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2009-18167
STARTER TIPS
N95
Flat-fold respirators may not look like traditional cup-style disposable respirators; however,
they help protect you the same way as a cup-style and also have some unique features.
Their unique design allows for easier storage without crushing, fits a wide range of
faces — including smaller ones, and moves with your face as you talk.
Flat-fold respirators are effective at helping reduce the wearer's exposure to
airborne particles such as dusts and mists, but only if worn correctly.
Follow these tips to help you correctly put on, take off and wear
a flat-fold 3M respirator.
TIPS FOR WEARING A
3M N95 NON-VALVED
FLAT-FOLD RESPIRATOR
RESPIRATOR ON FIRST
Respirators should be put on first before a hat, eyewear or
hearing protection. 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, and different sizes. If you do
not find one very comfortable or you do not get a good seal
with one, try another respirator model.
BEWARE OF FACIAL HAIR
Facial hair such as a beard can compromise the seal between
your 3M flat-fold disposable 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
(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%.
