An N95 mask (also called a respirator) is a mask that is worn over the face to prevent the inhalation of airborne particles. The N95 designation means that the mask will filter at least 95% of particles 0.3 microns in size.
N95 masks look a lot like surgical masks, but they are very different things. Do not get a surgical mask and think it will protect you against germs and airborne contaminants!
Surgical masks are designed to protect the environment from the wearer. For example, doctors wear them during surgery to prevent germs in their breath from getting into the patient.
N95 masks protect the wearer from the environment. So, a person could wear them in a hospital to reduce the likelihood of catching someone else’s germs.
Surgical N95 Masks: These are masks which give the protection of both surgical masks and N95 masks. If you are sick, they will prevent your germs from being transmitted while also protecting you from breathing in germs. They have been approved by NIOSH and the FDA.
N95 face masks are a great choice for protecting your lungs from particles in the air, which could be metal fumes (such as those caused by welding), minerals, dust, or biological particles, such as viruses. You can wear one when there’s been a flu outbreak in your area, or if pollutants or a fire has made air quality poor. These masks are made of structured, lightweight foam and fit over your nose and mouth.
Specially-made versions are also available for people in industrial jobs, and surgical N95 face masks are available for those in health care professions.
The number refers to the percentage of particles that the mask can filter out. The N95 mask filters out 95% of dust and particulates.
N95 masks shouldn’t be used if oil aerosols are present, as oil damages the filter. The “N” actually stands for “Not resistant to oil.”
