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Clinician wearing a facemask and N95 respirator while speaking with a patient

PPE information to help keep you safe in the fight against COVID-19

We are fully committed to helping fight the spread of COVID-19 by supporting healthcare works around the world. This pandemic is affecting all of us, and we are doing everything we can to support public health–including doubling our global output of N95 respirators and getting them to healthcare providers on the front lines of the pandemic. 

  • Clinician wearing PPE speaking with a patient
    PPE Questions and Considerations

    We know you have questions related to PPE. We are here to provide guidance on the different types of PPE and its proper use.

  • Clinician wearing PPE speaking with a patient
    Optimization of PPE

    With supply challenges around the world, many facilities are looking to optimize their equipment.


Clinician wearing PPE speaking with a patient
PPE Questions and Considerations

We are here to answer your questions on 3M™ Health Care Particulate Respirator and Surgical Mask use, fit and other considerations to help protect yourself. We will continue to update site with new information and answer questions we hear from you.

Frequently asked questions on PPE use and equipment

Respiratory protection in healthcare

Clinician wearing PPE speaking with a patient
Optimisation of PPE

With supply challenges around the world, many facilities are looking to optimize their equipment. This section contains use information of N95 respirators.

Frequently asked questions on the use of N95 respirators

  • Is there a time limitation for wearing an FFR?

    There is no time limit to wearing an Filtering Facepiece Respirator (FFR) e.g. N95 respirator. Respirators can be worn until they are dirty, damaged or difficult to breathe through. Note that if an FFR is used to filter bioaerosols, those potentially infectious particles will remain on the filter fibers, and therefore the respirator could become a potential source of contact contamination after use. When removing an FFR after use, take care not to touch the filter portion of the respirator, discard it with other potentially contaminated waste, and wash your hands immediately after handling the respirator.


    To be effective, a respirator needs to be worn correctly and worn throughout the duration of the hazardous exposure. People using a respirator will need to go to an area with safe air to remove the respirator for any reason, including to eat and drink. Again, however, users should follow guidance from health authorities, which typically stresses the importance of avoiding prolonged exposure to hazardous air, such as by remaining indoors in clean environments when it is possible to do so.

  • To be effective, a respirator needs to be worn correctly and worn throughout the duration of the hazardous exposure.

    Don:
     

    1. Hold the respirator in the palm of your hand with the straps facing the floor (If using a flat fold respirator; pull open the folds into a cup shape before placing in the palm of your hand).
    2. Place the N95 respirator on your face covering your nose and mouth.
    3. Pull the bottom strap up and over the top of your head and place at the back of your head below your ears.
    4. Pull the upper strap up and over top of your head, and put it behind your head at the crown of your head.
    5. Use both hands to mold the nosepiece to fit snugly against your nose and face.
    6. Perform a seal check according to manufacturer instructions to ensure there is a good seal against the skin.
       

    Doff for disposal: Do NOT touch the front of the respirator.
     

    1. Tilt your head forward. Then, use two hands to grab the bottom strap, pull to the sides, then over your head.
    2. Use both hands to grab the upper strap, pull to the sides, then over your head. Keep tension on the upper strap as you remove it, which will let the mask fall forward and be removed
    3. Wash hands per facility protocol.

    Wear It Right. Putting on Your Respirator