| The Difference Between Surgical Mask & N95 Respirator | ||
| Difference | 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. Protects the wearer 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. Discarded after each patient encounter. | 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. |