How n95 mask filter works?

The N95 mask is made of multiple layers of synthetic material (usually polypropylene plastic polymer) and is designed to be worn on the mouth and nose. The straps behind the ears help hold the mask in place. Masks must filter out and capture 95% of the 0.3micron particles in the air (hence the "95" in the name). Let us see how n95 mask filter works.

This passage is going to talk about the followings of how n95 mask works:

What can the N95 mask prevent?

N95 filter principle

Use a cloth cover

What can the N95 mask prevent?

According to a report cited by the National Center for Biotechnology Information (part of the National Library of Medicine and the National Institutes of Health), the N95 respirator has two main advantages over a simple cloth cover or surgical mask. First of all, the report found that N95 masks can filter 0.3μm particles (smaller than droplets produced when talking, coughing or sneezing) with a filtration efficiency of more than 95%, making them an effective method for filtering bacteria and germs. The study also found that N95 masks are generally more suitable around the face and neck, ensuring that droplets and particles do not leak around the mask. The report states: "Even if N95 filtering is not required, N95 fit can eliminate leakage around the mask, which is more advantageous than a loose mouth surgical mask. It is estimated that the diameter of the COVID-19 virion is between 50 and 200 nanometers. N95 masks are sufficient to isolate the virus.

N95 filter principle

The mask filtering mechanism must be optimized between two competing demands. The pore size of the mask filter must be small enough to capture particles, but too small a pore size will prevent individuals from breathing, so the mask filter cannot be below a certain average pore size. In order to meet this optimization requirement, the N95 mask basically operates according to three principles:

1) Inertial impact: usually aerosol or dust particles with a size of 1 micron or larger have enough inertia to prevent them from flowing around the fibers in the filter layer, slamming into the mask material and being filtered.

2) Diffusion: particles smaller than 1 micron (usually 0.1 micron or less) and not affected by inertia will diffuse and stick to the fiber layer of the filter, while performing Brownian motion around the tortuous porous matrix of the filter fiber.

3) Electrostatic attraction: This mechanism uses charged polymer or resin fibers, which attract charged particles of opposite sizes and trap them.

Use a cloth cover

The CDC recommends that the public use a simple cloth face mask in public places to slow down the spread of the virus, as this will help people who may be infected with the virus but do not know the virus to spread it to others. For more information, see CDC's recommendations on the use of cloth coverings, especially in important community-based transmission areas. The best way to prevent disease is to avoid contact with the virus. However, as a reminder, the CDC always recommends daily preventive measures, such as washing hands and maintaining a social distance of at least 6 feet, to help prevent the spread of respiratory diseases.

We hope this article has helped you understand more about what is N95 mask and how n95 mask filter works. If you need N95 masks, do not hesitate to contact us. Our products will be your best choice.