Since the start of the COVID-19 outbreak, global organizations in the healthcare industry have insisted that people take up precautionary measures to curb the spread of the virus.
As per these advisory world health bodies, COVID-19 is primarily spread when respiratory particles containing virus-causing pathogens are released when an infected person coughs or sneezes. The particles or droplets may either linger about long enough for an uninfected person to breathe them or find themselves on the mucous lining (nose, mouth, eyes) of a healthy person.
Some of these measures include the use of hand sanitizers and regular hand-cleaning to observe proper hand hygiene, social distancing, and wearing personal protective equipment (PPEs) such as N95 masks.
The use of face coverings, such as cloth masks and the N95 mask, has been touted as the best tool humanity has to fight the spread of the virus.
Let’s delve deeper into what the average Canadian needs to know about N95 masks and where you can buy them from.
What Is an N95 Mask?
In simple terms, an N95 mask is a protective covering that seals the mouth and nose, keeping airborne bacteria and viruses out. It is also known as an N95 filtering facepiece or N95 respirator. It is designed to create a barrier between infected droplets and a healthy person by filtering airborne particles.
This type of mask achieves a very close facial fit and filters out 95% of non-oil based particles such as airborne biological particles like viruses, mold, and bacteria, as well as dust, and smoke.
N95 masks are regulated by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
Since they offer 95% filtration efficiency, they have previously been reserved for personnel in the healthcare industry, especially because of shortages. Currently, however, residents of Ontario can buy N95 respirators through many local stores and online retailers, thanks to an increase in manufacturers.
How Are They Made?
N95 masks are made of different layers of materials that offer maximum protection against air particles. The two outer layers are made of a special non-woven fabric. This melt-blown fabric is what filters out small particles.
In the middle, is a cotton layer that draws in moisture, and finally the most important layer, the FFP respirator. This layer makes the main difference in quality between simple surgical masks and effective respirators like N95 masks.
How Can I Differentiate Fake From Authentic?
As manufacturers work to provide enough N95 masks for the general public and medical personnel, the almost predictable counterfeits are not left behind.
Counterfeit respirators have flooded the Canadian market, an occurrence that is quite troubling since we are no longer sure how efficient the N95 masks we buy are. That said, how do you make sure that the N95 mask you are buying is authentic? Here are some red flags that you should watch out for:
- All NIOSH-approved respirators have headbands, not earloops.
- All NIOSH-approved respirators should not be used by children.
- Misspelling of “NIOSH” is a common red flag on counterfeit masks.
- NIOSH certification and other approval numbers should be labeled in the headband or facepiece.
- Any decorative add-ons like sequins indicate forgery.
Where in Ontario, Canada, Can I Get N95 Masks?
Now that you are familiar with N95 Masks and how you can tell a fake from a real one, here are various stores where you can buy one. Note that N95 masks offer maximum protection from airborne diseases such as COVD-19. Here are the top stores to buy N95 masks:
1. 72hours Canada
72hours is known for its mantra, ‘Your One Shop Stop For Survival and First Aid Supplies’ and true to this statement, the store is a popular choice for many Canadians. Its products are of high-quality and are affordably priced. Regardless of the size of your order, expect this store to provide authentic products that have met all regulatory standards.
2. Canadian Tire
Canadian Tire is a renowned store for all household supplies as well as hardware goods. As such, the store offers a wide range of quality respirators, including N95 masks. The store also offers incentives such as a refund policy for unused items and pocket-friendly shipping rates.
3. Walmart Canada
Walmart is perhaps the most dominant retail store in the industry. It is a popular go-to source for a wide range of products, even protective gear. You can either visit a physical store or check out their online store to order from the comfort of your home and they will have the package delivered to your Ontario address.
4. Home Depot
Home Depot is yet another dominant figure in the retail world, especially when it comes to the Canadian home and hardware industry. Home Depot has stocked N95 masks as well as other forms of PPE such as disposable gloves and face shields. Their products are competitively-priced and people who’ve made bulk orders get to enjoy free shipping.
5. Rona
This is a popular choice for many Canadians looking to buy household items and other home improvement needs. They have stocked a diverse range of respirator masks, all of which are high in quality and are approved by NIOSH. For deliveries, they offer a variety of options such as local post office pickup, in-store, and home shipment.
6. Amazon Canada
Last but not least, Amazon, which is left last because it’s inclusion is almost straightforward. However, if its wide range of products is anything to go by, its inclusion should not come as a shock. It’s almost as if this e-commerce store sells anything and everything, so long as it’s legal.
Here, you can compare different prices and brands for N95 respirators, and better yet, you can assess customer reviews to help you find the best selection for you.
Personal Protection Goes a Long Way.
Face masks made from regular fabric and surgical masks create a physical barrier against debris, fluids, and dust but they are not classified as PPE. This is because they do not have a filtration layer that keeps out airborne pathogens such as viruses.
To get the highest level of protection against bacteria and viruses for your family, opt for N95 masks. They are effective, reliable, and will be found at either of the stores listed above at very affordable prices!
