Masks & Beards

[Readymom]

Originally posted on FluTrackers

Men with Beards
http://www.flutrackers.com/forum/showthread.php?t=2802&goto=nextnewest

Generally, most face masks on men with full beards do not pass the fit test and seal safely.
Should we include razor blades in emergency preparedness kits for shaving, so that masks may be fitted to male faces properly?
That is an excellent suggestion.

[Readymom]

If you have a beard and need to wear a mask, you'll probably have to shave!



Facial Hair & Respirators
https://multimedia.3m.com/mws/media/463742O/facial-hair-and-respirators.pdf?&fn=TU%20Beards%200707.pdf

What is the problem with beards?
Close fitting respirators need to seal tightly to the face. Gaps in this face seal let the dirty air leak inside the respirator. Respirator filters cannot clean the air leaking through the face seal. Even a day or two’s growth of stubble for some individuals can be enough to give significant leak paths for contaminants. Face seal leakage reduces the wearer’s protection. ---CONTINUED at LINK, above---