Will a N95 filtering facepiece respirator mask protect me from COVID-19?

Yes, an N95 filtering facepiece respirator will protect you and provide source control to protect others. A NIOSH-approved N95 filtering facepiece respirator with an exhalation valve offers the same protection to the wearer as one that does not have a valve.

What does a N95 respirator protect you from during the COVID-19 pandemic?

N95 respirators and surgical masks are examples of personal protective equipment that are used to protect the wearer from particles or from liquid contaminating the face. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) also regulates N95 respirators.

Can I sterilize an N95 respirator during the COVID-19 pandemic?

Do not wash your N95 or put it in the oven or microwave to try to sterilize it. Replace the N95 when the straps are stretched out and it no longer fits snugly against your face or when it becomes wet, dirty, or damaged. Throw it in the trash.

Can I wear masks with exhalations valves during COVID-19?

Masks with vents or exhalation valves are not advised because they allow unfiltered breath to escape the mask.

What is an N95 filtering facepiece respirator (FFR)?

An N95 FFR is a type of respirator which removes particles from the air that are breathed through it. These respirators filter out at least 95% of very small (0.3 micron) particles. N95 FFRs are capable of filtering out all types of particles, including bacteria and viruses.

What should you do if you accidentally touched your mask?

Don’t touch your mask while wearing it. If you accidentally touch your mask, wash or sanitize your hands.

How often should I clean my face mask during the COVID-19 pandemic?

How often should I clean my face mask or covering? You should clean your mask after every wearing. This reduces the risk of spreading the coronavirus or other germs.

Can N95 be reused in case of a shortage during COVID-19?

N95 masks can be rotated every 3–4 days, heated for 60 min, steamed or boiled for 5 min, and then air-dried. These methods retain 92.4–98.5% filtering efficiency (FE).Using soap and water or medical grade alcohol significantly decreases the FE of the masks (54% and 67%, respectively) (1).

Why shouldn’t material masks with exhalation valves be used during the COVID-19 pandemic?

• Do NOT wear cloth masks with exhalation valves or vents since they allow respiratory droplets containing the virus to escape.