3M N95 Woodworking, Sanding and Fiberglass Valved Respirator with Cool flow exhalation valve for easy breathing and cool, dry comfort. Adjustable M-nose-clip. This N95 rated mask is lightweight for greater comfort and longer wear time. All filter design has no spare parts to clean and maintain. This N95 mask promotes easier communication when wearing. This N95 face mask is suggested for grinding, sanding, sweeping, fiberglass insulation, large crowd situations and other dusty/hot operations. NIOSH 42 CFR 84 N95 approved. TC-84A-1299.

Masks and N95 Respirators

About Facemasks and N95 Respirators

Facemasks and N95 respirators are examples of personal protective equipment that are used to protect the wearer from liquid and airborne particles contaminating the face. They are one part of an infection-control strategy.

Facemasks

A facemask is a loose-fitting, disposable device that creates a physical barrier between the mouth and nose of the wearer and potential contaminants in the immediate environment. Facemasks are not to be shared and may be labeled as surgical, isolation, dental or medical procedure masks. Facemask may come with or without a face shield.

Facemasks are manufactured in different thicknesses and with different ability to protect you from contact with liquids. These manufactured properties may also affect how easily you can breathe through the facemask and how well the facemask protects you.

If worn properly, a facemask is meant to help block large-particle droplets, splashes, sprays or splatter that may contain germs (viruses and bacteria), keeping it from reaching your mouth and nose. Facemasks may also help reduce the exposure of your saliva and respiratory secretions to others.

While a facemask may be effective in blocking splashes and large-particle droplets, a facemask, by design, does not filter or block very small particles in the air that may be transmitted by coughs, sneezes or certain medical procedures. Facemasks also do not provide complete protection from germs and other contaminants because of the loose fit between the surface of the facemask and your face.

Facemasks are not intended to be used more than once. If your mask is damaged or soiled, or if breathing through the mask becomes difficult, you should remove the facemask, discard it safely, and replace it with a new one. To safely discard your mask, place it in a plastic bag and put it in the trash. Wash your hands after handling the used mask.

General N95 Respirator Precautions

People with chronic respiratory, cardiac, or other medical conditions that make breathing difficult should check with their healthcare provider before using an N95 respirator because the N95 respirator can make it more difficult for the wearer to breathe. Some models have exhalation valves that can make breathing out easier and help reduce heat build-up. Note that N95 respirators with exhalation valves should not be used when sterile conditions must be maintained.

All FDA-cleared N95 respirators are labeled as "single use", disposable devices. If your respirator is damaged or soiled, or if breathing becomes difficult, you should remove the respirator, discard it properly, and replace it with a new one. To safely discard your N95 respirator, place it in a plastic bag and put it in the trash. Wash your hands after handling the used respirator.

The ‘N95’ designation means that when subjected to careful testing, the respirator blocks at least 95 percent of very small (0.3 micron) test particles. If properly fitted, the filtration capabilities of N95 respirators exceed those of face masks. However, even a properly fitted N95 respirator does not completely eliminate the risk of illness or death.

Information from the FDA US Food and Drug Administration