How Many Masks Should You Buy?

How many masks you will need will depend on your expected exposure. Here is a list of suggested quantities of masks for the following people for a pandemic flu or bird flu outbreak that lasts six weeks.

Notes:

• Remember in the case of pandemic flu, the first wave of the pandemic is followed by a second wave within a few months of the first, so you may want to double the quantity of masks to be prepared for both waves.
• You should replace a mask or respirator after each use or if it becomes damaged, and you should only wear a mask when you are at risk of exposure to the avian flu virus.
• The use of a mask or respirator on the job should be regulated by the employer according to federal law as expressed by the Occupational Safety and Health Organization (OSHA). The list below is a general guideline and is not meant to be a substitute for an evaluation of the needs for individuals or employees.
• Mask here means a N95, N99 or N100 mask that is both NIOSH certified and FDA approved, unless otherwise stated as only a surgical mask.

• Healthcare workers: Constant use of mask during shifts. 40 hours/week for 6 weeks would equal around 90 masks. Hospital/Healthcare Institution policy should regulate respirator use. Normally a worker will need a least one mask per shift, and probably several more. If we count three masks per shift working five shifts a week for six weeks we come up with the need for 90 masks for a six week period per worker. Since healthcare workers historically have the highest exposure to infectious diseases, stocking up on more masks and respirators would likely to a good investment. Some hospitals would require a mask change between patients, but this would be impractical in the case where many patients are placed in a single room.
• Essential public service workers: 40 hours a week for 6 weeks would equal: 90 masks, following the possibility of the same mask use as healthcare personnel. See employer policies regulating mask or respirator use.
• Family members of infected patients: Wear a respirator type mask such as an N95, N99 or N100 rated mask only when close to victim. Do not reuse the mask once it is taken off. We can estimate the need of around 90 masks for a six week period per family member in direct contact with patients. Remember that respirator type masks are not made to fit children so children should be kept away from infected individuals and other sources of bird flu infection.
• Patients in or out of the hospital: Stock up on surgical masks for victims. Patients do not need to use respirator type masks. Four masks per person per day adds up to nearly 160 masks for a six week period per family member assuming each person will fall ill. In the case of hospitalization, see hospital policies regulating mask or respirator use.
• Those in direct contact with live or dead poultry or wild birds: Wear while working. Consider the need for 90 masks/6 weeks. In the case the mask/respirator user works at a commercial poultry operation, see employer policies regulating mask or respirator use.
• Funeral service personnel: Wear a mask when working with victims. Approximately 90 masks/6 weeks depending upon time worked and use of mask. See employer policies regulating mask or respirator use.

Please see the sources for this article in the Bibliography for Personal Protection Equipment PPE Information.

Related Links:

• Definition of N95 N99 N100
• List of N95 Masks NIOSH certified and FDA Approved
• Buy N95 and Surgical Masks Online
• Proper Mask Fit and Use
• How to Properly Store a Mask
• When to Replace a Mask
• How to Disinfect Reusable Personal Protection Equipment
• Who Needs a Mask
• Pros and Cons of Pandemic Stockpiling