How To Properly Wear Surgical, KN95, N95 Masks & Why I Don't Recommend Home Made Masks

[@jerry3579]

This, by far, is the best video I've seen thus far on learning what I don't already know about masks. Here it is in August 2021, with the Delta variant surging. I truly hope this advice will still hold true vs. this horrible variant, but I just bought a box of 10 KN95 masks for $8.99 at my local supermaket, and I'm hopng very much that it'll do the job this coming weekend because I must attend a crowded tent sale. I'm trusting your advice 100%. Thank you!!

[@benjaminotwell3594]

Hey, thanks for the valuable information. Not sure if you’re still answering these comments but: For how long, or how many uses are the KN95 and surgical masks safe? Also, is it viable to utilize a two-mask system? For example, wearing a surgical mask on top of the KN95 mask to increase effectiveness and hypothetically keep the KN95 mask cleaner for longer? Thanks!!

[@jerry3579]

I've had no trouble breathing with a regular surgical mask, but when I double up I use a cotton mask over the surgical one. Then it becomes hard to breathe. I would imagine the same would hold true by placing a surgical mask over the KN95, but I could be wrong as I'm no Dr.

[@christydeo6043]

How to make kn95 mask not fogging when wearing glasses?

[@marinacano8927]

The link is in the credits of this video. Tap the little arrow in the upright corner of the name f the video and it'll expand and you'll see the link he provided

[@j.nicolasphillips3167]

Thank you for that very professional, informative, and educated video.

[@justinhamilton8647]

cheers

[@msbim9649]

About to travel back to my virus-ridden state. Thanks for the tips!

[@kanaboon3388]

Can you tell how many time can we wear kn95 mask??

[@Silentafterthought]

Thank you for the video I wear a kn95 mask at work we have covid now I for sure know I'm wearing my mask correctly

[@TheGizmoGarage]

Perfect!

[@aaronmx47]

Where’s the link bro?

[@oldegoatee8450]

Thanks for a very helpful demonstration!

[@ardyezamani2563]

Thank you so much. Wishing you the very best and stay safe.

[@lifeafter6030]

There’s a tiny buckling in my kn95 that I got from a reputable company. It’s in the side of the cheek. I tried tying an extra knot in both ear loops and that made the mask tighter but the tiny opening is still there. Any recommendations? Thank you so much and stay safe.

[@ManamiAOfficial]

Idk why but I still smell cigarette when someone was smoking in the area, does that mean I’m wearing it wrong?

[@benjaminsmith2287]

My KN95 masks seems to slip over wearing it a few hours. I have a temp job in a lab and I notice my Kn95 mask starts to slip. I wear gloves and a lab coat and I don't want to touch the mask while I'm working. I have an 8 hour shift. Any suggestion on what I can do to keep it from slipping? I thank you for this video and please stay safe. My KN95 masks are SupplyAid and 5 PCS.

[@dlovanssock9539]

U need to shorten the straps by making some loops, I do the same. If it still causes problems, u might aswell use an N95 that has a round form with headbands.

[@benjaminsmith2287]

@@dlovanssock9539 Thanks, shortened straps works. I've changed brands and the new ones do not slip (made sure they were CDC tested as well). The N95s are quite uncomfortable. I take my hat off to the people that wear them for hours on end.

[@rdbjrseattle]

Li Fan How can you DYI test to make sure the KN95 mask is airtight around edges? How can you completely block the front of the mask to test edges? I think that’s the most critical check. Does the edge seal fairly good on ownwithout help except for nose piece?Thanks.

[@King_Junior]

Thank you very helpful!

[@fromthealtuniverse]

I tried to get my Kn95 to seal but I can still smell through it. It's somewhat loose on the sides of my face and over the bridge of my nose. Any pointers?

[@deborahkhill846]

Mine too is loose in both places.

[@nighttenjo12]

Me too, I think it is too big for my face

[@carlavandenberk6889]

hello, I have a AMG MedPro Defense mask it came in the package blue side out metal strip out and printing of brand on this side also, do I turn it inside out to the white side and have the metal strip on the inside?

[@nitatoe]

THANKS 🙏

[@whatisyourexcuse]

BIG PROBLEM: When I wear an KN-95 mask and I talk, it comes down off my nose, no matter how tight the nose seal is. This is because when I talk my chin naturally pulls the mask downward. The KN-95 hugs the bridge of your nose and wraps under your chin. But inherently the distance between the bottom of your chin and your nose increases every time your jaw opens to talk, and every syllable it slips down a little until it's off my nose. Is there anyway to avoid this?

[@TheGizmoGarage]

Unforturently there is not one mask that will fit everyone. I don't have the problem you experienced so I can not share any tips for you. Have you tried to wear a surgical mask under KN95? Maybe that will reduce slipping... But I have surgical masks as if I talk the surgical mask always touches my lips

[@louisgibson5795]

I took put mine all the way over my entire nose bought mask extender my mask doesn't slip at all when I talk

[@justinklink1588]

Thanks for this. Curious, should all KN95 masks have the metal strip on the outside of the mask?

[@TheGizmoGarage]

Different manufactures do this differently, some have them hidden in between the layers, and some have them simply glued on the exterior of the mask.

[@robertprestwood1242]

They are better if they are swen into the KN95 like the ones I bought from UbiquityMedica.com

[@dlovanssock9539]

@Victor Lester I bought my KN95 from a pharmacy in Italy while I was on vacation there, the Metal/plastic that seals the nose is inside the layers

[@EggYolk_000]

Hi good day- I always spray a little amount of alcohol (just 1 spray) to the interior and exterior portion of my newly purchased KN95 one day before I use them for I am not comfortable to use them without doing it. Is it ok ? Thanks

[@puppet09]

Hi sorry if this is so late but a few days ago i got a video from my family about this, they tested the surgical mask spraying the inside and outside with alcohol and then they pour water on the inside, it leaks. But the mask without the alcohol it doesnt leak. Just becareful because your masks may not work.

[@TheStpeteboy]

You say don't buy vented mask but 3M and other studies I have read said they performed the exact way as non filtered and allow for easier breathing?

[@tammy_99x93]

the problem with masks that have valves is that it's not protecting ANYONE that you come in contact with. it's ONLY protecting the person who's wearing that mask. because the valve is a 1 way exhale only valve, that allows the wearer to exhale out into the open. So if you're infected with covid and wearing a mask with a valve, you can infect those around you

[@JC-gk2nc]

Thank you for this informational video. Can you share how you are able to remain safe and secure from a filtration perspective even though there is perforated lining at the top and the bottom on both sides of these KN95 masks that you can see through to the other side and that obviously allow air intake? Wondering why they are there (probably for easier breathing) but how do these openings not compromise overall safety since particles are still allowed to get in?

[@TheGizmoGarage]

Hi Jonathan, these transparent areas are NOT perforated! They are actually heat-treated/glued areas which keeps the all the layers together, they do not leak any air into mask at all. It's easy to test for air-tightness of KN95/N95 or surgical masks. All you have to do is spray some perfume/cologne around your arm and try to smell them with your mask on. all the masks should preventing you from smelling the scent. If you smell them, then mask is not properly sealed.

[@JC-gk2nc]

That makes a lot of sense. Thank You. I followed your instructions from the video, put on my KN95 mask and made sure the nose seal and corners were tightly in place. Check. Took a look in the mirror in a well lit area and saw the treated/glued areas reflected in the light. So far so good. Then I tried the “spray deodorant on armpit area of shirt” test. Waited for 5 seconds and .... unfortunately I was able to smell the deodorant quite easily. And the KN95’s I have are from the approved Chinese manufacturer list posted on the FDA website. So I might just have to double up and wear the mask plus some other form of loose covering on top like a large bandana for example. At least I won’t be strutting around out there with a false sense of security. Once again, Thank You for your help.

[@jerry3579]

@@JC-gk2nc Good luck breathing if you do that. Too bad the OP isn't answering questions too much, but I'd imagine he's very very busy - understandable.

[@dh2392]

The best of these masks will only block particulates down to .3 microns, and the coronavirus is .05 to .2 microns, or 1-1/2 to 6 times smaller than that.

[@xdragon2k]

While the virus is smaller, the particulate the virus is riding on is probably bigger and is filtered by the mask.

[@dh2392]

@@xdragon2k The fact that medical personnel are getting covid-19 despite wearing N95 masks proves this is not always the case.

[@xdragon2k]

@@dh2392 where is this happening? Are there articles that speak of this in detail?

[@shutupaleix]

@@dh2392 they could also be getting infected bc they may have touched something on accident, forgot about it, then touched their face, introducing a virus; they may have been wearing it incorrectly (N95s require a fit test); or they may have gotten virus in their eyes from particles that may have been lingering in the air (aerosols) for whatever reason. Even then, there is the possibility that the respirator didn't filter a few small particles. Nothing is 100%, not even N95 masks. It should be noted that healthcare workers are exposed to the virus waaay more than the general public should be during a pandemic. Best practices are still physical distancing, hand washing, avoiding going out when not necessary (esp to crowded places), and when going out to places where distancing isn't too realistic, wear PPE, or the closest thing you have to it.

[@jdavis8668]

Where is the link you mentioned?

[@robertprestwood1242]

UbiquityMedica.com 5 layers I bought 100 for $2.95 each.

[@dh2392]

Why do kn95 masks have perforations?

[@TheGizmoGarage]

It's not perforation, those are areas where 4 layers of fabric gets pressed together, it looks transparent but are actually fully sealed, there is no air leaks around those areas.

[@dh2392]

@@TheGizmoGarage Thanks, I didn't know why they were there. I emailed the seller who responded back to fill one with water and see if it leaked. It didn't, but at first look I thought how is this supposed to work?

[@Antonio18677]

I bought this one at the gas station and it says on the back “This respirator helps protect against certain particles. Misuse can result in sickness or death” does this mean if you put it on wrong it can kill you I don’t understand?

[@worldtour1A]

THAT'S CHINESE-ENGLISH INSTRUCTION

[@shutupaleix]

Idk that I'd trust gas station masks (it's difficult to really trust anything when quality products are unavailable to many), but "Misuse can result..." usually means that if you put it on incorrectly, there won't be a good enough seal -- KN95s typically are only effective if they create a tight enough seal on your face so that particles won't leak in through the sides of the respirator. If you happen to use a KN95, or N95 mask incorrectly, it can lead to a false sense of security when going out, and may lead to you getting infected, and, possibly if things go awry, dying of the infection.

[@marisdad2412]

Thank you. Can I use my phone uvc sanitizer to extend the life of my kn95 masks?

[@TheGizmoGarage]

Good question, there is no affordable scientific method to sanitize the kn95 masks for reuse, and UV light exposure usually damages a lot of fabrics used to make the mask so in a sense they will deteriorate and degrade the performance of the mask, but again there is no proof low powered cell phone UV light can kill coronavirus if it's on the mask. So best practice is replace mask after worn for about a week max, if worn every day

[@marisdad2412]

@@TheGizmoGarage How do you store it?

[@TheGizmoGarage]

have mask opened with exterior side facing up, in a dry/cool place, try not to touch the mask but only handle by grabbing the mask ear loops

[@dh2392]

I read some hospitals are using UV-C light, but it takes 1/2 an hour, so you don't want to use a wand. I use a ozone cleaner that I bought for my CPAP machine, and these can be found much cheaper than UV-C lights, and there is no UV degradation. I would let the mask sit for at least 2 hours to air out the ozone afterwards. Disinfecting before bed and letting the mask sit all night would be a great way to do it. You could even do quite a few masks at once in the bag enclosed with these ozone cleaners.

[@vintageworks2805]

Great video sir thank you. I recently saw on news the kn95 mask r recalled and considered not great for you what do you think. Thanks. Im a new sub

[@TheGizmoGarage]

You need to make sure the KN95 mask you buy is from verified sources, many sellers are selling bad quality KN95 masks and claiming it to be KN95 by simply just stamping letter KN95 on the mask. The real KN95 mask (such as the one made by 3M sold in China) has the exact same filtration rating and mechanical performance as the N95 mask.

[@sumanbhurtun9250]

How to wash the kn 95 masque sir

[@TheGizmoGarage]

The mask is disposable, NOT washable, if you wash the mask, the filtration mechanism will be damaged.

[@cindybenchimol1147]

So I bought kn95 masks and have fixed them at the nose like you show however my glasses still fog up. are there different sizes ? I’m female and don’t have a large face. I didn’t see different sizes on the website I bought them from. At clinicalsupplies.com/ca

[@TheGizmoGarage]

Unforturently unless the mask is "vented" with a special venting hole, your glasses will always fog up because the breath you exhale exit through mask and travels in all directions including upwards towards your mask, so it's not the fitting issue, every N95/KN95 mask will fog your glasses unless they are fitted with a vented valve.

[@amyblankestyn8764]

I was given a KN95 mask at work. Wearing it today for the first time, I found it hard to breathe and talk. The mask would collapse, closing off my mouth. I had to gently pull on the middle seam to keep the mask away from my mouth. Is there any way around this?

[@TheGizmoGarage]

Is your kn95 similar design to mine in my video?

[@amyblankestyn8764]

@@TheGizmoGarage yes

[@gqtaste]

Do you know anywhere else I could buy either KN95 or N95's?

[@TheGizmoGarage]

You can order CDC/NPPTL tested/verified KN95 masks here: www.zfsupplies.com

[@gqtaste]

@@TheGizmoGarage Thanks a ton. I got worried when the CDC came out with the news that a lot of masks were faulty just yesterday. I sure can't tell the difference with the real thing. www.cdc.gov/niosh/npptl/usernotices/counterfeitResp.html

[@prernashukla4607]

Can we wear surgical mask and then kn95 over that?

[@famousramus2288]

Yes, it will increase the lifespan of the respirator since isn't directly exposed let it sit for a week after using it though

[@shutupaleix]

Wear the surgical mask over the respirator, instead. The inventor of the N95 has said that one of the most efficient ways to sanitize a respirator, was to put it in an oven at 160° F for 30 minutes. However, it should be said that he does not recommend using a home oven, but I guess you could try it?

[@wendyblock7460]

Can you wash a KN95 mask?

[@TheGizmoGarage]

Nope, even if you can they typically last for about a week before disintegrate, and the earloop starts to fall off

[@3almy0myworld]

Bro, you forget to explain doing fit test on kn95 mask..

[@ulisesesson7953]

how can u breathe tho

[@nekrohatred9547]

Do not wash and re use these masks. They're meant to be used once, you only do more damage to the masks efficiency by doing this.

[@Tom67Slick]

Sorry man, I thought you were a woman from the thumbnail