In order for an N95 to work as intended, however, it needs to be worn properly.
Some healthcare professionals worry that the general public has yet to receive adequate guidance on N95 usage.
Wearing an N95 requires a little more attention to details than a cloth or surgical mask.
Verywell Health / Nez Riaz
To put an N95 on, first put it in your hand with the nosepiece at your fingertips.
Cover your mouth and nose with the mask, nosepiece up.
Pull the straps over your head.
Verywell Health / Nez Riaz
verify the straps are not crisscrossed.
Making Sure It Fits
Youll need to ensure the mask fits well, too.
Check the seal and conduct a smell or odor test.
Verywell Health / Nez Riaz
Note: This should be the last time you touch the mask.
You should not touch it after its secured or when youre taking it off.
User Seal Check
When the mask is on, it should form a seal with your face.
This means there should be no gaps between your face and the respirator.
If theres leakage around your nose, adjust your nosepiece.
If you feel air leaking around the edges of the mask, adjust the straps.
Smell/Odor Test
Feel and look alone may not be enough to ensure a proper fit.
Health authorities recommend doing an additional smell or odor test.
In the test, a substance with a strong odor is sprayed into the air.
You shouldnt be able to smell that in your mask, she said.
Facial hair could prevent proper placement of your N95.
In this case, smell or odor tests can help determine whether your mask is sealed.
N95s are designed to be single-use, so ideally you should replace them after each use.
To take off the N95, hold the straps and not the mask itself.
Pull the bottom strap over your head first and then the top.
Discard the mask immediately if possible.
Thats the best it’s possible for you to do, Velocci said.
Its so against our policy to reuse it.
Thats not what weve done through the years.
Were just doing it now because we have limited resources.
Wash your hands in between everything, she added.
Just consider everything is contaminated.
For the most specific guidelines on how to wear and handle your mask, check the mask manufacturers instructions.
For the most recent updates on COVID-19, visit ourcoronavirus news page.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Types of masks and respirators.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Filtering out confusion: frequently asked questions about respiratory protection.
Occupational Safety and Health Administration.Appendix A to 1910.134Fit testing procedures (mandatory).
