Understanding the Difference: Homemade Masks
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N95 Respirator |
Surgical Mask |
Homemade Mask or Paper Mask |
| User | Health Care Workers | Health Care Workers and patients in healthcare settings | General Public |
| Risk Factor | High Risk Situations | Moderate Risk Situations | Low Risk Situations |
| Design | Designed to protect the person wearing the mask from aerosols, splatter, sprays, or blood. | Designed for health care workers to stop droplets being spread by the wearer – NOT to protect the wearer from breathing in aerosols. | Designed to contain coughs and sneezes and prevent disease transmission to others – NOT to protect the wearer from breathing in aerosols. |
| When To Wear | Recommended for use when health care workers care for patients with COVID-19 and performing procedures that put them most at risk of virus exposure. | Recommended for health care providers during single or multiple patient interactions or routine health procedures. Surgical masks are also recommended when N95s are not available. | Recommended for use when a person can't perform social distancing. - When coughing or sneezing.
- Using public transportation.
- Shopping and working at essential businesses like grocery stores and pharmacies.
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| Fit Testing Required | Yes. Due to the fit, the wearer may find it hard to breathe. These masks are designed only for health care workers who have been fit tested. | No | No Scarves and bandanas can be used if necessary. |
| Use Limitations | Ideally should be discarded after each patient encounter. Extended use is preferable to reuse. Both are important and viable options when supplies are limited. Extended use is preferable. Follow CDC guidance on
Strategies to Optimize the Supply of PPE Equipment | Ideally should be discarded after each patient encounter. Extended use is preferable to reuse. Both are important and viable options when supplies are limited. Extended use is preferable. Follow CDC guidance on
Strategies to Optimize the Supply of PPE Equipment | Homemade/Cloth Masks: - Should be washed after each use.
- Should not be worn damp or when wet from spit or mucus.
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Facemasks and respirators offer a physical barrier to contact with respiratory droplets and aerosols. When used correctly, masks, along with other preventative measures such as hand washing, and social distancing reduce the risk of SARS-CoV-2 transmission leading to COVID-19 infection.
Help Support Health Care Workers
Do not purchase masks designed for health care professionals. N95 and surgical masks are designed to protect those who are working in high risk situations with a likelihood of exposure. Instead, make your own mask or purchase one from an online small business.