absolutely. Hope GT has done away with the anti-science ban on the N95 respirator with valve.
That mask has been tested and is upper half of all tested masks for exhaling.is also one of the few that protect the wearer.
You know you can use the N95 masks that don't have valves right? I am not familiar with any established studies which show the efficacy being better than the majority of other mask options (as would be needed to score in the upper half of masks). Can you link to the study, as I am curious about this - we have some vented N95s from a home renovation that we haven't been using, since the guidance we had seen recommended against it for the protection of others.
Included below, from the CDC, FDA and Mayo Clinic with regards to the exhalation valves and their efficacy at protecting others around the mask wearer.
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(BOLDING IS MY OWN)
https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/hcp/respirator-use-faq.html -
Source
Q: My N95 repirator has an exhalation valve. Is that ok?
A: An N95 respirator with an exhalation valve does provide the same level of protection to the wearer as one that does not have a valve. The presence of an exhalation valve reduces exhalation resistance, which makes it easier to breathe or exhale. Some users feel that a respirator with an exhalation valve keeps the face cooler and reduces moisture build up inside the facepiece.
However, respirators with exhalation valves should not be used in situations where a sterile field must be maintained (e.g., during an invasive procedure in an operating or procedure room) because the exhalation valve may allow unfiltered exhaled air to escape into the sterile field. If you only have a respirator with an exhalation valve available, cover the exhalation valve with a facemask (surgical or procedure mask) that does not interfere with the respirator fit.
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From the FDA: (BOLDING IS MY OWN)
https://www.fda.gov/medical-devices...n95-respirators-surgical-masks-and-face-masks -
Source
General N95 Respirator Precautions
- People with chronic respiratory, cardiac, or other medical conditions that make breathing difficult should check with their health care provider before using an N95 respirator because the N95 respirator can make it more difficult for the wearer to breathe.
- Some models have exhalation valves that can make breathing out easier and help reduce heat build-up. Note that N95 respirators with exhalation valves should not be used when sterile conditions are needed.
- ....
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(BOLDING IS MY OWN) Mayo Clinic agrees:
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/coronavirus/in-depth/coronavirus-mask/art-20485449 -
Source
Some N95 masks, and even some cloth masks, have one-way valves that make them easier to breathe through. But because the valve releases unfiltered air when the wearer breathes out, this type of mask doesn't prevent the wearer from spreading the virus. For this reason, some places have banned them.
. I was thinking about how fortunate we were to have the Above the Line chart, then I heard about GA Southern and realized 1/3 of the team could test positive right before the game
. That was our average last year.