how to donate ppe

Are multilayer cloth masks more effective than single-layer ones for protecting from COVID-19?

In recent laboratory experiments, multilayer cloth masks were more effective than single-layer masks, blocking as much as 50% to 70% of exhaled small droplets and particles.

How effective are N95 masks against COVID-19?

N95 masks filter up to 95% of particles in the air when approved by NIOSH and proper fit can be achieved. People should be aware, though, that about 60% of KN95 masks in the United States are counterfeit and do not meet NIOSH standards.

How to verify the authenticity of face masks purchased during the COVID-19 pandemic?

The FDA does not have a list of all counterfeit or fraudulent products. To report fraudulent COVID-19 products to the FDA, email [email protected]. The CDC provides information on identifying counterfeit respirators at Counterfeit Respirators / Misrepresentation of NIOSH-Approval.

What is a COVID-19 N95 respirator?

An N95 respirator is a respiratory protective device designed to achieve a very close facial fit and very efficient filtration of airborne particles. Note that the edges of the respirator are designed to form a seal around the nose and mouth.

What type of mask has the most protection during COVID-19 pandemic?

Loosely woven cloth products provide the least protection, layered finely woven products offer more protection, well-fitting disposable surgical masks and KN95s offer even more protection, and well-fitting NIOSH-approved respirators (including N95s) offer the highest level of protection.

Can masks prevent the transmission of COVID-19?

See full answerMasks should be used as part of a comprehensive strategy of measures to suppress transmission and save lives; the use of a mask alone is not sufficient to provide an adequate level of protection against COVID-19.If COVID-19 is spreading in your community, stay safe by taking some simple precautions, such as physical distancing, wearing a mask, keeping rooms well ventilated, avoiding crowds, cleaning your hands, and coughing into a bent elbow or tissue. Check local advice where you live and work. Do it all!Make wearing a mask a normal part of being around other people. The appropriate use, storage and cleaning or disposal of masks are essential to make them as effective as possible.

How can I tell if the face masks, surgical masks, or respirators I want to purchase during the COVID-19 pandemic are counterfeit or fraudulent?

The FDA does not have a list of all counterfeit or fraudulent products. To report fraudulent COVID-19 products to the FDA, email [email protected]. The CDC provides information on identifying counterfeit respirators at Counterfeit Respirators / Misrepresentation of NIOSH-Approval.

Where can I find the expiration date of face masks?

The manufacturer-designated shelf life or expiration date may be found on the product labeling or packaging, or you can contact the manufacturer directly.

What should workers know about cloth face coverings and the protection they provide?

See full answer• Cloth face coverings, whether provided by the employer or brought from home by the worker, are not respirators or disposable facemasks and do not protect the worker wearing them from exposures. • Cloth face coverings are only intended to help contain the wearer's respiratory droplets from being spread.• Used in this way, CDC has recommended cloth face coverings to slow the spread of the virus that causes COVID-19. Wearing them may help people who unknowingly have the virus from spreading it to others. • Workers can wear a cloth face covering if the employer has determined that a respirator or a disposable facemask is NOT required based on the workplace hazard assessment.

What is an N95 respirator?

An N95 respirator is a respiratory protective device designed to achieve a very close facial fit and very efficient filtration of airborne particles. Note that the edges of the respirator are designed to form a seal around the nose and mouth.

What is a Surgical N95 respirator and who needs to wear it?

A surgical N95 (also referred as a medical respirator) is recommended only for use by healthcare personnel (HCP) who need protection from both airborne and fluid hazards (e.g., splashes, sprays).

What is a respirator?

A respirator is a personal protective device that is worn on the face or head and covers at least the nose and mouth. A respirator is used to reduce the wearer's risk of inhaling hazardous airborne particles (including infectious agents), gases or vapors.

How long can COVID-19 linger in the air?

The smallest very fine droplets, and aerosol particles formed when these fine droplets rapidly dry, are small enough that they can remain suspended in the air for minutes to hours.

Does the COVID-19 virus live for long on clothing?

Research suggests that COVID-19 doesn't survive for long on clothing, compared to hard surfaces, and exposing the virus to heat may shorten its life. A study published in found that at room temperature, COVID-19 was detectable on fabric for up to two days, compared to seven days for plastic and metal.

Do I need to wear a mask and avoid close contact with others if I am vaccinated against COVID-19?

Generally, if you are up to date on your COVID-19 vaccinations, you do not need to wear a mask in outdoor settings. Check your local COVID-19 Community Level for recommendations on when to wear a mask indoors and additional precautions you can take to protect yourself from COVID-19. If you are immunocompromised or more likely to get very sick from COVID-19, learn more about how to protect yourself.

What is the N-95 mask?

An N95 respirator is a respiratory protective device designed to achieve a very close facial fit and very efficient filtration of airborne particles.

What is "So You Want to Help with PPE's"?

So You Want to Help with PPE’s is a Google doc that is continuously being updated with information on how to donate to the cause as well as helpful information about masks.

What is PPE in healthcare?

“PPE is personal protective equipment that helps protect you from the airborne and other particles that can be transmitted from one individual to another resulting in the spread of disease ,” explains Tisha Rowe, MD, a family medicine physician with online health care service provider, Rowe Docs. She notes that this category includes materials such as masks, gloves and gowns. “We need masks more than anything right now,” she adds. N95 respirator masks are particularly in demand, as they are specifically designed to protect the wearer from airborne particles.

What is PPE Coalition?

PPE Coalition: The PPE Coalition has launched an initiative to pair people who want to donate with websites in which they can send supplies to. Their comprehensive lists contains suggestions of vetted places to donate to, including:

What is PPE link?

In response to the PPE shortage, a group of scientists, engineers, and medical professionals living in the US have created an initiative called PPE Link, and have set up the website #FindtheMasks, asking research labs, private and public research institutions, and academic institutions to donate PPE to help keep healthcare workers—and the people they come into contact with—safe.

Who is the founder of PPE Link?

One of the PPE Link founders, aerospace engineer Zahra Khan, tells Health that she joined some Facebook and Slack groups for engineers trying to help address technical needs during the pandemic. "A significant focus has been on supplying personal protective equipment to hospitals," Khan says. “Most of the efforts I’d seen were focused on makers of manufacturing masks and other supplies for hospitals or trying to have individuals with stockpiles donate." But Khan, whose most recent job involved working in a spacecraft testing clean room, saw opportunities elsewhere, as well. "I realized there was an opportunity for scientific labs to donate supplies to hospitals in need especially as many non-essential labs are currently not operating.”

What equipment do frontline workers need?

According to PPE Link, the equipment frontline workers need most urgently are N95 respirators, surgical masks (these come in multiple colors and are being used in place of N95 masks in many places), protective glasses/goggles, nitrile gloves, head covers, face shields and disinfectant wipes. Disposable suits and booties are also in short supply.

We encourage you to consider reaching out to our following partners if you have PPE you would like to donate

Afya Foundation improves healthcare delivery in underserved communities around the world by coordinating with local medical professionals on the ground and facilitating customized shipments of rescued surplus medical supplies and equipment that improve local health systems.

To donate materials and supplies to makers producing PPE, fill out this form

Makers appreciate your ongoing help supplying materials! In addition to the high demand items listed, there is also a demand for specialty materials like tyvek, plastic sheeting, non-woven polypropylene, PET, and 3D printer filament.

Need assistance? Have questions?

For questions please refer to our FAQ. If you don’t find your answer there, please contact us at [email protected].

What is a nursing home PPE?

NursingHomePPE serves as a centralized platform that connects community members in high-risk areas to nearby nursing homes that are in need of PPE. The NursingHomePPE community consists of three integral parts: donors, nursing homes, and volunteers.

Why are nursing homes not getting PPE?

The COVID-19 outbreak has hit many nursing homes particularly hard, and long-term care facilities like these are having trouble getting the Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) they need to protect their staff and patients due to hospitals' more intense needs. However, the rate of fatality or severe illness is much higher for elderly and immunocompromised patients who are often found in nursing homes. The extreme shortage of PPE for nursing home workers has accelerated the spread of the virus, subsequently leaving nurses, residents, and their families at higher risk.