Masks and Respirators

Surgical masks help protect your nose and mouth from splattered body fluids, respirators filter the air before you inhale it.

Surgical masks/procedure masks

• Surgical masks help protect your nose and mouth from splattered body fluids (such as blood, respiratory secretions, vomit, urine or feces).
  
  
• Surgical masks should be worn as part of Standard Precautions or Droplet Precautions.

Respirators

• Respirators filter the air you breathe to help protect you from microorganisms including bacteria and many viruses.
  
  
• Types of respirators include:
  • Disposable Respirators (includes N95)
    
  • Powered Air Purifying Respirator (PAPR)
  • Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus (SCBA) Respirators
  
  
  
• Respirators should be worn as part of Airborne Precautions or Full Barrier Precautions.