How to Wear an N95 Mask Correctly?

From the time CDC emphasized wearing face masks in public, we’ve seen various PPE products launching in the market.

Initially, FDA and CDC approved 3ply disposable face masks for the general population, among many others. N95 or KN95 face respirators were advised for medical personnel. However, it quickly became clear that disposable or cloth face breathers could only do so much against the powerful novel Coronavirus. This resulted in the increase in production and demand for N95 respirators. The reason was the higher efficacy of blocking microorganisms with up to a 95% filter rate. So, people started buying N95 masks left, right, and center, but like anything, it gave way to several issues.

The general public barely knew the SOPs (standard of protocol) and steps to ensure protection. Some people simply thought that throwing a face mask on would keep the viral threat at bay. But that wasn’t the case. Covid-19 continued to see an upsurge in cases, with people baffled on where they went wrong.

If you’re among those feeling at a loss of how to put on your N95 face mask correctly, the following steps will put you right at ease.

Knowing is the first step to making the right decision, so let’s get started.

Before Putting Your Mask…

Ensure that you are clean-shaven. Facial hair that covers the area a respirator is supposed to be at can interfere with the tight seal and fail to deliver the required protection level.

Wash your hands with a hand sanitizer or soap and water. This helps in making sure you touch the face mask with clean hands. It’s also a good practice to dry your hands to keep your mask away from capturing moisture.

Step#1 Strap Placement

Hold the mask in one hand and move the elastic straps from the back of the mask to the front.

N95 masks have a top and bottom strap. By using one hand, place the bottom of the mask on your chin and bring the top nose bridge section to your face. The initial position after performing step one will be the mask sitting flat on your face with you holding it to your face with one hand. After that, use your other hand to take the bottom strap and pull it over your head to the back of your neck. Finally, pull the remaining top strap onto the top of your head.

Performing the first step ensures the correct placement of straps that help in an even distribution of pressure on your face.

*Note: if you experience respiratory trouble or difficulty breathing at this point, please do not proceed further. Breathing difficulties are quite common with N95 respirators, especially in people diagnosed with asthma or sinus issue. Additionally, it’s always best to consult with an expert before donning an N95 mask.

Pro-tip: For beginners, standing in front of a mirror works best to see where you place the mask and whether if you position it centrally.

Step#2 Nose Bridge Molding

Once the mask is held to your face with the straps in their correct positions, it’s time to mold the nose bridge according to your face.

N95 face masks come with adjustable nose bridge positions. That’s because no two people have the same facial anatomy.

Moreover, it’s easier to adjust and achieve a better seal than with a pre-formed nasal bridge area. With the latter, a slightly looser seal can take effect, which shuns the point of wearing a mask in the first place.

To adjust the nose bridge, use your index and middle fingers on both hands positioned on either side of your nose. Apply pressure to the nose bridge area and slowly move down the nose. Doing this ensures equal pressure distribution with accurate molding according to your facial structure.

Pro-tip: Don’t pinch the nose piece with one hand as it will result in uneven pressure on the nosepiece. The impact comes with the loss of effectiveness of the seal.

Step#3 Seal Checking

Before starting this step, ensure your face is properly seated with adjusted straps and a nosepiece. The final step includes checking the tightness of the seal. Experts recommend doing this every time after placing a mask to confirm that the mask seal is working correctly.

There are two kinds of seal checks:

Positive Seal Check

This involves cupping your hands together and covering the mask without applying any direct pressure on it. After that, inhale deeply and observe if the mask lightly sucks to your face.

Negative Seal Check

Cup your hands together and cover the mask properly. Like the positive seal check, this also doesn’t require direct pressure. Now, exhale deeply and feel the air escaping slightly through the nose bridge.

Note: a negative seal check will have air escaping through the nasal bridge only and not from anywhere else.

How to Take Off N95 Respirator?

It’s crucial to know the proper removal process as well. To remove your N95 respirator:

1. Hold the respirator in one hand and maintain its position on the face.
2. Pull the bottom strap over the head with the respirator still held securely in one hand.
3. Lift and remove the mask in one gentle but swift motion.

What Next?

Even when you know the correct way to wear an N95 mask, it’s significant to consult the manufacturer’s user instructions for accuracy.

At Queen Industries, we manufacture a wide range of products, from disposable examination gloves to surgical masks and N95 masks.

If you’re looking for the best quality of affordable PPE, place your order today.