#Niosh rated surplus gas mask how to

Individuals may consider the situation and other factors when choosing a mask or respirator that offers greater protection. A mask or respirator will be less effective if it fits poorly or if you wear it improperly or take it off frequently.

#Niosh rated surplus gas mask how to

Learn how to improve how well your mask protects you by visiting CDC’s Improve How Your Mask Protects You page.Ī respirator has better filtration, and if worn properly the whole time it is in use, can provide a higher level of protection than a cloth or procedural mask. Whatever product you choose, it should provide a good fit (i.e., fitting closely on the face without any gaps along the edges or around the nose) and be comfortable enough when worn properly (covering your nose and mouth) so that you can keep it on when you need to. Loosely woven cloth products provide the least protection, layered finely woven products offer more protection, well-fitting disposable surgical masks and KN95s offer even more protection, and well-fitting NIOSH-approved respirators (including N95s) offer the highest level of protection. Masks and respirators (i.e., specialized filtering masks such as “N95s”) can provide different levels of protection depending on the type of mask and how they are used.

CDC’s mask recommendations provide information that people can use to improve how well their masks protect them.Ĭhoosing a Mask or Respirator for Different Situations.

Wearing a highly protective mask or respirator may be most important for certain higher risk situations, or by some people at increased risk for severe disease.

While all masks and respirators provide some level of protection, properly fitting respirators provide the highest level of protection.

It is most important to wear a well-fitting mask or respirator correctly that is comfortable for you and that provides good protection.

Some masks and respirators offer higher levels of protection than others, and some may be harder to tolerate or wear consistently than others.

Masks and respirators are effective at reducing transmission of SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19, when worn consistently and correctly.

To protect yourself and others from COVID-19, CDC continues to recommend that you wear the most protective mask you can that fits well and that you will wear consistently.

Masking is a critical public health tool for preventing spread of COVID-19, and it is important to remember that any mask is better than no mask.