N95 respirators are effective at helping reduce the wearer's exposure to airborne particles
such as dusts and mists, but only if they’re worn correctly. Follow these tips to put on, take
off and wear your 3M respirator.
Tips for Wearing a
3M N95 Non-Valved Disposable
Cup-Shape Respirator
© 3M 2020. All rights reserved.
August 2020
Respirator On First
Respirators should be put on first before putting on a hat,
eyewear or earmuffs. The straps should be directly against
your head.
Pay Attention to Strap Placement
The position of the straps is critical to help create a proper
seal of the respirator to your face. The top strap should be
placed above your ears high on the back of the head, and the
bottom strap should sit below your ears around your neck.
Straps should never be crisscrossed, twisted or looped around
your ears. Both straps need to be worn for a secure fit.
Do Not Pinch the Nosepiece
Pinching the nosepiece with one hand can result in a poor fit
on the bridge of the nose, potentially allowing contaminated
air to leak in through the gap when you breathe in, and could
cause fogging of eyewear when you breathe out. Instead, use
your fingers from both hands to completely mold the
nosepiece to your face.
Try Different Respirators
There are many different types of disposable respirators that
have a variety of features, such as more comfort, easier
breathability, adjustable straps, exhalation valves for easier
breathing, and different sizes. If you do not find one very
comfortable or you do not get a good seal with one, try
another model.
Beware of Facial Hair
Facial hair such as a beard can compromise the seal between
your 3M N95 respirator and your face, which may reduce its
effectiveness. Even stubble can have an effect on the
respirator seal. You must be clean shaven when using
respirators. However, facial hair entirely within the respirator
cup (e.g., a small goatee or mustache that doesn’t interfere
with the respirator seal) is OK.
Secure Long Hair
Long, dangling hair can also pose problems with strap fit
at the back of the head or with the seal to the face. Hair
should be secured in a ponytail or bun between the upper
and lower straps.
Remember the 3 Ds
If your respirator becomes dirty, damaged or difficult to
breathe through, it should be discarded and replaced. Any
N95 respirator that has come into contact with virus particles
should be carefully removed and appropriately handled
after use.
Be Mindful of Shelf Life
Do not use your respirator past its shelf life, typically 3 to 5
years from date of manufacture. The expiration date can be
found on packaging. Respirators should be stored according to
the storage instructions, including at temperatures no colder
than -4 degrees F (-20 degrees C), no hotter than 86 degrees
F (30 degrees C), and a relative humidity of less than 80%.
Things to Keep in Mind
N95
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