What You Should Know About Tight-Fitting Respirators

Why Should I Be Fit-Tested For An N95 Respirator?

Mask Fit Testing is essential for the safety of all workers, ensuring that infectious airborne diseases and other respiratory hazards stay out of the body. Correctly fitted masks will effectively filter out these substances and protect you from harm. Go to the CDC for a list of approved N95 Respirators.

What Are KN95 Respirators?

KN95 Respirators are manufactured under Chinese guidelines, and they are okay to use during the COVID-19 crisis. HOWEVER, before you buy any KN95 Respirator, go to the CDC’s website for a list of reports on KN95 Respirators. A respirator must have a minimum of 95% filtration. If it doesn’t, it cannot be used as a tight-fitting respirator!

The FDA has released approved and banned manufacturers from China. Check them out before purchasing any KN95 Respirator.

What Are Some Indications That A Respirator Is Fake?

The Canadian Dental Association has given general guidelines on how to identify fake respirators. You can find them here.

What Kind Of Mask Fit Testing Do You Do? What Should I Know Before Getting Tested?

Currently, we administer Qualitative Mask Fit Tests (QLFT) for N95 Masks. Since this relies heavily on a subject’s taste sensitivity, we require that there be no smoking, chewing gum, eating, or drinking (with the exception of water) 20 minutes before a scheduled test. If you have heavy facial hair, you absolutely must shave it off. Click here for examples of acceptable and unacceptable facial hair.

You will have to fill out a medical form and give it to your tester prior to getting tested. Contact Us today to obtain a form.

How Long Do Certificates Last For?

Under CSA Z94.4-18 Guidelines, certificates last for 2 years after being issued. However, if a recipient experiences significant weight or facial changes within that duration, a mask fit test should be conducted again to ensure that the mask still seals the user’s face correctly.

Can I Use A Different Model or Manufacturer Once I Get A Certificate?

Because there are discrepancies regarding how different masks fit, a certificate is only valid for masks of the same model and manufacturer.