N95 Face Masks
Four main types:
1.
2.
3.
4.
Disposable masks
Respirator Mask
Half-Mask
Full Face Mask
Things to Consider
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FIT & SEAL - does the mask fit the face perfectly and form a good seal? If not,
the mask is not effective.
FILTER/Intended Use - does it cut out sub-micron particulates? What about CO
and other harmful gases?
COMFORT - is it easy to breathe through the mask? Is it too heavy on the face?
Does it create a lot of condensation inside the mask?
EASE OF USE - is the mask easy to put on? Is it easy to clean for reuse? Is it
easy to carry in a pocket?
COST - what is the cost of the mask? What is the cost of the disposable filter?
AVAILABILITY - is the mask and the filters readily available?
Source of Material: Various, as indicated
Information presented here is for educational use ONLY
N95 Face Masks
3M® N95 Health Care Respirator Surgical Mask
Designed Specifically for Use in Clinical Settings
NIOSH approved for particulate protection, this mask is also fluid-resistant-reducing the potential for exposure to blood and other body fluids. Appropriate
for wear in any hospital-type setting, including surgery.
Specifications: Soft inner shell rests comfortably against the face, providing
an effective seal against a wide variety of contaminants. Hypoallergenic mask
contains no natural rubber latex components. Keeps you in compliance with the OSHA Blood-borne Pathogens
Standard (29 CFR 1910.1030) when worn properly and in combination with protective eyewear. Also helps reduce
exposure to particles generated by operating room instruments. Available in two sizes.
Compliance: NIOSH approved; meets CDC guidelines for TB exposure control. FDA Registered Medical Device.
They are at least 95% efficient against solid and liquid particles, excluding those containing oil.
3M R-95 General Industrial & OdorRemoving Respirators
R95 Particulate Respirator with Organic Vapors Relief
Approved for solid and liquid particles including those containing oil. 3M
recommended for nuisance-level organic vapor relief. Time restriction of eight
hours applies when oil is present.
Information presented here is for educational use ONLY
N95 Face Masks
The Basics of Surgical Mask Selection
Dianne Rawson, RN, MA
03/01/2003
The Basics of Surgical Mask Selection
By Dianne Rawson, RN, MA
The issue of infection control in the hospital is an everyday concern for all members of the healthcare team and
patients. In the surgical setting, surgeons, anesthetists, nurses, and infection control practitioners have informed
opinions and subjective beliefs about causes and prevention of infection. What should be done to eliminate or at least
reduce the causative agents of infection is a concern for all.
Historically, surgical attire and the ritual of gloving, gowning and donning of masks date back to the 1860s. It is known
that live microorganisms are shed from the hair, exposed skin and mucus membranes. Based on studies done in
Great Britain by Tuneval, it was concluded that the use of surgical masks during operations does not influence the
number of potential pathogenic bacteria in the air close to the operative site and questioned the value of using
surgical masks.1 Although there is no evidence to suggest that masks are not necessary to decrease wound
infections, the use of surgical masks in protecting the surgical team from contaminated contacts is an important
principle to consider. The protection of the health care professional, as well as the patient, has more recently become
an issue of infection control and is becoming more complex. Some of the issues related to the real need to wear a
surgical mask in the operating room (OR) are controlled by regulatory requirements. 2
Regulations
In the United States, standards and guidelines have been set by governing bodies such as:
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ANSI. The American National Standards Institute (ANSI) Practice for Occupational and Educational Eye and
Face Protection ANSI Z87.1 1989 states: "These guidelines establish reasonable and adequate means,
ways and methods for the testing, selection and safe use of face and eye protective equipment."
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AORN. The Association of periOperative Registered Nurses (AORN) AORN states that surgical masks
should be worn at all times in the operating room and in environments where open sterile supplies or
scrubbed personnel may be located. Masks should be secured in a manner to prevent venting.
Recommendations include single use of surgical masks. It is also recommended that a surgical mask be
used as a barrier to meet Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Standard Precautions. (Note:
AORN does not specify filtration levels of surgical masks. Individual practice settings should develop their
policies based upon OSHA and state-mandated recommendations for wearing masks.)3
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ASTM. The American Society of Testing and Materials (ASTM) is a nonprofit organization that develops
standard testing methods by the consensus of volunteers from manufacturers, users, and others. The ASTM
uses the following test methods to determine specifications for performance of Materials used in medical
face masks.
1. Bacterial Filtration Efficiency: Determines the bacterial filtration efficiency as directed in Test Method F 2101.
2. Differential Pressure: Determines breathing resistance or differential pressure as specified by a test method that
provides a measurement of pressure per unit area of material specimen tested.
3. Sub-Micron Particulate Filtration: Determines particulate filtration efficiency as directed in Test method F 1215.
4. Resistance to Penetration by Synthetic Blood: Determines synthetic blood penetration resistance as specified in
Test Method F 1862.
5. Flammability: Determines flammability as specified in 16 CFR Part 1610.4.4
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CDC. The CDC Guideline for Isolation Precaution in Hospitals was issued in 1995 and provides
recommendations related to mask and respirator use by providing two tiers of precautions to help prevent
transmissions of infections from both recognized and unrecognized sources in hospitals.
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Standard Precautions (formerly Universal Precautions). Applies to blood, all body fluids, secretions and
excretions except sweat, regardless of whether or not they contain visible blood, non-intact skin and mucous
membranes.
Recommendations
Information presented here is for educational use ONLY
N95 Face Masks
Healthcare professionals should wear a mask and eye protection or a face shield to protect mucous membranes of
the eyes, nose and mouth during procedures and patient-care activities that are likely to generate splashes or sprays
of blood, body fluids, secretions or excretions.
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Transmission-based precautions are recommended to be used in caring for patients documented or
suspected to be infected with highly transmissible or epidemiologically important pathogens or when
additional precautions beyond standard precautions are needed.
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Droplet precautions means a surgical mask generally is worn to provide protection against spread of
infectious, large-particle droplets that are transmitted by close contact and generally travel only short
distances (up to 3 feet) from infected patients who are coughing and sneezing. If susceptible persons must
enter the rooms of patients known or suspected to have measles (rubeola) or varicella (chickenpox), they
should wear respiratory protection.5
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FDA. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is responsible for regulating medical devices. A medical
device is defined in section 201(h) of the Federal Food, Drug and Cosmetic Act. The definition includes: any
article which is intended for use in the cure, mitigation, treatment or prevention of disease in man and which
does not achieve any of its intended purposes through chemical action in the body or is dependent upon
metabolism (i.e., a drug). A surgical mask is an example of an article regulated as a medical device.
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NIOSH. The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) is a federal agency and branch
of the Department of Health and Human Services whose function is to identify substances that pose
potential health problems and recommends exposure limits to OSHA. NIOSH does in-depth research on
safety and health issues, provides technical assistance and recommends standards for adoption by OSHA.
NIOSH also certifies respiratory protection equipment.
Definitions
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BFE (Bacterial Filtration Efficiency) measures the percent efficiency at which the face mask filters bacteria
passing through the mask.
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PFE (Particulate Filtration Efficiency) measures the percent efficiency at which the face mask filters
particulate matter passing through the mask.
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Delta P (AP) (Breathability) is the pressure drop across a facemask, expressed in mm water/cm¾. The
higher the Delta P, the more difficult the mask is to breathe through.
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Fluid resistance is defined as the ability of a facemask's material construction to minimize fluids from
traveling through the material and potentially coming into contact with the user of the facemask. Fluid
resistance helps reduce potential exposure to blood and body fluids caused from splashes, spray or spatter.
Masks are worn at all times in the restricted area of the OR where sterile supplies are opened, in clean cores and at
scrub sinks. Masks with face shields or masks and protective eyewear are required whenever splash, spray or
aerosol of blood or other potentially infectious materials may be generated.
A face mask is generally worn by healthcare personnel to provide protection against the spread of infectious, largeparticle droplets that are transmitted by close contact and generally travel only short distances (up to 3 feet) from
infected patients coughing or sneezing. The wearing of masks, eye protection and face shields in specified
circumstances to reduce the risk of exposure to bloodborne pathogens is mandated by the OSHA Bloodborne
Pathogen Standard (BBPS) (29 CFR 1910.1030). This regulation was issued in December 1991. The objective of the
BBPS is to eliminate or reduce worker exposure to bloodborne pathogens such as hepatitis B (HBV) and human
immunodeficiency virus (HIV). It includes requirements for written procedures, risk training, medical screening,
vaccinations and treatment, engineering controls, work practices, labeling and employer-provided personal protective
equipment. The BBPS:
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Requires a mask, used in combination with eye protection or a chin-length face shield, be used in situations
where conditions for exposure to blood and other potentially infectious body fluids or materials exist.
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Requires a face mask be used that prevents blood and other infectious body fluids from passing through to
reach employees' skin, eyes, mouth or other mucous membranes under normal use conditions of splashes,
sprays and splatter.7
Masks can be found in various shapes with different features and are selected by personal protection need and
personal preference of style and fit. Flat-fold tie-on, duck bill, cone shaped, flat-fold with shields, and duckbill with
shields are the most common styles worn in the operating room. High fluid resistant earloop masks that can be worn
by circulating nurses in the OR are also available.
Information presented here is for educational use ONLY
N95 Face Masks
Masks are effective only if worn properly. Masks reduce the passage of bacterial particles from the wearer into the
environment and help protect the wearer from blood and body fluid splash or spatter. Masks should be comfortable
and cover both the nose and mouth completely. A face shield or protective eyewear should be worn by staff within the
sterile field. The fit should assure that there is no tenting at the sides of the mouth that would allow dispersion or entry
of microbes. A small pliable strip at the nose area should promote a close fit. Masks should be changed frequently
and anytime they become wet. When removing the mask, handle only by the strings and promptly discard it into a
waste receptacle. It is not uncommon to see masks poorly fitted, placed below the nose, or wet with blood or body
fluids. A mask should never be allowed to hang or dangle around the neck, nor should it be folded and placed in a
pocket for later use; masks should be either on or off.8
Dianne Rawson, RN, MA, is a technical service specialist for 3M Health Care.
Information presented here is for educational use ONLY
N95 Face Masks
AllergyZone's N95 Filter Mask is also NIOSH-approved, and filters at least
95% of particles that are as small as 0.3 microns. This mask also features
an exhalation valve that prevents the buildup of heat and moisture in the
mask. It opens to release exhaled air, and closes to filter the air you
inhale. The AllergyZone N95 Filter Mask is ideal for protection against
pollen, mold spores, dust mites, pet dander, aerosol sprays, and bacteria
- making it great for use during housework or yard work. One size fits all,
and it comes in a three-pack.
The 3M 8210 Dust & Pollen Mask is our most basic and least
expensive allergy relief mask. It's great for indoor and outdoor
chores. While its filtration capability is not quite on par with a
true HEPA filter, it is an NIOSH-approved N95 mask. (NIOSH
stands for the National Institute for Occupational Safety and
Health.) An N95 mask filters at least 95% of all particles that
are 0.3 microns or larger, while true HEPA filters capture
99.97% of all particles this size. The Center for Disease
Control (CDC) recommends NIOSH-approved N95 masks
for preventing the spread of the H5N1 bird flu virus. One
size fits all, and it's a disposable mask that's designed for one
or two uses.
Moving up a level, the 3M 8233 Mask features HEPA filtration
and a cool ventilation valve to reduce moisture and heat buildup. This N100 mask exceeds the NIOSH N95 rating, and it's
recommended by both the CDC and the World Health
Organization (WHO) for healthcare workers who treat patients
with Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS). One size fits
all, and it's designed for 150 hours of use.
The 3M 6921 HEPA Mask is the most popular mask among
allergy sufferers because it offers the best HEPA filtration
system. A respirator allows warm exhaled air to escape, and it
fits very snugly with two latex-free straps. With proper care,
this durable mask will last a lifetime, and the HEPA filters can
be washed and reused. When it becomes difficult to breathe
through the mask, you should replace the two HEPA filters.
With heavy use, filters will likely need to be replaced after
about a year. This low-profile mask works well for people who
wear glasses. (Note: After you receive your new 3M 6921
HEPA Mask, you may want to let it sit out for a few days
before using it, as some people are sensitive to the new
plastic smell.)
The Silk Comfort Mask is a favorite among our customers because it's lightweight,
comfortable, and convenient. Block out dust, mold, pollen, and soot with this silky mask. It
folds for easy storage, and it's very cool and breathable. The Silk Comfort Mask is perfect
for outdoor activities like exercise and yard work, and it's great for cleaning in dusty
environments, too. One size fits all, and it's hand-washable and reusable.
Information presented here is for educational use ONLY
N95 Face Masks
Masks for Chemicals, Fumes & Pollution
The Honeycomb Mask is like a Silk Comfort Mask for people
who have chemical sensitivities. Its activated carbon filter
traps pollutants like fragrances, smoke, soot, smog, dust,
fumes, and chemicals such as formaldehyde. Many people
also wear this mask on airplanes because it's easy to carry
and store. It's also great for cleaning, as it filters out most
household chemicals. The activated carbon filters are
disposable and should be changed when they lose the ability
to effectively block odors.
The Respro Bandit Scarf is ideal for biking, hiking, and
traveling in dusty rural regions, or for traveling in polluted
urban areas. The dynamic Activated Charcoal Cloth,
originally developed for protection against chemical and
biological warfare attacks, is laminated between two layers
of 100% cotton material, and it filters out smog and other
urban pollution. Firemen who fight forest fires often use this
mask because it filters out particulates as well as fumes, and
it also provides protection against gasoline fumes, diesel
fumes, ozone, acid gases, lead oxide, and irritant dusts.
Many people find this bandit style scarf more stylish and
comfortable than conventional masks. It wraps around the neck for additional protection
and works well as a wind-breaker. The Respro Band Scarf is washable, and the dynamic
Activated Charcoal Cloth filter remains effective for at least six months (assuming that the
mask is used everyday for six months).
Designed for the hypersensitive individual, the Respro Aero
Mask filters particulates as well as chemicals in the air,
depending on the filters you select. The chemical filters trap
irritants like cleaning agents, perfumes, paint, varnish, air
fresheners, and other common chemicals, while the particle
filters block particulates like pollen, mold spores, pet dander,
and dust mite allergen. Made from inert materials like
polyester, polypropylene and medical-grade silicon rubber,
the mask itself is unlikely to cause an allergic reaction. It's
ultra-light, breathable, sporty, washable, and reusable. The Respro Aero Mask is available in
two sizes: Medium & Large. We generally recommend the medium size for women and
adolescents and the large size for men.
The Respro Techno Mask combines chemical and particle
filters in the same mask. An Activated Charcoal Cloth filters
chemicals like hydrocarbons, nitrogen oxides, sulphur
dioxides, lead oxide, and smoke, while an electrostatic filter
blocks particles like pollen, dust, mold, and other irritants.
The Velcro fasteners allow you to adjust the mask for a
perfect fit, and it offers superior performance for all types of
athletic activities. The seal is very tight, and it's easy to
breathe while wearing the Respro Techno Mask, thanks to
the rapid airflow valve system. The Respro Techno Mask is popular among hypersensitives
as well as motorcycle enthusiasts. The Respro Techno Mask is available in two sizes:
Information presented here is for educational use ONLY
N95 Face Masks
Medium & Large. We generally recommend the medium size for women and adolescents and
the large size for men.
Asthma Relief Masks - Cold Weather Masks
According to BBC, a medical study found that cold air and exercise are key triggers for
asthma attacks in 70% of asthma patients. Cold air, then, is just as dangerous as the dust
mite when it comes to triggering asthma attacks - and that's why we offer special Cold
Weather Asthma Relief Masks.
The basic Cold Weather Mask is made of polar fleece with a silk inner
lining. It will keep the cold winter air away from your nose and mouth, and
out of your lungs. The Cold Weather Mask warms and humidifies frigid air
before it enters your lungs. Its patented design is tested to remain
effective down to -40 degrees. One size fits all, and the mask is hand
washable.
The BreathXchange Face Shield by AllergyZone is ideal for outdoor sporting
activities. Patented Heat Exchange Technology filters out the cold air that
could cause an asthma attack. Customers report that this small mask helps
keep their hands and feet warmer, too. Comfortable elastic straps fit
around the back of the head and neck. One size fits most, and it's hand
washable.
The BreathXchange Half Mask, also from AllergyZone, features Advanced
Heat Exchange Technology to retain your body heat. The mask protects the
lower half of your face, capturing your own heat and moisture to warm and
humidify the air that travels to your lungs. Ideal for all cold weather
activities, this mask works well in extremely cold climates, and it's popular
among motorcyclists. The BreathXchange Half Mask is available in two
sizes: S/M & L/XL. We generally recommend the S/M size for women and
adolescents and the L/XL size for men. The mask is hand washable or
machine washable on delicate.
AllergyZone's BreathXchange Half Mask Light is made of lightweight
Polartec fleece, inside and out, and covers the face, neck, and ears. Like
the BreathXchange Half Mask, the Half Mask Light features a thermal
conversion module that maintains your body heat and moisture even in
cold weather. Great for strenuous cold weather activities. Comes in S/M
and L/XL. Machine (on delicate setting) or hand washable. Line dry.
Heat Exchange
mask covers
cold weather.
washable on
The BreathXchange Full Mask uses the same Advanced
Technology to warm and humidify incoming air. The full
the entire head, so it's ideal for prolonged exposure to
One size fits most, and it's hand washable or machine
delicate.
Information presented here is for educational use ONLY
N95 Face Masks
Asthma Treatment Mask for Children
For small children who must wear a mask to receive their nebulizer
treatments, we offer the Bubbles Fun Fish Nebulizer Mask. The
unique design minimizes aerosol loss, and the mask makes
treatment time fun.
How to Wear Masks
Masks should fit snugly with a tight seal in order to work properly.
Beards and other forms of facial hair may decrease the efficiency of
a mask.
Please Note: Masks are very personal items and therefore non-refundable unless defective.
There is no try-out period for masks.
Information presented here is for educational use ONLY