How to Use Your N95? Respirator

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Proper wear and use of N95 respirators so that they are effective.

Person wearing N95 respirator.

Wear your N95 respirator properly so it is effective

N95 respirators must form a seal to the face to work properly. This is especially important for people at increased risk for severe disease. Wearing an N95 respirator can make it harder to breathe. If you have heart or lung problems, talk to your doctor before using an N95 respirator.

Some N95 respirators may contain latex in the straps. If you have natural rubber latex allergies, see the manufacturers' website for information about your specific model.

Wash your hands

Two hands washing with suds.
It is best to put on your N95 respirator with clean, dry hands.

Check your N95 respirator

Two hands checking out the strap of N95 respirator.
Always inspect the N95 respirator for damage before use. If it appears damaged, dirty, or damp, do not use it.

Put on your N95 respirator

Hand holding N95 respirator with nose piece at the fingertips.
Hold the N95 respirator in your hand with the nose piece bar (or foam) at your fingertips. If yours does not have a nose piece, use the text written on it to be sure the top end is at your fingertips.
Person holding N95 up to face.
Place the N95 respirator under your chin with the nose piece bar at the top.
Person pulling strap of N95 over their head.
Pull the top strap over your head, placing it near the crown. Then, pull the bottom strap over and place it at the back of your neck, below your ears. Do not crisscross the straps. Make sure the straps lay flat and are not twisted.
Person pressing down on N95 nose piece.
Place your fingertips from both hands at the top of the nose piece. Press down on both sides of the nose piece to mold it to the shape of your nose.

Keep your respirator snug

Your N95 respirator must form a seal to your face to work properly. Your breath must pass through the N95 respirator and not around its edges. Jewelry, glasses, and facial hair can cause gaps between your face and the edge of the respirator. The N95 respirator works better if you are clean shaven. Gaps can also occur if your N95 respirator is too big, too small, or it was not put on correctly.

Person pressing respirator to face with breath escaping sides of respirator with a red x to show not to do this.
Check for gaps. Place your hands on the N95 respirator, covering as much of it as possible, then breathe out. If you feel air leaking from the edges of the respirator, or you are wearing glasses and they fog up, it is not snug. Adjust and try again.
Person pressing respirator to face with a green check mark to signal there a no gaps for breath to escape.
If you cannot get a tight seal, try a different size or style. Check for gaps every time you put on your N95 respirator.

Even if you cannot get the N95 respirator sealed against your face, it will provide protection that is likely better than a cloth mask.

Remove your N95 Respirator

Person wearing N95 removing it by grabbing strap from head.
Remove your N95.
Two hands with suds to signify washing hands.
After you remove your N95, wash your hands with soap and water, or hand sanitizer containing at least 60% alcohol if soap is not available.

When to replace your N95 respirator

Do not wash your N95 respirator or put it in the oven or microwave to try to sterilize it. Replace the N95 respirator when the straps are stretched out and it no longer fits snugly against your face or when it becomes wet, dirty, or damaged. Throw it in the trash.

N95 is a certification mark of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) registered in the United States and several international jurisdictions.

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Content Source:
; National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health