How to Correctly Put on an N95 Respirator

N95 respirators are the most basic of all the respirators available. N95 is the rating, meaning the respirator filters out 95 percent of the particulates that come into contact with it. The respirators are useful in protecting you from nuisance dust and are used in the medical industry to minimize the spread of bacteria and viruses. There are several other types of N95 masks, including those for acid, odor and fumes. However, if you don't put on or wear the masks correctly, their effectiveness can decline.

Instructions

• 1

  Place the mask on your face so that it covers your nose and your mouth.

• 2

  Using your thumb and index finger, pinch the small metal strip in the mask to form a tight fit around your nose. The metal strip is located near the bridge of your nose.

• 3

  Place the first elastic band on the upper side of the back of your head. If the mask has a second elastic band, place it on the upper part of the back of your neck.

• 4

  To check the fit, place both hands, palms facing toward your face, against the mask. Exhale. If you can feel air escaping out the sides, move the elastic bands up or down or bend the metal nose piece again to adjust the mask.