Most people think particle masks are only for very specific things, like working with paint or other toxic, breathable materials. The truth is that particle masks can help defend against a number of pollutants, such as:

Dust and Pollen – block airborne pollen that can wreak havoc on your nose and lungs.

COPD – create a shield during the winter months to prevent cold air from triggering breathing problems and block germs which cause illness.

Weakened Immune System – cancer and other patients being treated with a regimented medical treatment such as chemotherapy need to be especially cognizant of picking up an illness – using a particle mask can go a long way to ensuring germs stay outside, not inside.

Traveling and Airplanes – we have all had to sit next to the person who's coughing – don't get their cold! The World Health Organization recommends it (and so do we).

Outdoors – stop everything from dust and pollen to harsh chemical smells from entering your body.

Cold Weather – use a mask to help keep the face warm while enjoying the winter outdoors. This can also help those with asthma during the cold months.

Pets and Pet Grooming – keep pet hair and dander from entering your nose and mouth.

Valley Fever – living in the desert? Protect your lungs from breathing in Coccidioides immitis – the fungus that causes Valley Fever and other lung and respiratory problems  – by covering your nose and mouth.

A Note About Allergies:

The human body reacts to allergies the same way it does to infection: it ramps up the immune system to fight off what it perceives as being infectious. Once the body does this repeatedly, i.e., day after day, as it will do during any allergy season or consistent exposure to allergens, the body's immune system becomes stressed and weakened, making the body more prone to exhaustion and illness. If you are someone who suffers from a chronic respiratory illness such as asthma or COPD, constant aggravation of the lungs from allergies can cause ancillary respiratory problems, such as an asthma attack.

Using a mask such as Healthy Air Masks® can help prevent consistent exposure to airborne allergens by blocking them from entering the body. This enables your body to function optimally and keeps your lungs healthy and clean – and who doesn't want healthy, clean lungs?

A Note About Valley Fever:

Valley Fever, also called desert fever and San Joaquin fever, is found in the Southwest, in Arizona, California, Texas, New Mexico, Nevada, and Utah. It is caused by the fungus Coccidioides immitis, a fungus present in the soil. Valley Fever is not contagious; a person contracts Valley Fever when they make contact with the soil, either via digging or exercising, like mountain biking. Therefore, people who work with the soil – like construction employees and farmers – are most at risk for this, followed by bikers who kick up dirt on bike rides. Valley Fever has symptoms similar to the flu, but can occasionally spread throughout the body, causing serious illness and sometimes death. People with compromised immune systems are particularly susceptible to Valley Fever.

An N95 or N99 respirator is a respiratory protective device made to form a very close fit around the face while providing efficient filtration of airborne particles. All masks with the ‘N95’ or ‘N99’ designation have gone through careful testing. Each of these N95/N99 respirators blocks at least 95 percent of very small (0.3 micron) test particles.  However, even a properly fitted N95/N99 respirator does not totally eliminate the risk of illness or death. These masks are designed to help protect.

N95+N99 face masks are not designed for small children. People with facial hair should be aware that the face mask may not fit properly as well. Without a proper fit, they face mask may not provide the proper protection.

“The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) does not generally recommend face masks and respirators for use in home or community settings.  However, they may be appropriate for persons at increased risk of severe illness from influenza or other respiratory diseases.  Please consult with your health care provider for more information about when to use N95/N99 Respirators at home or in the community.”

 

When worn properly, a face mask is meant to help block large particle droplets, splashes, sprays or splatter that may contain germs (viruses and bacteria), keeping it from reaching your mouth and nose. Face masks may also help reduce exposure of your saliva and respiratory secretions to others. - FDA.gov Additional information can be found at https://bit.ly/2tRcvqB