Surgical masks do not provide airtight seal and particles can enter from sides of the mask.
N95 Respirator is made to filter 95% of air particles, greater than 0.3 microns in size, from entering inside. It can filter tuberculosis organisms, particulates, viruses, bacteria, dust, fumes, mist, etc. These respirators do not protect against chemical gases and do not provide oxygen. These respirators are certified by NIOSH ( National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health). CDC, NIOSH, and OSHA regulate N95 respirator.
It is not designed for children and people with facial hair.
A fit test needs to be performed to make sure it makes an airtight seal. Different face sizes, shapes, and hairs on face require different types of masks. It is recommended to shave the facial hairs for the best fit. Healthcare workers are supposed to be tested regularly/annually to determine the proper shape and size of the mask.
If the seal is proper then exhaled air should not touch face or eyes. During normal inhalation and exhalation, the respirator should expand and collapse slightly.
If it does not make a seal or is damaged, it does not work. There is a specific way to wear the mask and take it off and dispose it.
If intended to be reused, there is a specific way to clean and store these. These masks also have an expiry date and over time the components may degrade. There are recommendations for the proper storage of masks so that the structural and functional integrity is maintained.
It has to be kept dry as moister decreases its efficiency. It used for a long time and if wet or oil soaked, these may interfere with breathing. Even if it is in good shape, some people may experience difficulty in breathing while wearing these
As per the CDC, the general public does not need to wear N95. Only social distancing is enough.
The BioFriend Tm BioMaskT N95 surgical respirator, Model: Professional (BF-200-3013AN) is flat folded and expands into a convex-shaped mask with polyamide/spandex elastic head-loops to secure the mask to the user's face, and a malleable aluminum strip positioned above the nose for a tighter seal around the nose and face. The respirator is comprised of four layers of material: an outer layer of spun-bond polypropylene, the second layer of cellulose/polyester, the third layer of melt-blown polypropylene filter material and an inner (fourth) layer of spun-bound polypropylene. The outer active layer of the respirator is coated with a hydrophilic plastic (active ingredient: citric acid 2% w/w, a pH-lowering agent). The second inner layer is treated with copper and zinc ions (copper 1.6% w/w and zinc 1.6% w/w which form ionic bonds with negatively-charged side-groups on influenza viruses). Both layers inactivate influenza viruses using different mechanisms of action.