DIFFERENCE BETWEEN SURGICAL MASK ANDTHE N95 RESPIRATOR

SURGICAL MASK

Are primarily intended to protect the patient, not the wearer, from the wearer's saliva and respiratory secretions

May also help protect the wearer against exposure to microorganisms, body fluids, and large particles in the air but are not tight fitting and likely have substantial inward leakage for particles and organisms

Are designed to cover the mouth and nose loosely but are not sized for individual fit

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U.S. FDA reviews data on filter efficiency,

breathing resistance, fluid resistance, and flammability

A surgical mask is intended to:

- prevent the release of potential

contaminants from the user into their

immediate environment

- protect the wearer from large droplets,

sprays and splashes of body fluids

To protect from exposure to airborne particles and barrier to splashes, droplets, and sprays.

N95 RESPIRATOR

Evaluated, tested, and approved by

NIOSH as per the requirements in 42 CFR Part 84

Reduces wearer’s exposure to particles

including small particle aerosols and large droplets (only non-oil aerosols).

Filters out at least 95% of airborne

particles including large and small particles

Ideally should be discarded after each

patient encounter and after aerosol-generating procedures. It should also be discarded when it becomes damaged or deformed; no longer forms an effective seal to the face; becomes wet or visibly dirty; breathing becomes difficult; or if it becomes contaminated with blood, respiratory or nasal secretions, or other bodily fluids from patients.