Features:

• Durable, latex-free polymer head straps are pre-stretched and ultrasonically welded to withstand tough use and prolong life.
• Adjustable contoured nosepiece and soft, open-cell foam nose cushion help ensure proper fit and reduced fogging. NIOSH approved.

Editor Reviews:

Product Description:
The Gerson® 1730 N95 Particulate Respirator is a unique product. First developed for use in industrial settings with its special filtering material proven to protect in non-oil areas. Along with its smooth inner lining ensures worker comfort in high heat and humidity. But the Gerson 1730 also meets CDC Guidelines for fluid resistance and TB exposure control. This is one unique product that serves two purposes. Respiratory protection for your doctors, nurses, healthcare providers and for your maintenance personnel.

Rating : - Purchased for H1N1 use as well as garage
This model of respirator is listed on the CDC website as follows "FDA has authorized emergency use of these respirators by the general public1 during the current swine flu emergency to help reduce exposure to airborne germs." A table follows that statement with the gerson 1730 model in the table.

I purchased a couple of boxes because the cost was not too bad at around $8/box, and I can use them in the garage when woodworking, spraying some chemicals, cutting tile, etc. So I won't be wasting my money even if we don't get the flu. If one of my kids gets the flu, I will probably quarantine them to their room with a TV and game boy, and wear these when I am directly caring for them, along with a pair of gloves. In the hospital when entering or exiting a patient's room who had an airborne illness like the flu, we gowned, gloved and put on masks to protect ourselves. This respirator isn't guaranteed to keep you from getting the flu, but may help you be safe. Safer still is good hand washing frequently, and washing counters, doorknobs, and surfaces with bleach spray, etc.

If I were a pregnant woman, elderly person, or person with an underlying condition such as asthma, bronchitis, cancer, HIV etc. I would probably wear a respirator and perhaps even gloves in public. The mortality and complication rates among these populations from the flu is so much higher that more precautionary measures for this population is prudent. The FDA has approved the 3M 8612 model respirator, which is probably the one I would go with if I were in this population group and could afford to do so. If the cost of those is prohibitive, the Gerson 1730 would also be an option.