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healthy lung, lung transplant, chemotherapy, influenza, MCS.

The Cambridge Mask is not suitable to be worn my members of a healthcare team while they are in a hospital setting. It is crucial for health care workers to use single-use items that they can dispose of after contact with patients. Please consult with the hospital you work with for the infection control policy when dealing with infected patients.

Cambridge Masks are recommended to use in order to reduce your risk of respiratory infections while you are in public settings (eg. Supermarkets, commuting, schools, offices, etc.) or around people with respiratory infections. Additionally, you can protect yourself by maintaining a good level of hand hygiene, avoiding crowds, and social distancing (airborne transmission of respiratory pathogens is reduced significantly over a distance of greater than 2m).

Please find below the usage guidelines for the recommended hours of use before the mask needs replacing. We have based the guidelines according to the use of the mask against air pollution. For example, the AQI in Blackpool is typically good or moderately unhealthy which means that the mask can be replaced after it has been worn for 340 hours. You can find your local area’s AQI through a simple Google search. 

This article covers:

• Tuberculosis
• Asthma
• Lung Transplant
• Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) 
• Cystic Fibrosis
• Chemotherapy
• Influenza
• Multiple Chemical Sensitivities  (MCS)
• Neutropenia
• Molds - Pseudonymous
• Molds - Mycotoxins and Ochratoxin/Trichothecene 
• Angina
• Patient Visit

 

 

Tuberculosis

 

Tuberculosis is a bacterial infection that primarily targets the lungs but can also affect other organs such as the kidneys, bones, spine, and brain.

The Cambridge Mask features a three-layer filtration system that blocks particulates, bacteria, and viruses from entering the respiratory tract. Ensuring a proper fit is essential for the mask to function effectively.

Asthma

Allergies and asthma can greatly interfere with everyday activities like yard work, vacations, and commuting due to numerous environmental triggers.

The Cambridge Mask is equipped with a three-layer filtration system to block particulates, bacteria, and viruses from entering the respiratory tract. Achieving a proper fit is crucial to ensure the mask's effective filtration.

Lung Transplant

Lung transplantation, also known as pulmonary transplantation, involves replacing a patient's diseased lungs with healthy ones from a donor. Due to the need for immunosuppressant drugs to prevent transplant rejection, maintaining strict hygiene becomes essential in daily life. These drugs weaken the immune system, making transplant recipients more susceptible to infections.

The Cambridge Mask uses a three-layer filtration system that blocks particulates, bacteria, and viruses from entering the respiratory tract. This is especially beneficial for individuals with COPD, as reduced lung function and respiratory reserve increase their vulnerability to pollutants and respiratory infections. Such protection is vital both before and after lung transplant surgery, helping to reduce the risk of contracting respiratory infections in public settings or around others with respiratory illnesses. 

COPD

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is an obstructive lung condition characterized by long-term breathing issues and poor airflow. Key symptoms include shortness of breath and a cough with sputum production. As a progressive disease, COPD generally worsens over time, with emphysema being one example.

The Cambridge Mask uses a three-layer filtration system to block particulates, bacteria, and viruses from entering the respiratory tract. This is particularly beneficial for individuals with COPD, as their reduced lung function and respiratory reserve make them more susceptible to the adverse effects of pollutants and respiratory infections. This protection is crucial both before and after lung transplant surgery, reducing the risk of contracting infections in public settings or around others with respiratory illnesses.

Additionally, maintaining good hand hygiene, avoiding crowded areas (especially in healthcare settings), and keeping a distance from others (airborne transmission is significantly reduced beyond 2 meters) are essential preventive measures.

While the mask doesn't actively heat the air, it acts as a barrier to cold air and helps retain humidity, which can prevent coughing in COPD patients. However, individuals with respiratory disorders may find wearing a mask uncomfortable as it slightly increases the work of breathing. Those using oxygen during daily activities might find it difficult to use a Cambridge Mask, as it needs to fit snugly, which may not be possible with an oxygen delivery system. The pressure drop, or inhalation/exhalation resistance rate, for our mask is 8-13 mm H20.

Cystic fibrosis

Cystic fibrosis affects the cells that produce mucus, sweat, and digestive juices, causing these fluids to become thick and sticky. This results in the blockage of tubes, ducts, and passageways, leading to symptoms such as coughing and recurrent lung infections.

The Cambridge Mask effectively filters particles as small as PM0.3 and blocks various microbes, including bacteria like Pseudomonas, as well as fungi and fungal spores. To ensure maximum protection, it is crucial for the mask to fit properly.

The mask is tested against penetration by a fine spray of sodium chloride (salt), the accepted standard for respirators designed to protect against particulate matter, including traffic pollutants.

The flu primarily attacks the lungs, nose, and throat, posing a high risk to young children, older adults, pregnant women, and individuals with chronic diseases or weakened immune systems. Common symptoms include fever, chills, muscle aches, cough, congestion, runny nose, headaches, and fatigue.

Chemotherapy

Chemotherapy treatment typically spans 3 to 6 months, rendering patients immunocompromised and susceptible to infections. After completing chemotherapy, it can take approximately 21 to 28 days for the immune system to recover.

The Cambridge Mask effectively filters particles as small as PM0.3 and provides protection against various microbes, including those that pose infection risks to individuals with weakened immune systems, such as patients undergoing chemotherapy. When properly fitted, the mask helps safeguard against respiratory infections. It is recommended to complement mask usage with practices like maintaining rigorous hand hygiene, minimizing contact with infected individuals, and avoiding crowded environments.

Influenza

Influenza spreads through airborne respiratory droplets from coughs or sneezes, direct skin-to-skin contact such as handshakes or hugs, saliva transmission like kissing or sharing drinks, and by touching contaminated surfaces like blankets or doorknobs.

The Cambridge Mask effectively blocks bacteria and viruses, significantly lowering the risk of contracting respiratory infections when worn in public settings or around individuals with respiratory illnesses. It is advisable to maintain thorough hand hygiene, avoid crowded places including healthcare settings, and practice physical distancing (airborne transmission of respiratory pathogens decreases markedly beyond 2 meters) for additional protection.

MCS 

 

Multiple chemical sensitivity (MCS), also referred to as idiopathic environmental intolerances (IEI), is a contested chronic condition characterized by symptoms believed to result from low-level exposure to common chemicals.

Symptoms associated with MCS are often vague and nonspecific. The condition is complex and not thoroughly understood at present. Current understanding suggests that MCS may encompass various issues with different underlying causes. Cambridge Masks function by effectively trapping small particles based on size (they are proven to block >99% of particles sized 0.3 microns and larger) and also by their chemical charge. Depending on the specific chemicals triggering sensitivity, the mask may mitigate symptoms by blocking them, although specifics can vary.

Our Amazon reviews include numerous testimonials from MCS sufferers who have found significant relief using our masks:

“Use this for chemical sensitivities due to a chronic illness. I've tested it a few times and it really seems to work. I don't get the symptoms I did without it.” “These masks work for my chemical sensitivities 99% of the time. I'm very grateful.”

These firsthand accounts attest to the efficacy of our masks in alleviating symptoms associated with chemical sensitivities, providing valuable support to those managing MCS.

Neutropenia 

Neutropenia occurs when the body has very low levels of specific white blood cells, known as neutrophils, which are crucial for fighting infections. Cancer and its treatments can also compromise the immune system, making it essential to minimize exposure to crowds where your child could encounter viruses.

The Cambridge Mask is designed to block particles as small as PM0.3 and effectively prevents the entry of many microbes, including those that pose infection risks to individuals with weakened immune systems, such as after undergoing a transplant. When worn correctly and ensuring a good fit, the mask provides protection against respiratory infections. It is recommended to complement mask usage with practices like maintaining rigorous hand hygiene, avoiding close contact with individuals carrying infections, and steering clear of crowded environments.

Molds - Pseudonymous

Molds - Mycotoxins and Ochratoxin/Trichothecene 

Ochratoxin and trichothecene are types of mycotoxins, which are not living organisms like mold spores. When we discuss "killing mycotoxins," it actually refers to breaking down these toxins and reducing their toxicity to a safe level for humans.

Exposure to toxic mold typically occurs through airborne mycotoxins that are inhaled into the lungs. These mycotoxins can lead to respiratory issues and other serious symptoms (Source: Moldpedia).

The innermost layer of the Cambridge Mask is crafted from activated carbon cloth, designed to effectively trap bacteria and viruses, preventing them from reaching the wearer's lungs. The mask's filtration system is engineered to block particles as small as PM0.3, offering protection against a wide range of microbes, including ochratoxin and trichothecene, which vary in size. Ensuring a proper fit of the mask is crucial to maximize its protective benefits.  

Angina

Our masks are highly effective in keeping your face warm, particularly valued by our customers in London during winter commutes. Our Medical Consultant, Dr. Harriet Leyland, explains that the mask slows down the air you breathe in, creating a warmer sensation. This feedback is reinforced by our team's experience at our Beijing office, where temperatures can drop to minus 20 degrees Celsius in January and February. They find the masks notably beneficial during these cold months.

Patient Visit

 

The Cambridge Mask utilizes a three-layer filtration system to effectively block particulates, bacteria, and viruses from entering the respiratory tract. Wearing the mask in public settings or around individuals with respiratory infections can significantly reduce the risk of contracting such infections. It's also advisable to maintain good hand hygiene, avoid crowded areas (particularly in healthcare settings), and physical distancing, as airborne transmission of respiratory pathogens is notably reduced beyond a distance of 2 meters. 

Regarding wearing a mask when visiting a patient, it may reduce the risk of transmission to the patient and vice versa due to its dual-directional trapping capability. However, hospitals typically have their own infection control guidelines based on their experience in caring for patients, especially those dependent on ventilators. They may provide specific masks for staff and visitors in such situations. We recommend consulting the hospital for their specific guidance on mask use when visiting patients, as their protocols may vary.

If you have further questions, please contact us by email at info@cambridgemask.com or Chat button on our sites to connect with our Customer Service Team.

 

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