HOUSTON – A Houston area doctor says the N95 mask could help prevent the spread of the coronavirus.
The mask looks similar to the masks contractors and painters wear but doctors said the N95 not only works better but effective against the spread of the deadly virus. These respirators have become one of the most sought after items in the world since the coronavirus.
Doctors also said the normal surgical-type masks that you see people normally wearing on planes and in other countries are not effective in stopping the coronavirus. They said if you want a chance at protecting yourself, the N95 is the way to go.
What is an N95 respirator mask?
According to the Food and Drug Administration, an N95 respirator is a respiratory protective device designed to achieve a very close facial fit and very efficient filtration of airborne particles
Are they actually effective in preventing the spread of the coronavirus?
According to Dr. John Butler, a physician that specialized in infectious disease at Memorial Hermann Sugar Land, yes.
“We’re recommending using the N95. And it does appear to be effective in preventing the spread or transmission of the virus,” Butler said.
Why are N95s so hard to purchase right now?
“The manufacturers now, whether they’re producing domestically or internationally, have already exceeded their capacity and are trying to fulfill inventory levels in countries around the world,” said R.J. Poonawala, inventory manager at Spring Branch Medical Supply.
Manufacturers have implemented an allocation protocol on the N95s and other infection control products like isolation gowns & coveralls. What does that mean?
“What that means is that any available inventories that weren’t already committed to purchasing orders were going to be delegated for priority two major healthcare institutions or major government agencies who might have a need for it,” Poonawala said.
Here is the latest on where the respirator masks are carried in town
Sugar Land Medical Supply
Address: 16126 Southwest Fwy #100, Sugar Land, TX 77479
Phone: (281) 201-2400
They are sold out and have had a rush on them.
Safeway Medical Supply
Address: 1009 Westheimer Rd.
Phone: (713) 807-9922
N95 masks are currently sold out. The store hasn’t had them in a couple of weeks and normally doesn’t carry them. They said they ordered about 150 of them and sold out quickly.
Southland Hardware
Address: 1822 Westheimer Rd.
Phone: (713) 529-4743
This store is selling a lot of N95 masks. They get a shipment every Tuesday and Thursday and sell them six to 30 in a pack.
Houston Medical Supplies
Address: 9035 Westheimer Rd.
Phone: (713) 777-2244
The masks are sold out and on backorder.
Holcombe Medical Supply
Address: 2260 Holcombe Blvd.
Phone: (832) 742-5712
The N95 masks are in stock at this location.
Complete Medical Supply
Address: 1714 W 18th St.
Phone: (713) 880-4000
The masks are sold out and the store doesn’t get them very often. They’re currently on backorder.
Rice Village Medical Supply
Address: 2525 Robinhood St.
Phone: (713) 589-5819
They have a few boxes of N95 masks. There are 20 in a box priced at $189.95 per box. The store doesn’t sell them individually.
Red Oaks Uniforms and Medical Supply
Address: 850 Cypress Creek Pkwy
Phone: (281) 586-9509
The N95 masks are sold out and have been out for a couple of weeks. The store’s vendors are out and don’t know when they’ll have more.
The Med Shop
Address: 11585 FM 1960 Rd W.
Phone: (281) 469-4032
There is a limited supply of masks and they’re selling them individually.
Medic Pharmacy
Address: 4040 S. Braeswood Blvd.
Phone: (713) 666-6353
The masks are sold out, but the manufacturer has them on long-term backorder.