What Masks Are Best For Cystic Fibrosis

1. 𝓦𝓱𝓪𝓽 𝓜𝓪𝓼𝓴𝓼 𝓐𝓻𝓮 𝓑𝓮𝓼𝓽 𝓕𝓸𝓻 𝓒𝔂𝓼𝓽𝓲𝓬 𝓕𝓲𝓫𝓻𝓸𝓼𝓲𝓼?

2. 𝔽𝕠𝕣 𝕤𝕥𝕒𝕣𝕥𝕖𝕣𝕤, 𝕨𝕙𝕒𝕥 𝕚𝕤 ℂ𝔽? I’m glad you asked, people are aware of cystic fibrosis, but a lot don’t know what it is and how it affects the person’s body. CF is a genetic disease that affects the lungs, pancreas and other major organs causing persistent lung infections and can limit the body’s ability to breathe; mucus can also blog the airway which can trap germs and bacteria leading to and causing inflammation, respiratory failure, infections, and other major issues.

3. While CF is not curable, but it is treatable there are almost 2,000 different mutations that affect more than 70,000 people worldwide with 1,000 new diagnosed cases each year. You might be wondering what wearing masks have to do with people who have Cystic Fibrosis, well they were wearing them long before Covid-19 ever happened. Masks were and still are, a part of their life and for good reason too.

4. Respiratory issues are your major concern when it comes to having cystic fibrosis and contracting infections, these infections affect people with CF differently than those without as they can be infected by different forms of bacteria that can be harder to treat. CF patients need to be cautious of others with CF, as it puts them at greater risk of spreading dangerous germs and bacteria causing cross-infection to occur.

5. Obviously, by now we all know that a mask is supposed to cover our nose and mouth, doing so helps control what germs and bacteria we breathe in and out. A properly worn and fitted mask can help filter out those particles in the air that carry germs and bacteria; and can help filter out the germs and bacteria that comes out of our mouth and nose.

6. This process helps those with any respiratory issues, such as Cystic Fibrosis, go out to the store, be around friends and family, go to school and do more everyday things. No mask can completely stop these germs and bacteria from entering anyone’s system, but they help filter out the amount, which can be very beneficial.

7. Masks aren’t and shouldn’t only be worn by those with CF, friends and family can be wearing them as well to help protect them and themselves from picking up and spreading germs and bacteria. Masks should especially be worn by those who may feel sick from the cold or flu, which can be very harmful to someone with cystic fibrosis.

8. Most masks can help but your best bet, is to go with a filtered fabric mask. Disposable and paper masks are okay but for an extended level of protection try a mask that has a filtration sewn inside the layers. M11 masks have a pharmaceutical grade filter sewn inside that can help filter out 65% to 79% of things like smog, dust, pollen, pet dander and more.

9. Extreme 95 masks offer a double layered filtration system, half of which can help filter out 95% of what M11 masks can and more; the other half is a MERV 8 carbon pharmaceutical grade filter that can help filter out those already mentioned and certain bacteria, smoke, and odors. Some of the below masks might be a good option for someone who has CF or someone who wants to help protect those with CF. • Extreme 95 Bamboo Masks • M11 Organic Cotton Masks • Extreme 95 Chitosante Masks • M11 Tencel Masks

10. Remember to check with your doctor or physician before wearing any mask for a long period of time, especially if you have a respiratory issue. Masks can help but they are not a guarantee to stop or cure anyone from getting sick or picking up any germs or bacteria. For an effective use, make sure your mask is properly worn and fitted to make sure there are no gaps and make sure no one under the age of 3 is wearing a mask.