What you need to know about wearing and caring for your N95 masks
How to Wear a N95 Mask Correctly
Here are some step-by-step instructions for wearing a N95 mask correctly:
Steps on How to Don an N-95 Mask
1. Cup the mask in your dominate hand, allowing the straps to dangle freely.
2. Place the mask over the nose and mouth by firmly pressing the nose clip on the mask over the nose and tucking the bottom of the mask securely over the chin.
3. Then take the top strap and place it at the top of the head.
4. Next take the bottom strap and place it at the bottom on the neck (do NOT allow the strap to rest on the hair of a ponytail but against the base of the neck).
5. Lastly, perform a seal check by breathing in and out forcefully and feeling for air leakage around the mask.
Steps on How to Doff an N-95 Mask
NOTE: DO NOT touch the front on the mask because it may be contaminated. However, the straps are “clean” and can be touched.
1. Tilt the head slightly forward.
2. Then use your two index fingers and remove the bottom strap first by slowly pulling it over the head.
3. Lastly, remove the top strap, being very careful not to touch the front of the mask.
4. Place mask inside paper bag to ensure it stays clean while allowing the air to circulate the mask.
See below how to clean your N95 mask between uses.
Wearing and Caring for Your Masks
REMINDER: Due to the need to conserve face masks, DPH supports the extended use (re-use) of face masks under certain conditions. CLICK HEREto review the conditions and learn how to care for the mask(s) you have.
