An N95 mask or N95 respirator is a particulate-filtering facepiece respirator that meets the U.S. National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health N95 classification of air filtration, meaning that it filters at least 95% of airborne particles.
Masks are loose fitting and may not provide full protection from breathing in airborne pathogens, such as viruses.
- Surgical masks are fluid-resistant, disposable, and loose-fitting devices that create a physical barrier between the mouth and nose of the wearer and the immediate environment. They are for use in surgical settings and do not provide full protection from inhalation of airborne pathogens, such as viruses.
- Face masks (non-surgical masks) may not provide protection from fluids or may not filter particles, needed to protect against pathogens, such as viruses. They are not for surgical use and are not considered personal protective equipment.
N95 respirators are considered functionally equivalent to certain respirators regulated under non-U.S. jurisdictions, such as FFP2 respirators of the European Union and KN95 respirators of China. However, slightly different criteria are used to certify their performance, such as the filter efficiency, test agent and flow rate, and permissible pressure drop.
Difference Between Surgical Face Masks & N95 Respirator Face Masks
N95 Respirator Face Mask (Amazon)
KN95 Face Mask (Amazon)
Surgical Masks (Amazon)
PM2.5 Masks (Amazon) PM2.5 refers to atmospheric particulate matter (PM) that have a diameter of less than 2.5 micrometers, which is smaller than the diameter of a human hair. The term fine particles, or particulate matter 2.5 (PM2.5), refers to tiny particles or droplets in the air that are two and one half microns or less in width. Like inches, meters and miles, a micron is a unit of measurement for distance. There are about 25,000 microns in an inch. The widths of the larger particles in the PM2.5 size range would be about thirty times smaller than that of a human hair.
Retailers of protective face masks:
Popular Face Mask Brands
3M Face Masks : Not all masks are the same. There is a clear difference between a mask and a respirator. Do you have the proper respiratory protection? 3M Health Care Particulate Respirators and Surgical Masks provide you the respiratory protection you desire. Every day you put yourself at risk to ensure your patients are cared for. Make sure you are taking care of yourself as well by selecting the proper respiratory PPE.
- Respirators meet the CDC Guidelines for Mycobacterium tuberculosis exposure control. They are certified by NIOSH as N95's and designed to provide a secure face-to-respirator seal. This seal helps reduce the wearer's exposure to airborne particles, making them appropriate for protection from laser and electrocautery plume.
- Masks help protect the sterile field. They are designed to protect the patient from the exhaled microorganisms from the healthcare provider. Masks are FDA cleared.
Face Mask Manufacturing Los Angeles
You may also want to visit the Fashion Blog to for a better Understanding of N95 & Surgical Masks.
Eco-Friendly Facemasks (Allmask)
Phyllis Galembo Face Mask Exhibit
Honeywell N95 Respirator Masks
Learn more about protective face masks at the U.S. Food & Drug Administration and the CDC.