• The healthcare workers in these studies donned and doffed the N95s a median of 4 times during each shift
• It is unknown how much the participants checked the fit and adjusted their respirators for a good fit
• Respirators were reworn the very next day if they weren’t retired, for a total of 5 consecutive days in some cases
• Those of us still masking may do things differently
• In the fit test study, they state that their fit testing method might be overly sensitive, where an N95 is deemed to have failed a fit test when it shouldn't have. However, after reviewing the study they cite about that, I disagree. Basically, in the study they cite, the threshold for considering a fit test passed was too low.
My takeaways:
• Based on these studies, I would not suggest rewearing the same respirator for anywhere near 40 hours of wear time
• If you do wear respirators for over 8 hours of wear time, it is super important to check the seal and fit and get the respirator to fit as well as possible
• If you do wear respirators for over 8 hours of wear time, it would probably be safer to wear newer masks in higher risk environments and masks with more wear time in lower risk environments (both for fit and filtration efficiency reasons)
• Before we worry about drops in filtration efficiency, we should worry about leaks in the mask or fit test failure
• If we do manage to get a good seal and avoid leaks, a filtration efficiency of 94.2 % (or generally a drop in filtration efficiency over time) is concerning
• If you need respirators, check out covidactionmap.org, maskbloc.org and if you’re in so-called canada, go to donatemask.ca

#MaskUp #WearAMask #CovidRealist #CovidIsAirbone #LongCovid #YallMasking #DisabledLiberation #DisabilityJustice

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