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Disposable N95 or Elastomeric Respirator

Does anyone have any insights on which type of mask is more protective.

This isn't about Europe travel, per se, but my husband and I have a trip across the country coming up in October, and Canada has just removed the mask protection requirement on flights as of the end of this month. Cancelling our trip would be very costly at this point, and it would mean not seeing our daughter whom we rarely get to see these days.

However, I have a close family member who was diagnosed with cancer 2 months ago. 2 days after receiving the diagnosis, they had a heart attack. They then had to wait until the doctors determined if it was safe for their heart to undergo the cancer surgery. They had the surgery 2 1/2 weeks ago, but also found out that the cancer has spread. There are more treatments on the horizon. Needless to say, this family member is very vulnerable, and my husband stays with them (in another city) and looks after them when they need additional care. We need to keep ourselves safe in order to keep our loved one safe.

So, what is the best way to protect ourselves during the flight? The flight time will be about 5 hours, but, of course, there is time in the plane on the ground, too. I will refrain from eating or drinking on the flight, since I won't want to remove my mask, but I am trying to decide which masks to bring. I've worn N95s in the past, and am fine with them. However, I think the elastomeric respirator might be a bit more effective since it seals to the face better. But it is less comfortable, and more difficult to remove momentarily, e.g. to show my face to flight crew when boarding.

Thoughts? Which would you choose?

Posted by
2267 posts

This sounds like a conversation for you to have with a professional medical advisor. (ie: your doctor)

Posted by
687 posts

I’m a retired health care professional and was fitted annually for my N95. I retired just before Covid. What I use in health settings and on flights/trains since Covid are the double strapped N95masks; I have bought two versions that are Cdn made. Eternity and Vitacore. N95 masks are not created equally and the ear loop ones are not as effective as the double loop. My spouse is a cancer patient receiving treatment and we have successfully navigated travel, including France in May with these masks. We use the ear loop ones when in stores or on a bus while standing near an open window or the door.

Posted by
1740 posts

Thanks, Gail. My elastomeric respirator does not have an exhalation valve, but even if it did, it shouldn't matter if masks are not required, I think.