What is a respirator?
A respirator (e.g., an N95 or higher filtering facepiece respirator approved by the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health) is designed to protect people from breathing in very small particles, which might contain viruses. Most of the time, N95 respirators are used in construction and other jobs that involve dust and small particles. Health-care workers, such as nurses and doctors, also use respirators when taking care of patients with diseases that can be spread through the air. “N95” means the filter on the respirator screens out 95 percent of the particles (0.3 microns and larger) that could pass through (and higher numbers mean a higher percentage of particles are screened). The filter and the tightness of fit together determine overall effectiveness of a respirator. To be most effective, these types of respirators need to fit tightly to the face so that the air is breathed through the filter material. “Fit testing” is the usual method for assuring proper fit in work
Photo courtesy of Moldex A respirator (for example, an N95 or higher filtering facepiece respirator) is designed to protect you from breathing in very small particles, which might contain viruses. These types of respirators fit tightly to the face so that most air is inhaled through the filter material. To work the best way, N95 respirators must be specially fitted for each person who wears one (this is called “fit-testing” and is usually done in a workplace where respirators are used). Most of the time, N95 respirators are used in construction and other jobs that involve dust and small particles. Some healthcare workers, such as nurses and doctors, use these types of respirators when taking care of patients with diseases that can be spread through the air. If you have a heart or lung disease or other health condition, you may have trouble breathing through respirators and you should talk with your doctor before using a respirator. Like surgical masks, N95 respirators should be worn on
A respirator is a device that is worn over the mouth and nose to protect the wearer from occupational and environmental hazards such as harmful airborne particles and gasses. There are many different styles of respirators and their functionality varies with the style. Not to be confused with a ventilator, which actually assists in breathing, a respirator either forces air through a filter before it is inhaled or supplies an alternate, clean source of air for a duration of time. A respirator is common in the workplace in fields where workers are exposed to harmful chemicals, dust, debris, or gasses. Various forms of the respirator have been around for centuries and initially consisted of only tightly woven fabric dipped in water. The modern version of a respirator commonly associated with industrial use today was first developed in the late 1800s. Most respirator varieties feature filters that trap incoming dust, debris, and other particles in the air. They may use a mechanical cartridg
A respirator (for example, an N95 or higher filtering facepiece respirator) is designed to protect you from breathing in very small particles, which might contain viruses. These types of respirators fit tightly to the face so that most air is inhaled through the filter material. To work most effectively, N95 respirators must be specially fitted for each person who wears one (this is called “fit-testing” and is usually done in a workplace where respirators are used). N95 respirators are most commonly used in construction and other jobs that involve dust and small particles. Some healthcare workers, such as nurses and doctors, use these types of respirators when taking care of patients with diseases that can be spread through the air. If you have a heart or lung disease or other health condition, you may have trouble breathing through respirators and you should talk with your doctor before using a respirator. Like surgical masks, N95 respirators should be worn only once and then thrown a
