The proper fit of N95 masks or respirators is the key to ensuring the best protection against the covid-95 virus, the manufacturer 3M said on Tuesday.
“Fit is important. N95 respirators must be donned correctly to protect effectively,” says Dr. Nikki Vars McCullough, 3M vice president, and chief respiratory protection officer.
“Respirators must fit the wearer’s face to direct inhaled and exhaled air through the filter. They are designed to fit a wide range of faces and accommodate movement of the face as you speak,” it added in a statement.
3M is the largest manufacturer of N95 respirators in the United States and Latin America, with manufacturing plants in Brazil and Mexico.
N95 respirators filter at least 95 percent of airborne particles, including those that may contain viruses.
Given a large number of fraud and counterfeit cases in N95 respirators, the manufacturing company indicates that users must ensure that they are buying from an authorized seller.
In total, more than 55 million counterfeit respirators have been seized.
N95 respirators, which are certified by the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), are available at major retailers and online platforms, and to users through medical and industrial distributors.