Is N95 better than N99 for pollution protection?

Long-term exposure to polluted particles has the potential to weaken the sensitive tissue in your lungs, making it hard for the immune system to fight back. In order to avoid that, it is necessary to use these masks.

Before we figure out which mask is better, let us first understand the problem better and how does it affect us.

The effect of air pollution

You must be aware of how harmful the polluted air is, but not completely. Several types of research have shown that breathing polluted air can lead to various life-threatening diseases like heart diseases, asthma, stroke, and other respiratory diseases. If you suffer from any of the aforementioned diseases, highly polluted air can trigger you easily.

The smallest particulate matter is 2.5 microns or less (PM 2.5), and this is the primary threat to our respiratory health as it is small enough to reach the deepest parts of our lungs. When you inhale air that has a high concentration of PM2.5, it can lead to symptoms such as sneezing and a runny nose.

Things don’t stop here, if you are exposed to it for a longer period of time, you might be at risk of developing various cardiovascular and respiratory diseases like chronic bronchitis, reduced lung function, heart diseases, among others.

Now the question arises, which mask is better N95 or N99 at protecting us from these deadly diseases?

1) N95 masks

N95 masks can filter up to 95% of (N) on-oil particles that are larger than .3 microns (.00003 cm). This mask also protects you from:

Pollution

Dust

Bacteria

Viruses

Allergens

If you are planning to buy an N95 mask then make sure it has a valve or two that is used to exhale air. The valves also ensure that there is no moisture near your nose or eyes. The mask also consists of jumbled-up fibres that lay on top of each other, and while the air flows through it the polluted particles get stuck in those surfaces.

2) N99 mask As the name suggests, N99 masks are capable of catching even more polluted particles. Although, that comes with a price. In order to catch more particles, manufacturers use denser material to create a different seal that can reduce the airflow, making the mask a little expensive. And, all of this combined makes your lungs work even harder which results in breathing slowly. Considering that wearing the mask requires more energy, you can get tired easily.

Is the N95 mask actually better than N99?

N95 mask offers 50% lesser breathing resistance than N99. It means you can wear the N95 mask for longer duration without feeling suffocated. If you’re in an area with poor air quality levels, wearing an N95 face mask is the best way to protect your lungs and overall health. If you have any of the following conditions then N95 pollution mask would be a better choice:

Breathing problems

Emphysema

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)

Asthma

Cardio-pulmonary problems

Conclusion

In the end, the most important thing is to put your health first and protect it at all costs. Here's hoping that this article provided you with more clarity regarding both the masks.