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Masks and Respirators

Photo: Respirators
Photo courtesy of Moldex
There are many different types of masks and respirators available. For more information on how to find masks or respirators, read this NIOSH Respirator Fact Sheet.

Examples of facemasks

Photo: Man wearing a surgical mask
Surgical Mask
The masks used in doctor's offices and hospitals are the facial masks referred to in the Interim Public Health Guidance for the Use of Facemasks and Respirators in Non-Occupational Community Settings during an Influenza Pandemic.

Examples of filtering facepiece respirators

Respirators range from disposable models that look similar to some facemasks to the cartridge-type respirators that are generally referred to as gas masks.

The Guidance specifically refers to the disposable filtering facepiece type of respirator, with a NIOSH rating of N95 or greater. These are also called particulate respirators. N95 is stamped on them.

Photo: Standard disposable N95 respirator
This is a standard disposable N95 respirator.
 
Photo: Man wearing an N95 respirator
This is another N95 respirator.
Photo courtesy of Moldex
 
Photo: Woman wearing an N95 respirator with valve
This is another style N95 respirator.
Photo courtesy of Moldex
 
Photo: Man wearing a pouch-style N95 respirator
This is another N95 respirator.
Photo courtesy of Kimberly-Clark

Page last reviewed: May 10, 2007
Page last updated: May 10, 2007
Content Source: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
Content owner: National Center for Health Marketing
URL for this page: www.cdc.gov/Features/MasksRespirators
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