The N95 is made by various manufacturers under different names, from MSA’s “Affinity Foldable Respirator” to 3M’s “Particulate Respirator.” Look for “NIOSH N95” on the package; the “N95” is a government efficiency rating that means the mask blocks about 95 percent of particles that are 0.3 microns in size or larger.

What does the N in N95 stand for?

N: This is a Respirator Rating Letter Class. It stands for “Non-Oil” meaning that if no oil-based particulates are present, then you can use the mask in the work environment. Other masks ratings are R (resistant to oil for 8 hours) and P (oil proof). 95: Masks ending in a 95, have a 95 percent efficiency.

What is difference between N95 and normal mask?

Respirator masks, like the N95 Respirator Mask, are very similar to face masks in shape, but are more capable of protecting against small contaminated airborne particulates. The construction of an N95 Respirator Mask is designed to fit the mask closely to the face, eliminating the gap that regular face masks have.