I do to, with his Aides as well.

Special stuff.

All the best.

Why wear n95+regular mask?
This was a recommendation to get extended use out of an N95. Use one N95 for a shift (or whatever) and put new regular mask over it so it doesn't get soiled. This was a big thing 2 years ago when n95 supplies were very limited.

Is someone recommending using this for 'extra protection'? then-

I would reference the CDC guidelines to see how the hospital policy is in regards to the CDC. If the hospital is overstepping CDC current guidelines, it might be an area of discussion to formally push back.

I would look for the latest updates, as the guidelines have seemed to be updating more recently, especially in the work exposure guidelines.


n95+surgical masks?
We have a number of people who do this in our office right now in various capacities. The idea of wearing a regular mask over an n95 is nothing new for aerosol generating procedures. Expanding that to a hospital wide suggestion seems new and not fun.

Sounds like the hospital might be stepping up from regular mask to n95's for the whole staff, but doesn't want staff tossing an n95 away for every patient, hence the overmask. I could be totally wrong though.

Either way, welcome to the party. Sorry.

N95, isn't that a one way valve that doesn't filter on the exhale?

The lungs can't take the force required to filter at the level a N95 does both ways.

I guess the second mask is for "exit" filtering.

There should be some form of time limit a person can work under that situation.

N95s come both with "exhaust valves" and without "exhaust valves" in a variety of colors, wheel choices, and interior options.
If you have an n95 with an exhaust valve, hospitals will want you to wear a mask over the exhaust valve. That's nothing new.

The "good (or best of the 'not so good news') " is that is you are wearing an n95, and need to wear a mask over it, get the cheapest level one illfitting mask you can find. Since it doesn't really fit, it doesn't make life toooooooooooooo much more miserable than you already are.

Fwiw- I'm wearing an n95 right now. 8 hours a day.

This chart is going around social media:

http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1642599419.jpg

But, but, but, what about all the science that is "settled"?

_

Just when you think you know everything, you find out you were wrong. :D

As I said, learning is hard. ;)

Best
Les

why yes it is

ESP FOR THOSE WITH IDEOLOGICAL PROBLEMS [maga]

btw wonder if we could throw things at the unmasked the spread would be less ? :rolleyes:

Very well put Les!

Unless they are doubling up over vented n95, which is likely the reasoning, that would indeed be asinine.

I think it likely they are asking for a second mask to cover a vented n95, that is pretty standard.

Thanks guys.
It's nice that you remember him. The problem is once he is out of his chair he has no way to communicate or advocate for himself. They sent him by ambulance to the hospital. By himself because they would not let his aid ride with him. I found him lying on a stretcher in a hallway in the ER because nobody could ask him what was wrong etc. Took me forever to get them to let me into the emergency ward and advocate for him.

^Stuff like this^ makes me furious. It is ridiculous and deleterious to patient care
Nope
This is an excellent sentiment.


Does not apply to this situation at all, not even a little bit.

One of the hospitals I work in has a sign outside the OR banning double masks. Next to it is a study about the ineffectiveness of double masks. Next time I'm there (couple weeks), I'll see if I can take a pic.

As others have said, nicely put.

Have they banned facial hair yet?

_

I can't imagine at this stage of the game that anyone is wearing vented N95 masks, those are for use when sanding dust or other potentially toxic particles are in the air. Not for preventing the spread of viruses. They probably quit making them 2 years ago but who knows...

They are still widely available. At "this stage of the game" we have people wearing bandanas, nothing at all, panties on their face, eye masks instead of nose mouth coverings....but I am sure no one would be using a vented n95. Yeah right.

https://images.thdstatic.com/product...dc-64_1000.jpg

https://images.thdstatic.com/product...2a-64_1000.jpg

If you have an N95 without the valve, when you exhale it vents around the rim/seal.

This chart is not accurate. Wearing a surgical mask or N95 will be about the same if you are infected. Wearing an N95 helps prevent BEING infected, while wearing a surgical mask does little.

The chart implies that you get the same protection each way.