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  • Frequently Asked Questions and Answers relating to 3M™ Respirators

    2023-03-08

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    Division 3M™ Surgical Face Masks Nexcare™ Face Masks 3M™ N95 Respirators
    Model Number T1926 Earloop Mask Comfort Mask N95 Particulate Respirator 9205+ N95 Particulate Respirator  N95 Health Care Particulate Respirator
    Relevant Product Picture T1926 Earloop Mask Comfort Mask N95 Particulate RespiratorN95 Particulate Respirator 9205 N95 Particulate Respirator N95 Health Care Particulate & Surgical Mask
    1.Use Prevent droplets from spreading Prevent droplets from spreading Reduce transmission through spreading droplets, and keep warm Reduce inhalation of droplets and non-oil based particles in the air NIOSH approved N95 (USA) Filter out at least 95% of polluted particles Pass fluid resistance test NIOSH approved N95 (USA) Filter out at least 95% of polluted particles Pass fluid resistance test
    2.Cautions Cannot achieve complete seal-to-face fit; the blue side should face outwards. Cannot achieve complete seal-to-face fit; the blue side should face outwards. Cannot achieve complete seal-to-face fit; designed to keep wearers warm and comfortable Fit testing required Fit testing required Fit testing required
    3.Standards EN14683 Type II/ ASTM level 1*
    BFE* : >98%
    PFE* : >99% 0.1 um
    Delta P*: <3.0 mm
    Fluid resistance* : 80 mmHg    		 BFE : 99%
    PFE : 99%    		 Not applicable NIOSH approved N95 (USA)
    Filter out at least 95% of polluted particles    		 NIOSH approved N95 (USA) Filter out at least 95% of polluted particles Pass fluid resistance test NIOSH approved N95 (USA)
    Filter out at least 95% of polluted particles
    Pass fluid resistance test, FDA cleared
    4.Remarks on Standards *ASTM = ASTM F2100 -11
    *BFE = Bacteria Filtration Efficiency, Size of typical bacteria at 3-5 microns
    *Delta P = Differential Pressure, Breathability - Pressure Difference, the smaller the value, the better
    *Fluid Resistance = Measure the ability to resist fluids at a specified pressure ( level 1 = 80mmHg, Level 2 = 120 mmHg, level 3 = 160 mmHg)
    *PFE = Particulate Filtration Efficiency, Particle size at 0.1 micron

    N95 is a rating given by The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) to any respirator that can filter out at least 95% of polluted particles.
    ASTM stands for the American Society for Materials and Testing, and ASTM F2100 -11 is a standard specification for performance of materials used in medical face masks. Materials used in medical face masks can be classified into 3 grades: Grade 1 is ideal for low amounts of fluid, spray and/or aerosols are produced; Grade 2 and 3 are for moderate to heavy amounts of fluid respectively. The main difference is fluid resistance.
    EN14683 is a European standard of requirements and test methods for medical face masks . It is divided into Type 1, 2 and 2R respectively. The main difference between Type 1 and 2 is BFE. And, Type 2 and 2R differ from each other in fluid resistance and breathability.
    5.Distribution Channels 3M Authorized Distributors:
    Clinicon Medical - 2730-1883
    Jacobson Medical - 2596-1832
    Healthy Medical - 8338-3333
    and official online shop at HKTVmall    		 Designated pharmacies, homeware stores and official online shop at HKTVmall Designated Mannings, pharmacies, cosmetics stores, department stores, book shops, homeware stores and official online shop at HKTVmall Builderhood
    恒和 eStore
    HKTVmall
    Home Delight
    ASHOP

    3M Authorized Distributors:
    Henry Chemical – 2881 6833
    Atlas International – 2797 9193
    Safetech - 2687 4038
    Goldteh International – 2682 6286    		 Builderhood
    恒和 eStore
    Home Delight
    ASHOP

    3M Authorized Distributors:
    Henry Chemical – 2881 6833
    Atlas International – 2797 9193
    Safetech - 2687 4038
    Goldteh International – 2682 6286    		 Builderhood
    恒和 eStore
    Home Delight
    ASHOP

    3M Authorized Distributors:
    Henry Chemical – 2881 6833
    Atlas International – 2797 9193
    Safetech - 2687 4038
    Goldteh International – 2682 6286
    6.Suggested retail price (recommended by 3M, but each distributor can set the selling price at its own discretion) HK$65 per box (50 pieces) HK$12 per pack (5 pieces) HK$37 per box (1 piece) 8210: HK$165/Box (20 pieces)
    9010CN: HK$280/Box (50 pieces)    		 HK$4,630/Carton (400 pieces) 1860/1860S: HK$300/Box (20 pieces)
    1870+: HK$$350/Box (20 pieces)
    7.How about the current supply of respirators? Available Available Available Available Available
    8.How to check the expiry date of the respirator? Please refer to the expiry date on the packaging
    		 Shelf life: 3 years Shelf life: 5 years
    (from the manufacture date on the packaging )
    		 Normal shelf life: 5 years
    (from the manufacture date on the packaging )
    Please refer to the best-use-before date on the following packaging
    9.How to differentiate an authentic respirator from a counterfeit? A 3M logo should be found at the lower right hand corner of the mask Nexcare brand and the lot number should be found on the packaging and the product. Nexcare brand and the lot number should be found on the packaging and the product. Customers are advised to purchase 3M ™ N95 respirators from 3M authorised distributors or 3M official online flagship stores to ensure that they get the genuine and authorised products. Any suspected case of counterfeit, please visit the URL below: https://engage.3m.com/covidfraud-bil_hk or report to the Customs and Excise Department. Any suspected case of counterfeit, please visit the URL below:https://engage.3m.com/covidfraud-bil_hk or report to the Customs and Excise Department.
    10.What are the correct procedures to don a mask or respirator? 1. Cover the nose and mouth with the mask, and the metallic strip should be on top.
    2. The blue side of the mask should face outwards with the metallic strip on top.
    3. Position the elastic bands around the ears and keep the mask securely in place.
    4. Cover the nose, mouth and entire chin with the mask.
    5. Press the metallic strip against the nose bridge with fingers.    		 1. Tie the black bands on both sides of the mask to form earloops.
    2. Cover the mouth, nose and chin with the white lining side.
    3. Position the earloops around the ears to secure the mask in place.
    4. Press the metallic strip on the nose bridge to form a custom seal.    		 Put on a protective respirator correctly:
    1. People wearing glasses should remove the glasses first.
    2. Loosen the two headbands in advance (applicable for 8210).
    3. Cover the nose and mouth with the respirator, and the metallic nose strip should be on top.
    4. Pull the upper headband up and over the head, place it on the back of the head, right above the ears.
    5. Pull the lower headband up and over the head, place it behind your neck, right below the ears.
    6. Press the metallic strip along your nose bridge by using the forefingers and middle fingers until it form a complete seal-to-face fit. 7. Positive pressure check (for respirators without exhalation valve): Cover the respirator completely with both hands and exhale. The respirator should be slightly bulging. If the air leaks from the edge of the respirator, it indicates improper wearing. Please reposition the respirator or readjust the metallic nose strip.
    8. Negative pressure check (for respirators with exhalation valve): Cover the respirator with both hands and inhale vigorously. The respirator should be slightly curving in. If air enters from the edge of the respirator, it indicates improper wearing. Please reposition the respirator or readjust the metallic nose strip.
    11.Any precautions to take before and after wearing the masks/ respirators? 1. Clean the face and hands thoroughly.
    2. Ensure there is no damage to the mask. Beware of the shelf life and check if the original packaging is alright.
    3. Do not touch the outside of the mask while removing it.
    4. Dispose of the used mask immediately into a lidded trash bin.
    5. Wash your hands or rub them with alcoholic disinfectant afterwards.    		 1. Clean the face and hands thoroughly.
    2. Ensure there is no damage to the mask. Beware of the shelf life and check if the original package is alright.
    3. Cleaning: dilute mild detergent with water, put the mask in, gently rub it by hand, rinse thoroughly, and dry it in a cool place.    		 1. Clean the face and hands thoroughly.
    2. Beware of your own health conditions.
    3. Ensure there is no damage to the mask. Beware of the shelf life and check if the original packaging is alright.
    4. Do not touch the outside of the mask while removing it.
    5. Dispose of the used mask immediately into a sealed bin.
    6. Wash your hands or rub them with alcoholic disinfectant afterwards.
    12.Who are not suitable to wear the masks/ respirators? Allergic to the materials of the face mask Allergic to the materials of the face mask No respirator should be used: 1. when the ventilation is poor, one has difficulty in breathing, or while sleeping, 2. on children under 3 years of age for the vital capacity of their lungs is relatively low. Please don’t wear respirators, or consult healthcare professionals before use if you are: 1. suffering from any respiratory diseases, such as asthma or emphysema; or 2. pregnant; or 3. feeling unwell after putting on the respirators, such as feeling difficult to breathe, dizzy or lightheaded.
    13.Does wearing a N95 and surgical face mask help to prevent infectious diseases? Properly use of 3M™ N95 and surgical masks can help prevent transmission of infectious diseases to a certain extent. Healthcare workers should choose to use those models that are fluid resistant for enhanced protection. The mask is designed for general comfort and keeping warm. Properly use of 3M™ N95 and surgical masks can help prevent transmission of infectious diseases to a certain extent. Healthcare workers should choose to use those models that are fluid resistant for enhanced protection.
    14.Any different sizes? There is only one size for the same model. If you have any special requirements on the mask size, please contact 3M sales representatives. Children and adults Children and adults (medium and large) There is only one size for the same model. If you have any special requirements on the respirator size, please contact 3M sales representatives.
    15.Any suggestions on storage? 1. Avoid keeping the respirators in an environment of high temperature and humidity. 2. the storage space and container should be clean, 3. record the purchase date or keep the invoice.
    16.How to handle the used mask/ respirator? Avoid direct contact with the used mask or respirator. Put it in a plastic bag, wrap up properly, and put it into a lidded trash bin.
    17.How long can a mask/ respirator be used? When should it be replaced? "It depends on the individual use and environment, but when you find it difficult to breathe or feel unwell, please leave the high-risk environment immediately (such as a hospital ward or a place with polluted air) and remove the mask.
    A new mask must be replaced immediately in any following cases: 1. When the mask is contaminated with pollutants, such as blood stains or splash of body fluids, e.g. spittle; 2. When the mask is damaged. "
    Other related inquiries
    18.How about the current supply of 3M disinfectants? 3M™Avagard™ Foaming Instant Hand Antiseptic is available from HKTVmall or please contact 3M authorized distributors:
    Clinicon Medical Limited - 2730-1883
    Jacobson Medical (HK) Ltd - 2596-1832
    Healthy Medical - 8338-3333
    19.How about the current supply of 3M™ protective eyewear? We will update the stock \of 3M™ protective eyewear from time to time. Please check out the following points of sales for details:
    Online shops:
    Builderhood
    Henry Chemical eStore
    Or major hardware stores in town.
    20.In what circumstances are people not suitable to use the N95 respirators? Please do not wear the respirators in any environment with an oxygen level lower than 19.5%.
    21.Are children suitable to wear N95 respirators? The N95 respirators currently provided by 3M are designed for occupational safety. The sizes of the respirators may not fit the children's faces, and will adversely affect the effectiveness and efficiency of the respirators. Therefore, we do not recommend children to wear the N95 respirators currently provided by 3M.

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