3M 9502+ N95 NIOSH Approved (GB2626-2019 KN95) FACE MASKS

To order your 3M 9502+ N95 Headband Face Masks click here

Please help slow down Omicron transmission in our community by choosing to properly fit and wear an approved N95 mask whenever out in public

Homemade dual or triple layer cotton cloth re-usable masks are designed to protect others from the wearer but have been shown to only reduce the transmission of Omicron by 30% or less on average.

The normal blue surgical type masks filter ≥95% of sub-micron sized particles but in practice do little to protect the wearer from breathing in virus infected airborne particles because they fail to seal fully around the face and leave large air entry gaps.

Watch the following video, which shows a quantitative comparison between different mask options – click here

A recent study carried out by the American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists (ACGIH), based on data provided by the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), estimates different timeframes for coronavirus contagion depending on the type of face mask a person is using. These range from 27 minutes for somebody wearing a cloth mask to up to 25 hours for someone wearing a perfectly adjusted N95 mask. These times can be extended by increasing the amount of natural ventilation/airflow, which reduces the chances of higher viral loads dramatically.

Unfortunately, there seems to be a misconception out there that the standard blue surgical masks provide the wearer with adequate protection.
The lack of protection against Covid-19 afforded by surgical masks is due to their loose-fitting design. Masks of this type are used to contain splashes on both sides of the fabric. During a surgical procedure, for example, they prevent the patient from being contaminated by drops of saliva from the mouths of the surgeons when they are talking, while also protecting the medical personnel from blood and other fluids from the patient. Furthermore, the filters in these masks only trap particles of between three and seven microns in size. This means that bacteria and other large aerosols are retained by the mask, but other finer aerosols, such as those that transmit the coronavirus, are able to get through.

The N95 & KN95 masks were in short supply in the early days of the pandemic, but now that they are commonplace, scientists and health authorities have been stressing the importance of using this kind of effective protection against coronavirus, pointing out that masks made of cloth and surgical masks are not equipped with a facial seal and are loose-fitting, thereby allowing a large quantity of aerosols to escape.

The fit of a mask and its seal are more important than the filtration efficacy of its component materials when it comes to reducing leakage on the inside of the fabric. Ensuring an optimal fit is also important with these masks, as a gap between mask and face equivalent to as little as 2% of the mask’s surface would allow up to 50% of air to pass through unfiltered.

We are suggesting each person have 3x N95/KN95 masks to be used on a 3-day rolling cycle, storing each used mask in a brown paper bag (which we also supply) so that any residual virus particles will be decontaminated, ready for use 60-hours later.
The diagram below illustrates a four day cycle based on higher viral loads like those found in hospitals, but studies have confirmed most viral particles are decontaminated within 24 (delta) to 48 (omicron) hours.

For this reason N95, KN95, & KF94 approved masks are recommended, but only when correctly fitted… Click here for fitting instructions

To order your 3M 9502+ N95 NIOSH Approved (GB2626-2019 KN95) Headband Face Masks click here.

Delivery options may be offered as a part of the order process but where this becomes logistically impossible due to over demand then orders will be switched to pick-up only. You will be notified once your order is ready to pick-up (all collect orders will require valid order number, photo ID, and proof of address to be presented on collection).

These KN95 masks can be used for around 40 hours in total or re-used 10x over by simply decontaminating them using the prescribed procedures provided click here. Remember, do not throw away these masks after just one use unless they have become damaged (no longer sealing well), corrupted (wet/soiled), or unusable (broken/damaged straps).

For home qualitative fit testing (Adults Only) procedures click here . Note: Only use rigid large zip-lock type plastic bag as shown in the guide. This is strictly for adults only, who must be aware of dangers with plastic bags over heads.

Please let us know if you need larger quantities or more information via Freephone: 0800 007 008, Text/phone: 021 28 38 062
Email: support@waitakere.org.nz, or Facebook Message: click here

If you cannot afford or cannot source an N95 or KN95 mask then there are a few hacks that you can deploy to improve the protection using a standard surgical mask. Watch the following demonstration video from Auckland GP Dr Sandhya Ramanathan.

nb. Do not pinch the nose piece with one hand, use both hands at the same time to properly mould it to the shape of your nose.