N95 masks

Particle-blocking face covers

N95 masks are respirators that filter out at least 95 percent of airborne particles, including dust, smoke, and pathogens.

The "N" indicates they're not resistant to oil.

Worn over the nose and mouth, they seal tightly to the face—unlike surgical masks, which fit loosely.

N95s became widely familiar during the COVID-19 pandemic: We stocked up on N95 masks when cases started rising.

Related

COVID · surgical · PPE · airborne · particles · breathing · elastic · straps · hospital · personal protective equipment · protection · dust · air quality · medical · disposable · fit · tight seal · seal

Categories
Opposites
filtration effectiveness

N95 masksbare face

unmasked · maskless · bandanas · unprotected · paper masks

Family

mask, masks, masked, masking, unmasked, unmask, masker

Familiarity
Top 200,000
Profile
Known to kids · Used worldwide · Concrete · Everyday, not technical · Rated G