National Post (National Edition)

The Face Mask That Could End the Pandemic

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A recent article published by CNN highlights the top benefits of the N95 mask. The most impressive is that its 95% effective at blocking large and small particles, including viruses. Right now, you can get them around $5 per mask – here’s where to find them.

With parts of Canada re-opening up, safety is top of mind for all provincial government­s.

Although people are allowed to wear any mask, there is one that stands out among the rest.

So much in fact, that one expert from Harvard Medical School believes this mask could “stop the pandemic” if everyone wore one for just 4-weeks.

N95 Masks - The Gold Standard

for Protection

N95 masks are considered the gold standard in personal protective equipment because they block 95% of large and small particles utilizing a unique electrosta­tic filter.

The filter works by trapping neutral particles like bacteria and viruses before they pass through the mask, protecting the wearer – and equally important – those around them.

The way we’ve heard it described best is that it’s similar to how socks might get stuck to a blanket in the dryer.

The N95 mask, which costs around $5 per, also fits securely to the face, eliminatin­g most of the leakage that may occur with a loose-fitting cloth or paper mask.

Studies have shown that masks significan­tly decrease the chances of transmitti­ng or contractin­g the coronaviru­s. But not all masks provide equal protection.

Depending on the fabric and number of layers, homemade and simple cloth masks have a range of effectiven­ess that can be as low as 26%, which leaves the wearer vulnerable.

Face Mask Quality is Crucial For Protecting You & Everyone Else

The quality of protection a face mask can provide is crucial.

A respirator­y illness like the coronaviru­s is transmitte­d through aerosols, tiny particles that waft and hang in the air.

Some virus-carrying particles are small enough to travel through or around lower-quality masks, making the wearer vulnerable to inhalation of viral particles.

A Shortage of N95 Masks Has Been the Biggest Problem

Once the CDC website was updated with mask suggestion­s, everyone rushed to get one.

Demand has increased even more as experts from around the country believe it’s their top choice, too.

“An N95 mask that’s well-fitted clearly is the best that you can do” shares Dr. Anthony Fauci in a recent CNN interview.

Beware of Imposters

One of the biggest obstacles for consumers is where to find them – and when they do, ensuring that it’s sold by an approved vendor.

You will see people selling masks all over the internet. Most of the time, they are KN95 masks claiming to be N95. They are NOT the same.

For starters, KN95 masks do not meet CDC guidelines.

Second, they are not NIOSH approved.

Lastly, and perhaps more importantl­y, they are not proven to block 95% of large and small airborne particles. In terms of safety, they are inferior to that of the N95 but are often more expensive.

How Readers Can Get an N95 Mask

for Less Than $5 per Mask

A USA based-company, and approved vendor of N95 masks, is now are offering readers discounts while supplies last.

The company has decided to ship masks directly to consumers to comply with social distancing guidelines and mitigate person-to-person contact.

However, since their masks are warehoused in the Canada, shipping times can be expedited and often arrive within 3-5 days.

To claim your discounted supply of N95 Masks, you can call their customer care department directly at 1-800-210-8580.

Discounted pricing is only available for a limited time and while supplies last. It’s advised to call the company right away if you’re interested in learning more.

Their customer care department is open Monday-Sunday, 24 hours a day. They can be reached at 1-800-210-8580.

Depending on demand this may be the only time it’s offered in this region.

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