An N95 respirator is a specialized piece of personal protective equipment designed to filter airborne particles before they can be inhaled. This device receives its name from the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) standard, signifying it is certified to filter at least 95% of non-oil-based particles 0.3 microns or larger. Unlike a surgical mask, the N95 must form a tight seal around the user’s face to ensure all inhaled air passes through the filter material. Achieving proper respiratory protection depends entirely on the correct execution of the donning, sealing, and removal procedures.
Step-by-Step Guide to Donning the N95
The process of correctly putting on the respirator begins with proper preparation, including washing your hands thoroughly or using an alcohol-based sanitizer. Before use, the mask must be inspected for any signs of damage, such as tears or stretched straps, and any damaged unit should be discarded immediately. The user should be clean-shaven in the area of the seal, as facial hair between the skin and the mask edge will prevent a tight seal from forming.
To begin donning, cup the respirator in one hand with the nosepiece facing upward, allowing the head straps to hang freely. Position the mask under your chin, ensuring the metallic nosepiece is at the top, and hold it firmly against your face. Pull the bottom strap over your head and position it around your neck, below your ears.
The top strap is then pulled over the head and placed high on the back of the head, resting on the crown. The straps must not be crisscrossed, as this affects pressure distribution and compromises the seal. With the mask roughly in place, the final step involves molding the metallic strip over the bridge of the nose.
Use the fingertips of both hands to press down on the nosepiece, working from the center outward to conform it to the shape of your nose. Pinching the strip with only one hand should be avoided, as it results in a less effective seal. Proper molding is essential for preventing air leakage over the top of the mask.
Checking the Seal for Maximum Protection
After the respirator is securely in place and the nosepiece molded, a user seal check must be performed to confirm no air is leaking around the edges. This check is not a substitute for a professional fit test, but it confirms the mask is seated correctly for that specific use. The check involves two distinct maneuvers: the positive pressure check and the negative pressure check.
To perform the positive pressure check, place both hands over the respirator and exhale gently but quickly. If sealed correctly, you should feel the respirator bulge slightly as air pressure builds inside, with no air escaping around the edges. Any air leakage indicates the mask needs repositioning, and the straps or nosepiece must be adjusted before repeating the check.
The next step is the negative pressure check, which involves placing both hands over the mask and inhaling sharply. A successful check causes the respirator to collapse slightly inward toward your face. If air leaks in around the seal, the fit is unsatisfactory, and the mask must be adjusted until both the positive and negative checks succeed.
Safe Removal and Proper Disposal
Removing the N95 respirator correctly is important, as the front surface of the mask is considered contaminated after use. It is imperative to avoid touching the main body of the respirator during removal. The straps are the only safe points of contact for doffing the device.
To remove the mask, first pull the bottom strap forward and up over your head without touching the respirator. Next, pull the top strap over your head, allowing the mask to fall away from your face. Discard the mask immediately into a waste container after removal. The respirator should be discarded if it is damaged, soiled, or if breathing becomes difficult. Perform thorough hand hygiene after disposal to eliminate any potential contaminants.