When I was first diagnosed with breast cancer, I didn't know what I was going to do. After the devastation subsided, I decided to take a very standard, western approach to my healing. Although initial efforts were successful, my cancer recurred a few months later. I endured many additional months of treatment before I started focusing on myself. I decided it was time to incorporate complimentary alternative treatments into my healing regimen, including massage therapy. I can't even begin to tell you how much it changed my life. My healing became a process, instead of something I simply had to endure. I hope that the articles on my website can inspire you to stay open-minded about your own healthcare.
If you want to work in a hospital, then you should know that there is a wide variety of equipment that you may need to invest in to keep yourself protected while working in the field. The equipment is referred to as personal protective equipment and when it involves airborne illnesses that are serious, like TB, then you may be required to wear a special type of latex free particle mask called an N95 mask. Keep reading to learn about this mask and how you will go through the fitting process.
What Is An N95 Mask?
An N95 mask is a special type of personal protective equipment that is meant to protect the individual wearing the mask from infection. Specifically, it keeps you safe from airborne and liquid contaminants that you may come into contact with. Typically, the mask is worn whenever you are in a high-risk situation where you are at an elevated risk of contracting a disease.
The masks are quite different than your typical medical masks, which are worn in low-risk situations. The typical mask is a one size fits all sort of device, but the N95 mask is a fitted one that sits extremely close and tight around the face. The mask also offers substantial filtration, and this is what the 95 designation stands for. Basically, the mask blocks about 95% of all particles from moving through the mask.
As you can see, the mask may not protect you 100% for every airborne illness, but when used in conjunction with other protective measures, you can reduce your chances substantially of developing a serious infection.
How Are N95 Masks Fitted?
N95 masks that are used in the healthcare setting must be properly fit to your face. You cannot simply choose the mask size that you think will work best for your needs. Fit testing is completed by a professional who can ensure that particles and airborne pathogens are unable to make their way around the mask and into your body.
Fit testing is completed to see if the chosen size of mask creates an impenetrable seal around the face. The fit tester will measure your face first and determine the appropriate mask size. Then you will wear the mask while an aerosol is forced around the mask. These substances have scents and smells that you can detect if the mask is leaking, and you must indicate if you notice this.
If the mask leaks, then a different size will be tested until you sense no leaks from the mask.
If you successfully go through a fit test, you will need to go through a similar test once a year to make sure the mask is still the correct size for your face.
Share12 September 2018
