Content

• Steps
• Advice

If you live in an area with poor air quality, or if an infectious disease is spreading in the community, wearing an N95 mask is a great way to protect lungs and overall health. Designed to filter harmful particles, the N95 respirator is a lightweight and relatively inexpensive item to help you breathe fresh air and stay healthy.

Steps

Part 1 of 3: Choose a mask

1. 

   Choose a N95 respirator to filter airborne particles. N95 respirators are an excellent choice for protecting the lungs from airborne particles, which can include metal emissions (such as gases produced during welding), minerals, and dust. Bites or biological particles such as viruses. You can wear an N95 respirator during a flu outbreak, or when there are pollutants or fires that degrade the air quality. This type of mask is made from a lightweight structural foam that covers the nose and mouth.
   • There are also special editions for industry workers and the N95 surgical respirator for medical professionals.
   • The number here represents the percentage of particles that the mask filters out. N95 camouflage filters 95% dust and particles.
   • The N95 respirator should not be used in environments with oil aerosols, as oil will damage the filter. The "N" is actually an abbreviation for "Not resistant to oil".

2. 

   
   
   Choose an R or P respirator if you must be exposed to oil-contaminated air. In the event of possible exposure to mineral, animal, vegetable, or synthetic oils, look for a mask with an R or a P. “R” stands for “somewhat oil-resistant. ”(Relative oil resistance), which means it will protect you from oil vapors for the specified length of time on the package. “P” stands for “oil-proof or strongly resistant”.
   • These types of respirators are also identified with class numbers, such as P100 and R95. These numbers indicate the percentage of particles that they have filtered out.
   • If you have to be exposed to gases or vapors whose concentrations exceed the exposure limits for these respirators, look for respirators with special filters to help filter the air more effectively.
3. Try on different mask sizes to choose the one that works best. Depending on your particular type, N95 respirators come in different sizes, from very small and small to medium and large. If possible, try wearing a few sizes before you buy. Make sure the mask fits snugly and does not move around your face. Remember that you will have to adjust the mask so it is tighter. If you are unsure, you should get a smaller size to make sure the mask does not slip off.

4. 

   
   
   Consult your doctor if you have respiratory or cardiovascular problems. An N95 mask can make it harder to breathe, especially if you have a chronic respiratory or cardiovascular disease. Talk to your doctor about what precautions you can take. You can use a valve with a breathing valve that helps ease breathing and reduces the heat build up in the mask. However, these versions should not be used if you need to maintain a sterile environment, such as in an operating room. Talk to your doctor before using this mask if you have:
   • Respiratory problems
   • Air disease perforation
   • Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
   • Asthma
   • Cardiopulmonary problems
   • Immunodeficiency diseases

5. 

   
   
   Buy NIOSH-compliant N95 facemasks at the store or online. You can purchase N95 masks at medical supply stores and pharmacies or directly from online retailers, such as the 3M company. It's important to choose a respirator certified by the American Institute of Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), with the NIOSH logo and certificate number printed on the package.
   • If your job requires you to wear an N95 respirator, your employer will be responsible for it.
   • Masks that do not have the NIOSH certification mark may lack the ability to provide protection.

6. 

   Store the mask so you can use it as soon as you need it. The demand for masks will often skyrocket and sell out very quickly during certain times, such as during an outbreak or when there is a heavy pollution wave in the area. Be prepared by keeping a few for yourself and each member of your family. Try to keep 2-3 for each person in your house in a remote room.
   • Consider your local environment when you stock up on masks. For example, if you live in a big city where there are a lot of pollution problems you will need more masks than if you live in a countryside with better air.
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Part 2 of 3: Wearing a mask properly

1. 

   Shave before wearing a mask, if possible. If you know that you must wear an N95 mask, shave off all facial hair. The beard can prevent you from wearing it, causing it to not fit properly, and it may impair the mask's effectiveness.
   • If it's an emergency and you don't have time to shave, try to wear a mask as tight as possible.

2. 

   Wash your hands thoroughly before wearing a mask. Use soap and hand sanitizer, and dry your hands thoroughly to avoid getting the mask wet. This will prevent you from accidentally contaminating the mask before you wear it.

3. 

   Hold the mask in one hand and place it over your mouth and nose. Place the mask in the palm of your hand, the strap facing the ground. Place the mask over your nose and mouth so that the top edge fits over the bridge of your nose. The lower edge of the mask should just cover the chin.
   • Try to touch only the outer edges with your hands to keep the mask clean.

4. 

   Pull the lower and upper straps over the head. If your mask has two straps, pull the strap below over your head and fix the strap around your neck, just below your ears. Continue using your other hand to apply the mask to your face, then pull the upper strap over your head and fix it above your ears.

5. 

   Adjust the metal rod of the mask across the bridge of the nose. Place 2 fingers on either side of the metal clip on the bridge of the nose on the top edge of the mask. Line your fingers along both sides of the metal rod and align the bridge of your nose.
   • If your mask does not have a metal bar on the bridge of your nose, just make sure to tighten and hug it around your nose.

6. 

   Find alternative solutions for children. N95 respirators are not designed for children and are not suitable for children. Instead, keep the children indoors as much as possible if the air quality is poor. Take precautions in the event of a flu outbreak, such as having your child wash their hands before eating and after coughing or sneezing. You could also try a respirator designed for kids, but not an N95 mask.
   • Do not use N95 respirator for children under 17-18 years old.
   • Older teens can try wearing an N95 respirator to see if it fits and feels comfortable. If your baby fits well and snugly, give him a try to walk and hear if he is dizzy or has difficulty breathing. If these symptoms do occur, remove the mask and send the child inside.
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Part 3 of 3: Check for tightness and remove the mask

1. 

   Breathe while wearing the mask and check for leaks. Use both hands to hold the mask and inhale to make sure it fits on your face, then exhale and notice if the air is escaping from the metal rod position on the bridge of your nose. If you feel air leaking in the nose area, straighten the edges of the mask and position the strap on the sides of your head.
   • If you find that the mask is still not completely sealed, ask a friend and family member to help you adjust or try a different size.

2. 

   Remove the mask by pulling the strap over your head. Do not touch the front of the mask, pull the strap below over your head, let it hang down in front of your chest, then pull the upper strap off.
   • You can either throw them away or store them in a clean, closed box or bag.
   • Avoid touching the mask, as it may be contaminated.

3. 

   Throw away the mask if you used it in a medical setting. If you use a mask while in contact with a patient or to prevent an outbreak, the outer surface of the mask is probably contaminated. You need to dispose of masks properly to ensure that they are not exposed to harmful particles. Carefully handle the mask strap and throw it in the trash.

4. 

   Reuse the mask if it is still dry and snug. If you wear a mask to protect it from harmful environments and avoid exposure to dangerous germs, you can reuse it. Re-test the mask's tightness each time it is worn to make sure it still fits. Store mask in a clean, sealed container or bag so that it will not be deformed by surrounding objects. advertisement

Advice

• In some regions, medical staff and medical students undergo a tight fit test when wearing an N95 mask. This test requires you to put your head under a plastic hood, and when you wear a mask over your nose and mouth, the examiner fumes (when, vapors or aerosols) have a characteristic odor and taste through the hood. You will be wearing different sizes of masks until you can no longer sense the taste of gases, ie the mask is not exposed. Employees are required to have a respirator fit and must be re-tested annually.