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We are fully committed to helping fight the spread of COVID-19 by supporting healthcare works around the world. This pandemic is affecting all of us, and we are doing everything we can to support public health–including doubling our global output of N95 respirators and getting them to healthcare providers on the front lines of the pandemic.
We know you have questions related to PPE. We are here to provide guidance on the different types of PPE and its proper use.
With supply challenges around the world, many facilities are looking to optimize their equipment.
Procedure masks are loose fitting and designed to help reduce particles expelled by the wearer.
Surgical masks are also loose fitting and designed to protect the patient from particles expelled from the wearer; in addition they can be used as a fluid barrier.
3M™ Health Care Particulate Respirator and Surgical Masks (PDF, 11.93MB)
Masks often fit loosely, leaving gaps between the mask and your face. Fit test requirements do not apply as masks are not designed to reduce wearer exposure to airborne particulates.
N95 respirators are designed to fit tightly, creating a seal between your face and the respirator. Requires fit testing and user seal checks.
Surgical N95 respirators are fluid resistant according to ASTM F1862 while standard N95 respirators are not.
Extended use of PPE, particularly devices like respirators and face shields, may impact skin and cause various levels of skin breakdown. Explore some simple ways you can help minimize that breakdown.
Tips for PPE Skin Protection Facing the Challenge (PDF, 147KB)
3M™ Cavilon™ Product Use for PPE Skin Protection (PDF, 1.29MB)
Frequently asked questions on preventing PPE-related skin injuries (PDF, 138KB)
There is no time limit to wearing an Filtering Facepiece Respirator (FFR) e.g. N95 respirator. Respirators can be worn until they are dirty, damaged or difficult to breathe through. Note that if an FFR is used to filter bioaerosols, those potentially infectious particles will remain on the filter fibers, and therefore the respirator could become a potential source of contact contamination after use. When removing an FFR after use, take care not to touch the filter portion of the respirator, discard it with other potentially contaminated waste, and wash your hands immediately after handling the respirator.
To be effective, a respirator needs to be worn correctly and worn throughout the duration of the hazardous exposure. People using a respirator will need to go to an area with safe air to remove the respirator for any reason, including to eat and drink. Again, however, users should follow guidance from health authorities, which typically stresses the importance of avoiding prolonged exposure to hazardous air, such as by remaining indoors in clean environments when it is possible to do so.
There is no time limit to wearing an Filtering Facepiece Respirator (FFR) e.g. N95 respirator. Respirators can be worn until they are dirty, damaged or difficult to breathe through. Note that if an FFR is used to filter bioaerosols, those potentially infectious particles will remain on the filter fibers, and therefore the respirator could become a potential source of contact contamination after use. When removing an FFR after use, take care not to touch the filter portion of the respirator, discard it with other potentially contaminated waste, and wash your hands immediately after handling the respirator.
To be effective, a respirator needs to be worn correctly and worn throughout the duration of the hazardous exposure. People using a respirator will need to go to an area with safe air to remove the respirator for any reason, including to eat and drink. Again, however, users should follow guidance from health authorities, which typically stresses the importance of avoiding prolonged exposure to hazardous air, such as by remaining indoors in clean environments when it is possible to do so.
To be effective, a respirator needs to be worn correctly and worn throughout the duration of the hazardous exposure.
Don:
Doff for disposal: Do NOT touch the front of the respirator.