Certified Respirators

A respirator is worn on the face and covers the nose and mouth. It is used to protect the wearer from hazardous airborne particles, such as infectious diseases, gasses, or vapors. Respirators used in professional settings must be certified by the CDC/NIOSH. 

An N95 respirator includes a filtering facepiece respirator (FFR) which filters out at least 95% of particles with a most penetrating particle size (MPPS) 0.3 microns. N95 respirators are also fitted to the wearer’s face when used correctly.

Yes, an N95 “mask” is a respirator. In fact, there is no such thing as an “N95 mask” – there are only N95 respirators. This is because an N95 respirator uses a filtering facepiece respirator (FFR) to remove very small particles. 

While we are very familiar with seeing cloth face masks and surgical masks in hospital settings and out in public, N95 respirators differ in a few very key ways. N95 respirators are fitted to the wearer’s face, creating a very tight seal to prevent contamination. Other face masks are loose fitting, providing a barrier for larger droplets but still allowing for small droplets to sneak in.

An N95 also uses a filter to sift out at least 95% of particles with a most penetrating particle size (MPPS) 0.3 microns. Other masks do not offer the same protection from small particles. 

The combination of a proper seal and the filter makes the N95 a powerful tool in preventing the spread of illness. While cloth face masks and surgical masks have their time and place, as well as being more accessible for widespread use, N95 respirators offer true protection for those in regular exposure to hazardous particles, such as infectious diseases, gasses, and vapors. 

The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) is a research agency for the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) dedicated to worker safety and health. N95 respirators are awarded NIOSH approval when they have been evaluated in a laboratory and found compliant with the requirements laid on in Title 42, Code of Federal Regulations, Part 84. The manufacturer must also submit a quality plan that must be approved. 

When using N95 respirators in a professional setting, you should always use N95 respirators that are NIOSH approved.

Fit testing is a process used to assess the effectiveness of N95 respirators in creating a seal between the respirator and the wearer’s face. The test involves spraying a sweet or bitter tasting aerosol solution into a hood that is placed over the wearer’s head while wearing the respirator. The wearer then performs a series of movements, such as bending over or turning their head, while the aerosol solution is sprayed into the hood. If the wearer does not detect the taste of the aerosol solution, it indicates that the respirator has formed a tight seal around the face, and is providing the intended level of protection.

Fit testing is particularly important for healthcare workers, industrial workers, and other professionals who are required to wear N95 respirators to protect against airborne particles, such as dust, smoke, or infectious agents. A proper fit ensures that the respirator is providing the intended level of protection against these hazards. Without a proper fit, the respirator may not provide the necessary level of protection, leaving the wearer at risk of exposure to harmful particles or infectious agents.

Fit testing is also important for individuals who wear N95 respirators for personal protection, such as during a wildfire or other environmental disaster. In these situations, a proper fit is necessary to ensure that the respirator is providing the intended level of protection against smoke or other hazardous airborne particles.

A P2 respirator, also known as a P2 mask or N95 mask, is a type of personal protective equipment (PPE) designed to provide respiratory protection against airborne particles and droplets. The term “P2” is commonly used in Australia and New Zealand, while “N95” is more commonly used in the United States. Both terms refer to the same level of filtration efficiency and respiratory protection.

P2 respirators/N95 masks are designed to filter out at least 95% of airborne particles, including dust, pollen, mold spores, bacteria, and viruses. They are often used in various industries and healthcare settings to protect workers and individuals from inhaling hazardous particles, especially when exposed to environments with potential respiratory risks.