Understanding the Difference
!

WARNING

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Surgical Mask

N95 Respirator

Testing and
Approval

Cleared by the U.S. Food and Drug
Administration (FDA)

Evaluated, tested, and approved by
NIOSH as per the requirements in
42 CFR Part 84

Intended Use
and Purpose

Fluid resistant and provides the wearer
protection against large droplets,
splashes, or sprays of bodily or other
hazardous fluids. Protects the patient
from the wearer’s respiratory emissions.

Reduces wearer’s exposure to particles
including small particle aerosols and
large droplets (only non-oil aerosols).

Face Seal Fit

Loose-fitting

Tight-fitting

Fit Testing
Requirement

No

Yes

User Seal Check
Requirement

No

Yes. Required each time the respirator
is donned (put on)

Filtration

Does NOT provide the wearer with a
reliable level of protection from inhaling
smaller airborne particles and is not
considered respiratory protection

Filters out at least 95% of airborne
particles including large and small
particles

Leakage

Leakage occurs around the edge of the
mask when user inhales

When properly fitted and donned,
minimal leakage occurs around edges
of the respirator when user inhales

Use Limitations

Disposable. Discard after each patient
encounter.

Ideally should be discarded after each
patient encounter and after aerosolgenerating 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.

Centers for Disease Control
and Prevention
National Institute for Occupational
Safety and Health