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We live in a world full of cars and industrial gases, from which we need to protect our lungs. It is not easy to do so, but you have multiple masks such as N95 and N99 respirators that filter the air for you.

Long-term exposure to polluted particles in the air can weaken the sensitive tissue in your lungs, making it hard for your immune system to fight multiple serious diseases.

If you already suffer from some of these diseases, it is necessary to use protection masks. Here, I will walk you through the benefits of N95 and N99 respirators while emphasizing their differences.

 Air Pollution Effects

You are probably aware that polluted air is not good for your health. But you might not be sure how harmful it actually is.

Medical research has shown that breathing polluted air leads to multiple life-threatening diseases such as stroke, heart disease, asthma, and other numerous respiratory diseases.

If you already have some of these health problems, highly polluted air will act as a trigger, causing asthma attacks or other symptoms.

The smallest particulate matter of 2.5 microns or less (PM2.5) is the main threat to our respiratory health as it is small enough to reach the deepest parts of our lungs.

Inhaling air with a high concentration of PM2.5 can cause annoying symptoms such as coughing, sneezing, and a runny nose.

Not just that—long-term exposure increases the risk of developing various cardiovascular and respiratory diseases such as heart disease, chronic bronchitis, reduced lung function, lung cancer, and even death.

What Is an N95 Mask?

I assume you are worried about your health condition. Luckily, the N95 mask will help you breathe healthier.

It captures all those small harmful particles in the air, stopping them from reaching your lungs.

Why is the N95 Mask Good for You?

There are many benefits of using the N95 mask, but the most obvious one is that while having it on your face, you are limiting the inhalation of polluted particles, sending them directly to the mask filter first.

• It is estimated that the N95 mask filters 95% of polluted air particles, enabling you to live and work in a very safe environment.
• Additionally, most N95 masks have elastic straps for your head and an adjustable nose clip. Therefore, it provides the best possible seal and is very comfortable to wear.
• Observing its longevity, buying this mask is extremely cost-effective. Even when it becomes dirty, it will still catch over 98% of PM2.5 particles.

The only danger is the potential leakage through the edges of the mask when there is too much dirt. However, you can easily brush it out and use it again.

 N95 Mask vs. N99 Mask

Compared to the N95 mask, the N99 mask captures even more polluted particles. As its name suggests, it filters 99% or more of non-oil-based particles.

Differences Between N95 and N99 Masks  N95 and N99 Masks

However, that comes with a price. To make a better filter, manufacturers use denser material and create a different seal that reduces airflow, making the mask more expensive.

This increased filtration makes your lungs work harder, so your breathing is slower. Since wearing this mask requires more of your daily energy, you may get tired more easily.

If you wear it at work, that will surely affect your productivity. On the other hand, wearing the N95 mask will protect you from 95% of polluted air while maintaining your productivity and energy levels.

With both masks, you can still smell things such as diesel and car exhaust as they aren’t oil-resistant.

Longevity Comparison between  

In terms of longevity, the N99 respirator mask is not the most durable option, as it can fall apart after two weeks of everyday use due to its less elastic materials.

Conclusion 

If you feel like the N95 mask is not working well for you, I would suggest buying the N99 mask. However, since the N95 mask is cheaper, causes less fatigue, and lasts longer, it is a better choice in my opinion.

All in all, make sure that you protect your body from multiple dangerous air particles by choosing the right mask.