{"id":3267,"date":"2023-09-27T09:39:18","date_gmt":"2023-09-27T13:39:18","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/gemhealthcare.com\/?p=3267"},"modified":"2024-05-29T18:43:43","modified_gmt":"2024-05-29T22:43:43","slug":"get-your-mask-tested-for-covid-season","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/gemhealthcare.com\/index.php\/2023\/09\/27\/get-your-mask-tested-for-covid-season\/","title":{"rendered":"Get your mask tested for COVID season"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

It\u2019s the only way to know \u2014 for sure \u2014 if you\u2019re protected<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Knowing your mask is worth wearing means having it tested. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Gaye Moffett has been conducting these tests for more than 20 years and has fit-tested more than 50,000 people. She learned how in 2003 when the original coronovirus landed in Canada: SARS.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

It’s one reason her staff were outfitted with masks that met that standard throughout the pandemic, but Moffett says this test isn\u2019t just for healthcare providers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

GEM will test anyone who wants to ensure their mask has the quality and fit they need to protect themselves and their loved ones.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Which mask do I need?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

The key to ensuring your mask works is material and fit. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Cloth masks \u2014 as well as the blue surgical masks \u2014 won\u2019t cut it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What you need is an N95 mask that has been fitted to your face. Moffett recommends 3M manufactured N95 masks, the company that invented the test during SARS.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

She cautions against using similar products, but says some can still work with an adjustment.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cWhile the KN95 masks can be effective, we found that the straps were failing,\u201d said Moffett. \u201cBut if it\u2019s what you have on hand, you can wear an ear protector<\/a> to extend the life of the straps and make it more comfortable.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How do I know if my mask works?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

There are two aspects to a functioning mask: materials and fit.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The test 3M invented for their own products involves using a spray that doesn\u2019t smell very good. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cIt\u2019s Bitrex, the same non-toxic but bitter-tasting substance people use to stop biting their fingernails,\u201d said Moffett.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Anyone wearing a cloth or blue surgical mask can detect the bitter scent because those masks don\u2019t provide an adequate seal. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

And if someone wearing an N95 mask can smell it, there\u2019s a problem with fit.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Who can get their mask tested?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

During the pandemic, GEM tested masks largely for healthcare and construction workers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Today, people who need the test may be living or working with someone who\u2019s vulnerable to COVID, or vulnerable themselves.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

That\u2019s why any member of the public can get their mask tested for a fee. Getting tested costs $64.50 if you bring your own mask, and $70 when you buy a mask from GEM.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cThe entire process takes 20 minutes from start to finish,\u201d said Moffett. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The only masks GEM tests are: <\/p>\n\n\n\n