Surgical Face Mask and N95 Face Mask Comparison
It is important to know the difference between the two commonly used masks; N95 respirators and surgical masks. These two types of face masks are compared and presented in the table below. N95 respirators and surgical face masks are PPE (Personal Protective Equipment) that are used to protect the wearer from airborne particles and from liquid contaminating the face.
Surgical Face
Mask
|
N95
Respirator Face Mask
|
|
Single Use | Yes. They should not be
shared or reused. |
Yes. They should not be
shared or reused. |
Require regulatory approval | Yes |
Yes |
Regulatory Body | Therapeutic Goods
Administration (TGA) |
Therapeutic Goods
Administration (TGA) |
General usage | Block large particle droplets, splashes, sprays, or splatter that may
contain germs (viruses and bacteria). |
Reduces exposure to small particle aerosols
and large droplets except for non-oil aerosols. |
Face Seal Fitting | Loose-fitting |
Very close facial fit |
User Seal Check | Not required |
Yes, required. Needed every time the
respirator is put on. |
Filtration Process | Not very efficient for filtering or blocking
very small particles in the air that may be transmitted by coughs, sneezes,
or certain medical procedures. |
Filters out at least 95% of airborne particles
including large and small particles, bacterial filtration efficiency. |
Testing requirements | - Fluid resistance - Filtration efficiency Particulate Filtration Efficiency (PFE) Bacterial Filtration Efficiency (BFE) - Flammability - Biocompatibility |
- Fluid resistance - Filtration efficiency Particulate Filtration Efficiency (PFE) Bacterial Filtration Efficiency (BFE) - Flammability - Biocompatibility |
Leakage | The edges of the mask are not designed to form
a seal around the nose and mouth and when users inhale. Leakage occurs along
the edges of the mask. |
When properly fitted and donned, the edges of
the respirator are designed to form a seal around the nose and mouth, only
minimal leakage occurs around edges of the respirator when the user inhales. |