Summary
A review of the 3M Aura Mask.
Review of the 3M Aura N95 Mask
The 3m Aura N95 Mask is a certified NIOSH mask used primarily in industrial settings, but also provides strong protection for communities against smoke, pathogens, allergens, and other microscopic particulates.
The bands used go around the head rather than ear loops, which provides a much firmer fit than ear loop masks.
It sits comfortable on the nose and chin when fitted appropriately. The respirator can be worn more than once, though it is not recommended using it for long-term repeated use. (That would require a reusable mask such as a Flomask, Envo mask, 3M Half-Face p100 respirator, and similar masks). There are some masks, such as a Vogmask, that can be reused for up to three months. Often the packaging will list if it is one-time use only or reusable over a specific period of time.
For those with larger faces, some people admit that they fit a bit too snug for those with larger heads. This can cause headaches for those individuals.
For those with smaller heads, no headaches have been consistently reported. So be aware of the mask size when choosing.
Fitting a mask requires making sure the mask is large or small enough for one’s head and facial features. One way to do this is to measure from bridge of nose to chin. Then compare that measurement to the mask itself (when it is fully open). If the mask’s measurement falls below, then the mask may be too small. If it is significantly above, the mask may be too large. The Aura mask does come in slightly different sizes, but most maskblocs may have only one size available for that particular mask. (If it is too large or too small, check the maskbloc for other possible respirators which may fit better).
This mask is designed to fit over the face, where the top is pinched over the bridge of one’s nose, and the bottom will sit just under the chin.
3M Aura Mask
FIT TESTING
US’s CDC and OSHA provide an explanation for a fit test to determine if a mask has sealed appropriately. The two fit tests are known as positive or negative tests:
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Positive pressure user seal check—The person wearing the respirator exhales gently while blocking the paths for air to exit the respirator to make sure there aren’t any leaks. A successful check is when slight pressure builds up in the respirator without any leakage.
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Negative pressure user seal check— The person wearing the respirator quickly inhales while blocking the paths for air to enter the facepiece. A successful check is when the facepiece collapses slightly under the negative pressure. (From CDC’s Fit Testing FAQs)
To test the 3M Aura, the negative pressure seal check is best. You can use your hand or use a mirror to see if the facepiece collapses slightly from the quick inhalation. It will do so slightly from the middle.
Another way to test is to breathe out heavily for the positive pressure seal test, and if you feel air escaping along your nose or cheeks, then the mask hasn’t sealed properly.
The best way to seal the mask is to make sure it is fit to your face, the bridge part over your nose is pinched to fit the nose’s width, and there is no facial hair in the way of the seal.