The risk of bacterial and viral infections is high these days. And, it is always good to take preventive measures to avoid falling sick due to infections. If you want to protect yourself from swine flu, common cold and other viral infections, wearing N95 pollution mask is recommended by various doctors as a precautionary measure whenever you are stepping out of your home.
Want to know more about N95 pollution masks? We have some Frequently Asked Questions and popular choices of N95 masks available in India. Go for the mask that suits your preferences and size to buy the right N95 pollution mask online. If you have a well-fitted mask, you can easily breathe clean air.
Popular N95 masks and their key featuresPopular N95 masks available in IndiaIf you are looking for a washable N95 mask that you can conveniently use for a long time, here is an affordable option to consider. With a triple filtration system, this mask effectively eliminates the pollutants, dust, pollen and more from your breathing zone. Made of organic cotton, these masks are soft and breathable and avoid any skin irritation or allergies. The breathing valve eliminates the heat build-up and allows you to wear the mask comfortably for long.This pack of affordable N95 mask sets is a popular choice and is preferred by plenty of people while stepping out. It has two non-woven fabric outer layers that cover 1 layer of N95 filter to ensure efficiency and comfort simultaneously. The strap can easily be adjusted to let you tighten the mask at a comfortable position. The nose clip of the mask can be adjusted to avoid fogging the eyeglasses. Since this is a non-washable mask, the set of 5 masks will be sufficient for you for a long period of time.This pollution mask by Pollution Safe is one of the most popular choices for N95 mask in India these days. It offers 4 layers of filtration and effectively filters out dust and non-oily particles from the air that you are breathing in. This mask is suitable for almost all age groups and can easily fit over your nose and mouth with the help of its elastic ear loops. With its respiratory valve, the exhaled air can easily move out of the mask making it comfortable for you to breathe while you are wearing this mask.This N95 pollution mask by Mush has 6 layers of filters for efficient filtration of air when you are breathing through it. If you wear spectacles, this mask will ensure that there is no fogging if you adjust it properly on your nose with the help of the nose clip. Besides using it on a regular basis as a preventive measure, you can even use this mask when you are riding a two-wheeler. This pack is a set of 5 N95 masks.If you are looking for an N95 mask for your kids, you can go for this one by BodyGuard. The mask has five layers of filters that will keep dust and pollutants away and let your kids breathe clean air. This mask is suitable for kids between the ages of 4-14 years and is comfortable to wear. Besides using the mask regularly when your kids are stepping out, this mask can even be used as prevention when your kids are going to a crowded area or are suffering from cold. The mask can be washed once when you feel it is too dirty and may not do the process of filtration effectively.Here is another set of non-woven N95 masks that are easy to wash and you can be bought online. Available in different colours, these masks can go well with your favourite outfits and provide you with enough protection when you step out of your homes. Ergonomically designed, these masks will fit your face well once you tighten them over your nose. You can clean the surface with a wet cloth or wash the mask with your hands. Avoid washing these masks in a washing machine.This anti-pollution mask by PureMe is another popular option that you can buy online as a preventive measure from infection, dust, allergies and more. It has 4 activated carbon filters with a filter life of up to 100 hours. So, you do not have to worry as you can use this mask for long. If you are washing up this mask, make sure that you wash without the filter.Buy this mask here. If you are looking for a cotton pollution mask, this one by Beatclouds is a good option to go for. This pollution mask has 2 layers of N95 filters and is insulated by antibacterial cotton on both inner and outer surfaces. What adds to the utility value of this mask is that it is a washable one. So, if you find it too dirty, you can easily wash the mask as directed on the pack and start using it again. It is available in multiple colours and can even be used while driving a 2-wheeler to protect yourself from dust.If you are looking for an affordable pack of N95 masks, this combo can be a good option that you can buy online. Available in multiple colours, you can easily match the mask to your attire to step out of your home without compromising with your style statement. Since these masks are washable, you can ensure proper hygiene levels on the surface of the masks at all times.Also read: Stylish reusable masks that will level up your style gameN95 Mask: FAQs- What is an N95 pollution mask?
An N95 pollution mask is designed in such a way that its multiple layers of filters ensure that the air you are breathing in is 95% free from dust particles and pollutants. The breathing resistance in these masks is comparatively lesser than most of the other types of anti-pollution masks allowing you to wear it for long without feeling suffocated. It is important to note that these masks are designed for regular use and will not protect you from harmful chemical vapours, gases and more. - Is an N95 mask reusable?
Though most of the commonly available N95 pollution masks can be worn and used a number of times, they do have a life. Once the mask gets worn out or the filter gets clogged due to the pollutants, it will no longer be effective to protect you against pollution. - How effective is a pollution mask?
The effectiveness of a pollution mask primarily depends primarily on how well it fits on your face. Most of the N95 pollution masks are available with a nose clip that will allow you to adjust the grip of the mask as per your face so that there is no leakage of unfiltered air when you are wearing the mask. The cleanliness of the filters has to be ensured for effectiveness. So, make sure you change the mask or filter on time. - How is N95 mask different from N99 mask?
Both N95 and N99 masks are quite popular in the Indian market these days because of the high levels of pollution. However, the main difference between these masks is the level of filtration. An N95 mask filters out 95% of dust and pollutants while N99 mask filters out 99% pollutants. Another major difference is that the ease of breathing is more in N95 masks as compared to N99 marks due to lesser breathing resistance in the former one. - When to throw your N95 mask?
Usually, the pack of the N95 mask has the life of the filter mentioned on it. You can calculate the number of hours and use it accordingly. Some masks even come with a colour indicator to highlight when you need to throw your mask. Sometimes, the masks get worn out due to wear and tear and regular use which reduces its efficiency and can no longer be used. If you do not see any visible change in your pollution mask after a number of uses but are experiencing difficulty in breathing, it is time to change the mask. - Is the N95 mask washable?
Washability of the N95 mask primarily depends on the design. There are some masks that cannot be washed as it may damage the filter. The outer layers of some masks can be washed but only after removing the middle filter layer. So, you will have to check the packaging of your N95 mask to check if it can be washed or not and the instructions about washing if it is washable. - What is the price of an N95 mask?
The price of an N95 mask usually varies between Rs 200 and 500. The price of the mask primarily varies on the basis of the number of filters used, the life of filters, the type of fitting, whether it has a valve or not and other factors. The price may also vary depending on the fact that the mask can be washed or not. - How many layers of fabric or filter does an N95 mask contain?
With plenty of design choices available in N95 masks, it is easy to choose the ideal one for your needs when you are stepping out of your homes. You may find N95 masks with usually 2 to 6 layers of fabric and filter. This combination ensures proper filtration and helps you maintain your safety levels easily. - Are N95 masks available for kids?
Yes, there are special N95 masks for kids available in the market. These masks are available in a smaller size than regular N95 masks available online. Some of these masks are softer and are lined with a comfortable fabric on the insider. So, your child will not face any difficulty when he/she is wearing an N95 mask for a long time. If your kid has any breathing problems, make sure you check with your doctor before shopping for the ideal N95 mask online.
DISCLAIMER: The Times of India's journalists were not involved in the production of this article.