How to Use Your 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.

Your N95 respirator may look different than the one in these pictures. As long as your N95 respirator has two head straps (not ear loops), these basic instructions apply.

Wash Your Hands

Washing hands

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

Check Your N95 Respirator

inspecting the N95 for damage

Always inspect the N95 respirator for damage before use. If it appears damaged, dirty, or damp, do not use it.

Put on the N95 Respirator

illustration of hand holding N95

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.

An illustration of a man holding the N95 mask up to his face, with the straps in front of the mask

Place the N95 respirator under your chin with the nose piece bar at the top.

An illustration of a man putting the N95 on, and showing where the straps go on the back of the 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.

An illustration of a man showing how to mold the nose piece of an N95 to your nose.

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 N95 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.

An illustration of a man testing the fit of his N95, showing air flowing out of the sides of the N95, meaning it is not snug.

To check for gaps, gently place your hands on the N95 respirator, covering as much of it as possible, then breathe out. If you feel air leaking out from the edges of the N95 respirator, or if you are wearing glasses and they fog up, it is not snug. Adjust the N95 respirator and try again.

An illustration of a man testing the fit of his N95, showing no air flowing out of the sides of the N95, meaning a good fit.

If you cannot get a tight seal, try a different size or style. Even if you cannot get the N95 respirator sealed against your face, it will provide protection that is likely better than a cloth mask. Check for gaps every time you put on your N95 respirator.

Remove the N95 Respirator

An illustration of a man removing his N95 by first pulling the bottom strap over his head.

An illustration of hand washing after removing your N95.

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.