1. When do people usually wear an allergy mask?
People with allergies wear masks for all different types of indoor and outdoor activities. A very sensitive person may even have to wear a mask at all times. Some of the activities that an allergy mask can help you with are gardening, mowing the yard, vacuuming, raking leaves, going to the store, sweeping, taking walks in park, riding a motorcycle, commuting to work, working in an environment with pollution or fumes, other cleaning jobs, and anytime someone might be exposed to strong smells, mold, mold spores or other allergens.
2. How do masks help with allergies?
Masks work in the same way that air purifiers work. They filter out airborne particles and allergens. Depending on the type of mask, the filter can protect against irritants like cleaning agents, perfumes, soaps, paint, varnish, hydrocarbon pollution, arsenic, odors, and chemical air fresheners. An allergy mask will be able to provide protection against common allergens like pollen, plant spores, pet dander, mold, cigarette smoke, house dust, and dust mites.
3. When should anyone consider wearing a mask?
-When you have to clean up mold, garbage, or anything that may seem toxic, even cleaning with bleach.
-When commuting on trains, airplanes, subways, bicycles, and walking surface streets may need to protect the lungs against urban air pollution and fumes.
-If you are sick but you cannot stay home, a face mask may help prevent you from spreading an infection or illness to others.
-During the winter a cold weather mask can help prevent the cold air from causing shortness of breath or a cold weather induced asthma attack.
4. What different types of allergy masks are available?
There are so many types of masks in the market place that a decision about which mask to purchase can be overwhelming. As when purchasing any allergy product, it’s helpful to learn how a mask works and what’s involved in the differences between them.
When researching any mask it is important to note what type of filtration that the mask provides. There are masks with HEPA filtration, charcoal cloth filtration, carbon filters, and some with no filters. A good mask should come with information regarding the size and types of irritants that are removed.
5. How do I know what size mask is right for me?
We are asked this question almost every day. Because each mask is made differently, there really is no easy answer to this question. Some masks have adjustable straps, while some attach behind the head with Velcro. Others still have elastic straps that will stretch to fit most people. Getting the correct mask for your face size and your allergy needs is important not only because a snug fit is essential for the best filtration but also because masks are personal items which cannot be returned. Deciding which model and size is best for you will depend on several factors. You need to ask yourself several questions before purchasing:
* Is my face structure small, medium, or large?
* How often am I going to use this mask?
* What level of air filtration do I need?
* How much do I want to spend on an allergy mask?
* Am I allergic to the materials used to make the mask?
Answering these will help narrow your choices some and give you a better idea of what type and size of respirator or mask you should consider.
6. When do I replace my respirator, mask or filters?
The filters in an allergy mask over time will become less effective. Some masks are disposable, meant for only a few uses at most. These you can simply toss out and replace. In general, you should replace your filters or mask when you notice a decrease in filtration performance or smell solvents. This is referred to as “breakthrough.” This means your filters have essentially captured as much particulate and toxic matter as they can and are now failing and allowing solvents to pass through.
You should also replace your mask when breathing through the mask becomes more difficult, when the mask or filter is damaged, or when the face piece becomes unhygienic. Filter and mask life will depend greatly upon several factors including, concentration of contaminants, humidity, temperature, ventilation and even breathing rates. All of these can work to decrease effective use time. Lastly, for respirator filters or masks with carbon, maximum use time is approximately 6 months since carbon can and will absorb contaminants from the general environment even when you are not wearing the mask or using the filter.
7. How do I maintain and clean my allergy mask?
Disposable masks are not meant to be cleaned, but with more expensive mask that use replaceable filters, cleaning the mask is very important. Each mask has cleaning and maintenance instructions on the packaging or in the directions. Follow these instructions very closely. The packaging of these masks also is important for sizing and fitting instructions.
8. How do I store my mask or respirator?
You should store your mask or respirator in a clean, dry area. A respirator does you little good if you get the inside dirty or contaminated with allergens. Store each mask in separate sealed plastic bags in the closet of my garage. There I don’t have to worry about direct sunlight possibly breaking down the filter media or water, dirt or allergens contaminating my mask or filters. They are clean, dry, and ready to use whenever I need them.
9. Should I buy several different masks depending on my situation and environment?
Yes, you can match up several masks depending on the level of your sensitivity. You may have one for using when mowing the lawn and one for when visiting the grocery store. A different mask will assure that you have the right protection in the right situation.
10. What are the most common types of specialty masks?
Asthma, allergies & MCS: Those with sensitivity to every day odors such as detergents, perfumes, chemicals, will need a mask with a changeable carbon filter to eliminate these chemicals from the air.
Urban commuters: The best masks for city commuters have HEPA and carbon filters, to provide protection against fumes and oil-based air particles.
Outdoors or athletic activities: Typically a cloth mask or HEPA only will suffice here. Assure that there is a good fit so that it will stay put even during moderate to rigorous activity, offers excellent filtration and isn’t as bulky as a traditional respirator. There are even specialty cold weather masks for use when the temperature drops.
About The Author:
Pat Bradley, works at Achoo Allergy. Located in Atlanta, GA, Achoo offers information and products to help allergy sufferers in the US and Canada. Receive your FREE, Allergy Sufferer’s Survival Guide and promotions.
Article Source:
http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Pat_Bradley
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