Ask Tess: What is the difference between N95 and N100 respirator masks?

Hi Tess,

My wife and I read your 52-Weeks to Preparedness series and want to get prepared for the Ebola pandemic if it hits America. I’m a bit confused on all of the different types of respirator masks out there and was wondering if you could shed light on the subject. What’s the difference and which one do you suggest we use?

Thanks,

J.T. Sawyer

Answer:

Hello J.T.,

Ebola is a very concerning health issue going on in the world and one that I believe we should have a preparedness plan for. There are differences in the respirator masks on the market and knowing the difference between them can help keep you and your family safer.

When the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) specified there be requirements for different respirator filters, they created three divisions for the filters with differing specifications: N series, R series and P series. Using masks with air-purifying respirators protects by filtering particles out of the air the user is breathing. There are seven classes of filters for NIOSH-approved filtering facepiece respirators available at this time.

• N95 – Filters at least 95% of airborne particles. Not resistant to oil.
• Surgical N95 – A NIOSH-approved N95 respirator that has also been cleared by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) as a surgical mask.
• N99 – Filters at least 99% of airborne particles. Not resistant to oil.
• N100 – Filters at least 99.97% of airborne particles. Not resistant to oil.
• R95 – Filters at least 95% of airborne particles. Somewhat resistant to oil.
• P95 – Filters at least 95% of airborne particles. Strongly resistant to oil.
• P99 – Filters at least 99% of airborne particles. Strongly resistant to oil.
• P100 – Filters at least 99.97% of airborne particles. Strongly resistant to oil.

The difference between the N-series, R-series and P-series of masks has to do with whether or not the mask will be worn in an environment where oils and their vapors can be inhaled. In short, N-series filters are not resistant to oil, R-series filters are resistant to oil, and P-series filters are oil proof.

The respirator filter ratings (95, 99, 100) refer to the percentage efficiency at removing particulates from breathing air. 95, 99 and 100 series filters are 95%, 99% and 100% efficient, respectively.

In the case of preparing for Ebola, keep in mind that the Ebola virus strands can be as small as .02 microns in diameter, which are smaller than 3 microns. That said, the virus can permeate the filtered masks by a carrier such as (water molecules, bodily fluids, etc.). The best bet in assuring your families safety against Ebola is with N100 or P100 mask. Further, investing in other pandemic supplies would also be worthwhile.

• Have a one month supply of emergency foods that require no refrigeration.
• Store 1 gallon of water per person per day, in clean plastic containers. Avoid using containers that will decompose or break, such as milk cartons or glass bottles.
• Tyvek protective suit and shoe covers
• plastic sheeting
• Supply of nonprescription drugs
• Pain relievers
• Cold medicines
• Decongestants
• Stomach remedies
• Duct tape
• Anti-diarrheal medication
• Essential oils
• Vitamins that have immune boosting enhancers (such as elderberry,
• Fluids with electrolytes (such as sports drinks)
• Bleach or disinfectant
• Tissues
• Garbage bags to collect soiled clothing and bedding before they are washed.
• A thermometer
• Latex gloves
• Impermeable shoe covers
• Disposable cleaning gloves (in quantity)
• Soap
• Hand wipes
• Alcohol-based hand sanitizers or homemade hand sanitizer supplies
• An extra supply of your regular prescription drugs and medical supplies.
• N95 masks or N100 respirator masks (in quantity)

As with most disasters, a pandemic will require long term social distancing measures that will further require you to have be prepared for a long term disaster of 1-2 months or longer. Therefore, keep your needs in mind and prepare accordingly. I hope this helps, and best of luck on your pandemic preparedness kits.

Tess

This information has been made available by Ready Nutrition