KN95 mask?

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Specializes in Peds.

How is a KN95 mask supposed to be equivalent to an N95 mask when I can feel air leaking out of the front,near my chin? They are one size fits all. I cant even tighten up the strings.

I work in a LTC facility on floor with Covid patients only.

We get 1 KN95 mask/shift

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Specializes in ICU.

Were you fit tested for the mask? It sounds like it's not a good fit for you.

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Specializes in Long term care.

I was wondering the same thing. From the very beginning of wearing KN 95 masks in my long term care facility we, as CNA s, are going into patient rooms caring for " actively positive patients" rooms with a mask that is not fit tested to us....wearing gowns that have been hanging outside patient rooms to be reused for 5 days.

.....we get 1 mask every 5 days (often 12 hour gifts) in & out of covid positive rooms & into other patient rooms.....wearing the same mask.....for 5 days before getting a new one.

....am I missing something?

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Specializes in Maternal Child, Home Health, Med/Surg.

I have been wondering the same exact thing. When I first tried on a KN95, it was stabbing me in the eyes, wasn't fitting around my face well, and my glasses kept fogging up. I ended up having to kind of "play" with the mask to make it safer - which ended up with me having something behind my head pulling the strings more, and super bending the metal. The whole time I was with a COVID+ patient hoping to go I didn't get anything.

I still don't like them. I still think they aren't safe. We get one mask and are told it's good for "20 uses." Since when did we lower our standards so much? I know we are running low on PPE, but at least allow us to have some sort of something where we can't ACTIVELY see its failure.

AND THERE'S NO FIT TESTING FOR THESE! ONE SIZE FITS ALL. ?

I apologize for my mini rant.?

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Specializes in Registered Nurse.
6 hours ago, Missingyou said:

I was wondering the same thing. From the very beginning of wearing KN 95 masks in my long term care facility we, as CNA s, are going into patient rooms caring for " actively positive patients" rooms with a mask that is not fit tested to us....wearing gowns that have been hanging outside patient rooms to be reused for 5 days.

.....we get 1 mask every 5 days (often 12 hour gifts) in & out of covid positive rooms & into other patient rooms.....wearing the same mask.....for 5 days before getting a new one.

....am I missing something?

I don't think your missing something. It sounds like you and the patient's are not well protected, although I don't know what the acceptable guidance is for KN95 mask. I don't think we as a society value elders. It also appears that we don't value their caregivers either. So sorry you are going through this. I hope thinkgs get better. It's definitely worth looking into Osha requirements in your state to see if your work place is following acceptable guidelines and If not, report this.

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Specializes in Peds.
On 6/28/2020 at 11:43 AM, EllaBella1 said:

Were you fit tested for the mask? It sounds like it's not a good fit for you.

No KN95 masks are one size fits all

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Specializes in NICU, PICU, Transport, L&D, Hospice.
14 hours ago, Runsoncoffee99 said:

No KN95 masks are one size fits all

Some employers require fit testing, or used to.

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1 hour ago, toomuchbaloney said:

Some employers require fit testing, or used to.

It's still an annual OSHA requirement. However, considering the PPE shortages some facilities are accepting any fit test date. And, some only require the employee successfully complete a seal check.

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Specializes in Maternal Child, Home Health, Med/Surg.
39 minutes ago, chare said:

It's still an annual OSHA requirement. However, considering the PPE shortages some facilities are accepting any fit test date. And, some only require the employee successfully complete a seal check.

Mine doesn't even require that. They just throw it at you and say good luck.

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Specializes in ICU.
On 6/30/2020 at 2:26 AM, Runsoncoffee99 said:

No KN95 masks are one size fits all

You should still be fit tested. If it doesn't fit you well and you fail the fit test then you need to talk to your manager and refuse to take covid patients until they provide you with a mask that protects you.

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Specializes in Cardiology, Progressive Care.

KN95 are China’s standard N95. They are not NIOSH approved in the US, however, they have been given an Emergency Use Authorization (EUA) due to the shortages.
https://www.fda.gov/medical-devices/coronavirus-disease-2019-covid-19-emergency-use-authorizations-medical-devices/personal-protective-equipment-euas
I wear them for when I have to go shopping as I figure it’s better than a reused surgical mask. They are readily available at Staples.
I would not be comfortable using them at work with a positive.
yes, using an ear saver or a paper clip to stretch the bands behind your head makes for a tighter seal.

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Specializes in Peds.

It is easier to breathe in,I give it at.

I asked a nursing supervisor and she said only N95 are fit tested,not KN95.

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