How Do I Decide Between all of the Types of Masks?
Recently, masks come in many types and choices, in which for some people, it will lead to confusion and might befall in the wrong type of mask. To understand the mask and get the perfect one for your needs, let's dig it down!
There is a term called "N-Series" masks particulate respirators, these masks provide protection against solid and liquid aerosol particulates that do not contain oil. It is including “dust” particles related to coal, iron ore, flour, metal, wood and pollen, and non-oil-based liquids.
The difference between N95, N99 and N100 masks is simply the filter’s efficiency level. N95 filters 95% of particulates and N99 filters 99% of particulates on the air. The higher the efficiency, the more particulates respirator will filter out and the healthier air we breathe!
Cambridge Mask PRO and BASIC filters meet N99 and N95 standards.
Both of the masks are ideal for people at risk of respiratory diseases, living in or travelling to areas with high air pollution level. It is perfect for travelling, especially to the air-polluted area. Moreover, the masks have a wide range of uses and are often used by travellers, cyclists, urban residents, and respiratory disease sufferers. Cambridge Mask meets N99 filter requirements, and it has been tested by Nelson Labs of America. In Addition, the Cambridge Mask PRO uses British Military Filtration Technology. Particularly, it filters almost 100% of pollution, gases, and 99.6% of viruses and 99.7% of bacteria.
Cambridge Masks filter harmful pollutants which are all found in the wildfire smoke.
These include carbon dioxide, water vapour, carbon monoxide, particulate matter, and other organic chemicals. One of the most harmful components is a particulate matter that ranges in size from 0.4 - 2.5 microns. Accordingly, this is small enough to penetrate the human bloodstream via the lungs and can lead to increase in the risk of heart disease or strokes which is one of the main causes of death from air pollution. Similarly, there are other harmful gases such as formaldehyde and Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) within the smoke.
The PRO Mask filters almost 100% of particulate matter down to 0.3 microns. Furthermore, the unique filter we use in the masks allows almost 100% of bacteria, viruses, and gases such as VOCs and formaldehyde to be removed. In particular, Cambridge Masks provide nearly 100% protection from particulate pollution such as PM2.5 and PM0.3
Mask Fit
Is wearing the perfect mask enough to give you full protection from air pollution? The simple answer is no. Wearing the correct size mask to get a good fit is imperative to ensure a high level of protection for your lungs.
How to order the correct respirator size?
To ensure the mask is the right size, please check when you inhale there are no gaps between the mask and the face which could allow air to enter. The mask is probably too small if it is pulling your ears forward or rising above your chin. In contrast, it is probably too big if the air can enter from the area near the nose clip or the area near your chin.
Need more specific measurements? Take a look at the chart below.
The easiest way to measure the correct size of the mask is by using body weight. The lighter the person the smaller the mask would be. However, body weight somehow leads us into confusion. Some people might have a larger frame with a small face (often seen in ectomorphic body types) or small body with full cheeks or a strong jawline. Therefore, to ensure you order the correct size, it is recommended to use a measuring tape to determine the size.
Instructions:
First, measure from the middle of your nose to about a little over an inch under your chin, this would be your reference for the first number on our size chart. Then, the second number is from the middle of your left cheek to the middle of your right cheek for the width of the mask.
For example: if the first number is 6” and the width from left to right check which is the second number is 7,4” this would be perfect with size M.
And the next question would be ‘What if my numbers fall in between two sizes?”
Do not worry, this is the benefit of choosing the masks with nose clips and toggles! You can choose a larger number and adjust it with the nose clip so that it will not fog your glasses and block the air coming in. Also, you can adjust the toggles to make sure the bad air will not escape in from the chin area.
Now we know which mask fits the best, let's see where we can stay updated on wildfire news so we can protect our lungs better.
Using technology to stay informed
Currently, a number of forecasting tools are available that predict where smoke plumes will travel—such as the U.S. Forest Service’s BlueSky tool and the NOAA Hazard Mapping System Fire and Smoke Product— to help forecast air quality and issue timely warnings.
The NOAA aims to answer what fires emit and how, but scientists and users know these tools need to offer greater geographic detail and more information about what the smoke contains.
Useful links & groups for wildfire Beside keeping updated with the latest information, there are also a ton of social media groups and websites you can join: California :- Website:readyforwildfire.org
- Facebook group: CAL FIRE
- Instagram: calfire
- Twitter: @cal_fire
- Youtube: CAL FIRE TV
- Periscope: CAL_FIRE
- Apps: CalFire apps by California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection available in iOS and Play Store
- Air Quality Health Index
- Environment Canada Alerts
- Firesmoke.ca
- SaskAlert
- Government of Saskatchewan Wild Fire Reports
- Government of Saskatchewan Fire Bans
Be ready and be prepared for the wildfire!
Don't forget to protect your beloved lungs by wearing Cambridge Mask, get it now!
