3M™ 1860/1860S Health Care N95 Particulate Respirator and Surgical Mask Brochure (PDF, 645 KB) Instructions (PDF, 646 KB)	3M™ Health Care Particulate Respirator and Surgical Mask 1870 Brochure (PDF, 260 KB) Instructions (PDF, 110 KB)

What is SARS (Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome)?
Neither the World Health Organization (WHO), Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) nor Health Canada have positively identified the actual cause of SARS. The leading hypothesis for the cause of SARS is a coronavirus. For the most current information see the CDC, WHO or Health Canada websites.
CDC http://www.cdc.gov/ncidod/sars/index.htm
WHO http://www.who.int/en/
Health Canada www.sars.gc.ca

back to the top

What do CDC, WHO and Health Canada recommend for respiratory protection?
At the present time, the CDC, WHO and Health Canada have made respirator recommendations for healthcare workers only. As of April 7, 2003, CDC, WHO and Health Canada recommend that a National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) -certified N95 respirator be used by healthcare workers when caring for patients with SARS.
Other national respirator approvals/certifications exist, but WHO, CDC and Health Canada have not recommended their use as of April 7, 2003. 3M is actively working with WHO to ask them to extend their approved respirator recommendations to include other National / International approvals e.g. European approvals.

back to the top

Can respirators protect you from biological agents such as Bacteria or Viruses?
It is probable that SARS is spread from person to person in several ways. Therefore, a respirator is just one of several preventative measures that can be used to help reduce exposure to the virus that causes SARS.

Respirators are designed to reduce exposures of the wearer to airborne hazards. Biological agents, such as bacteria or viruses, are particles and can be filtered by particulate filters with the same efficiency as non-biological particles having the same physical characteristics (size, shape, etc.). However, unlike most industrial particles there are no exposure limits, such as Permissible Exposure Limit (PEL), Threshold Limit Value (TLV), or Occupational Exposure Limit (OEL) established for biological agents such as SARS. Therefore, respirators are not a guarantee that the user will not contract SARS. Respirators may help reduce exposures to airborne biological contaminants, but they don’t eliminate the risk of exposure, infection, illness, or death.

back to the top

Can respirators other than N95 be used to help reduce exposures to biological agents?
WHO, CDC and Health Canada have recommended NIOSH-certified N95 respirators for healthcare workers.
These respirators are not approved under European regulations, however, some European countries have issued guidance /regulations concerning the appropriate respirator for use against SARS. To date we are aware of five European countries that have issued guidance ranging between FFP2 and FFP3. Additionally, there have been some countries in Asia that have issued guidance. If your country does not currently have guidance, please contact 3M for information on what other countries are recommending.

Most surgical masks are not approved as respirators and are not designed to prevent the wearer from inhaling airborne hazards.

back to the top

Can medical facemasks be used to help reduce exposures to biological agents?
Medical, surgical and patient care masks are not designed to protect the wearer from inhaling airborne hazards; therefore 3M recommends that they not be used for this purpose, or in place of an approved respirator.

back to the top

What is the difference between a government-certified respirator and a surgical mask?
Respirators are designed to help reduce the wearer’s exposure to airborne particles. The primary purpose of a surgical facemask is to help prevent biological particles from being expelled by the wearer into the environment. Surgical masks are also designed to be fluid resistant to splash and splatter of blood and other infectious materials and not necessarily for filtration efficiency. Surgical facemasks are not necessarily designed to seal tightly to the face, therefore the potential of air leakage around the edges exists. Even those masks that appear similar to respirators have not been designed to protect the wearer from airborne hazards; therefore they should not be considered an equivalent substitute to government-approved respirators.

Some approved respirators are designed to have the characteristics of both an approved respirator and a surgical mask. In the U.S., these products are both approved by NIOSH and cleared by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for use in surgery.

back to the top

Are there any medical restrictions for wearing a respirator?
Individuals with a compromised respiratory system, such as asthma or emphysema, or people with a history of heart disease should consult a physician before wearing a respirator. When personal protective equipment, including respirators, is used in a professional environment, its use must comply with applicable workplace standards, regulations, and policies.

back to the top

Can children wear respirators?
Currently, 3M respirators are not designed for children. 3M respirators are designed for occupational/professional use by adults who are properly trained in their use and limitations.

back to the top

Are multiple sizes of respirators needed?
Multiple sizes of respirators are not mandatory. Multiple sizes or alternative facepiece designs can provide the individual with additional options for obtaining a good fit and seal. What is important is that the respirator fit the wearer.

back to the top

How important is fit?
Fit is very important. If a respirator does not seal tightly to the face, airborne hazards can penetrate or enter underneath the facepiece seal and into the breathing zone. It is very important to always follow the donning instructions and do a user seal-check or fit-check before entering the contaminated environment. A good fit can only be obtained if the face is clean-shaven in the area where the respirator seals against the face. Beards, long mustaches, and stubble may cause leaks into the respirator. Many medical facemasks, not approved as respirators, do not seal tightly to the face allowing airborne hazards to enter the breathing zone. Even those medical facemasks that appear to seal tightly to the face have not been designed to protect the wearer from airborne hazards. Therefore, they should not be considered an equivalent substitute for government-approved respirators. Some approved respirators are designed to have the characteristics of both an approved respirator and a surgical mask. In the U.S., these products are both approved by NIOSH and cleared by the FDA for use in surgery. For workplace environments, such as healthcare facilities, you must follow local government standards and regulations concerning respirator use such as training and fit testing.

In the U.S., the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) requirements for respiratory protection (1910.134) must be followed including medical evaluation, training, and fit testing for employees required to use respirators in the workplace. In the U.S., healthcare workers, and other employees that are required to wear respirators must do a fit test before wearing the respirator for the first time. This fit test must be performed before a new make or model of respirator is worn by the employee. For U.S. employees required to wear a respirator, a user seal check cannot be used as a substitute for the fit test.

In Canada, follow CSA Standard Z94.4 or the requirements of the authority having jurisdiction in your region.

back to the top

How do I put on the respirator and check for proper fit?
The user instructions for a 3M respirator contain the proper procedures for putting on the respirator and checking for fit and seal. It is very important to read and follow the donning instructions very carefully and to conduct a fit check or user seal check every time the respirator is put on. The user instructions are provided with the original packaging of the respirator.

back to the top

Is a fit test hood system safe from contamination?
A fit test hood used in the 3M™ FT-10 and 3M™ FT-30 is a closed environment. The following precautions apply:

1. All subjects should be screened for signs of SARS. All individuals with suspect or confirmed SARS should be eliminated from fit testing.
2. All subjects should thoroughly wash their hands.
3. The subject should not touch the test hood with his or her hands, and should practice proper hand hygiene following any contact with the fit test hood. The test administrator handles the placement of the hood.
4. If the subject coughs or sneezes during the test, the hood should be disinfected with typical disinfectant such as dilute solution of common bleach. It is important to note that the efficacy of the bleach solution on SARS has not yet been shown.

back to the top

Can disposable respirators be shared between people?
Disposable respirators should never be shared.

back to the top

back to the top

Are government-certified respirators tested for BFE?
They are not necessarily tested for BFE. The BFE result has little meaning for government-certified respirators. More stringent filter efficiency tests are used for certification testing of respirators. The manufacturers of combination approved respirator/surgical masks will publish BFE results. BFE results are not necessarily useful for applications outside of the healthcare industry.

back to the top

Which 3M government certified respirators have been tested for BFE?
The following 3M respirators have been tested for BFE. These 3M products all provide greater than 99% BFE against wearer-generated microorganisms.

3M™ N95 Health Care Particulate Respirator and Surgical Mask 1860 and 1860S
3M™ N95 Health Care Particulate Respirator and Surgical Mask 1870
3M™ Particulate Respirator 8210, N95
3M™ EN149:2001 FFP2 respirators 9320, 1862
3M™ EN149:2001 FFP3 respirators 1863

back to the top

Is fluid resistance important?
It is up to the healthcare facility to determine the need to provide fluid resistant respirators or masks to their healthcare workers. In the U.S., OSHA has specific provisions under the Bloodborne Pathogen Standard that specifically details the “appropriateness” of personal protective equipment used by healthcare workers. Fluid resistance is the ability of a respirator’s or mask’s material construction to minimize fluids from traveling through the material and potentially coming in contact with the user of the facemask. Fluid resistance helps reduce exposure to blood or bodily fluids caused from splash, spray or splatter. If the mask or respirator comes in contact with blood or body fluids of a suspect or confirmed SARS patient, it is recommended the respirator be changed as soon as possible. Respirators should only be removed when the wearer is in an area that is considered free of airborne hazards, including confirmed or suspect SARS patients.

back to the top

What precautions should visitors take when visiting facilities with suspect or confirmed SARS cases?
No general recommendations have been made regarding visitors to healthcare facilities that have suspect or confirmed SARS patients; therefore you should consult with the facility’s Infection Control Practitioner to determine accessibility to the facility.

back to the top

How do I clean and maintain a disposable respirator?
Disposable respirators must be discarded immediately after use, in accordance to the policies of the healthcare facility. Under no circumstances should an attempt be made to clean a disposable respirator.

back to the top

How do I know when to dispose of a respirator used with suspect or confirmed SARS patients?
Disposable respirators should be disposed of when they become dirty, damaged or soiled with blood or any body fluid. Respirators used in close contact with a known or suspected SARS patient must be disposed immediately after use. Respirators should only be removed when the wearer is in an area that is considered free of airborne hazards, including confirmed or suspect SARS patients.

back to the top

How do you dispose of masks and respirators used in areas where there are SARS patients?
According to the CDC, “Contaminated disposable (single-use) patient-care equipment is handled and transported in a manner that reduces the risk of transmission of microorganisms and decreases environmental contamination in the hospital; the equipment is disposed of according to hospital policy and applicable regulations” (e.g. acute TB precautions apply).

According to Health Canada routine precautions (practices) should be applied to handling clinical waste. Please refer to Health Canada's guidelines for specific details.

back to the top

What is a type N95 respirator?
N95 is one of nine classifications for NIOSH certified particulate respirators.

back to the top

What do N, R, and P stand for?
For the following NIOSH filter designations N stands for Not resistant to oil. R stands for Resistant to oil. P stands for oil Proof.

back to the top

How is a user seal check/fit check performed on a disposable respirator?
To perform a user seal check on a 3M non-valved, cup shaped disposable respirator, place both hands completely over the respirator and exhale. The respirator should bulge slightly. If air leaks between the face and the faceseal of the respirator reposition it and readjust the nose clip for a more secure seal. If air leaks around the respirator edges, adjust the position on the face and the straps along the sides of the head and recheck fit. If a proper fit cannot be achieved, do not enter the area requiring respiratory protection. See specific product user instructions for the most current user seal check/fit check instructions.

To perform a user seal check on a 3M valved, cup shaped disposable respirator, place both hands completely over the respirator and inhale. The respirator should collapse slightly. If air leaks between the face and the faceseal of the respirator reposition it and readjust the nose clip for a more secure seal. If air leaks around the respirator edges, adjust the position on the face and the straps along the sides of the head and recheck fit. If a proper fit cannot be achieved, do not enter the area requiring respiratory protection. See specific product user instructions for the most current user seal check/fit check instructions.

back to the top

Should a respirator be worn by a SARS patient?
No. Respirators should not be worn by a person whose respiratory system has been compromised or who may have trouble breathing through a respirator, unless otherwise advised by your personal physician.

back to the top

Do 3M disposable respirators contain natural rubber latex?
None of 3M’s N95, N100, R95, P95, or P100 disposable respirators contain components made from natural rubber latex. This is stated on each original packaging of these respirators.
Many 3M respirators sold outside the U.S. and Canada do not contain components made from latex. However, there are some that contain natural rubber latex components and these carry a statement on the primary packaging similar to the following: “This product contains components which contain natural rubber latex which may cause allergic reaction.” If you require information on which 3M products contain natural rubber latex components, please contact your local 3M office.

back to the top

Do any of 3M’s disposable respirators contain fiberglass material?
No. All 3M disposable respirators have filter media made from polypropylene and coverings made from a combination of polypropylene and polyester.

back to the top

If a respirator is used in an area where there are no suspect or confirmed patients with SARS, such as a hospital-purchasing department, public areas or on an airplane can it be reused?
Yes. The respirator may be used until it becomes damaged or contaminated with blood or body fluids or according to local guidelines. Otherwise it should be stored in a clean environment to protect it from damage, contamination, dust, sunlight, extreme temperatures, and damaging chemicals. Respirators must also be stored to prevent deformation of the respirator.

Respirators used in close contact with a known or suspected SARS patient must be disposed of immediately after use. Respirators should only be removed when the wearer is in an area that is considered free of airborne hazards, including confirmed or suspect SARS patients.

back to the top

Can a valved respirator be used for protection from SARS?
According to the infection control guidelines for SARS, as developed by the CDC, WHO and Health Canada an N95 respirator is recommended to help provide respiratory protection for healthcare workers. A valved respirator is designed to allow for easy exhalation through a one-way exhalation valve. If a person is wearing a respirator to reduce his or her exposure to SARS, a respirator with an exhalation valve would be acceptable. It would not be acceptable for someone to wear a valved respirator if they are suspected/probable/confirmed case of SARS, as they would be exhaling into the environment.

For other situations where healthcare workers are required to wear a respirator the use of a valved respirator must be in accordance with national guidelines. For example, in some regions of the world such as the US and Canada, it is not acceptable for a healthcare worker to wear a valved respirator in a situation requiring a sterile environment, such as the operating room.

back to the top

What if I have a beard or stubble and want to wear a respirator for SARS exposures?
A tight sealing respirator, one where the sealing surface contacts the face, will not provide an adequate seal when placed over any amount of facial hair. A bearded worker will typically require a powered air-purifying respirator (PAPR) with a hood or helmet.

back to the top

What are the limitations of using respirators for potential exposures to SARS?
Respirators are not a guarantee that the user will not contract SARS. The following items need to be carefully read and understood.

• Respirators may help reduce exposure to airborne biological contaminants, but they don’t eliminate the risk of exposure, infection, illness, or death.
• For greatest effectiveness respirators need to be worn before and during the entire exposure period.
• Respirators may help protect your lungs, however, some biological contaminants may be absorbed through the skin or eyes and other protective equipment may be required.
• Fit of the respirator to the face is very important. If it does not fit properly, airborne contaminates will penetrate (enter underneath) the facepiece seal.
• 3M respirators are not designed for children. 3M respirators are designed for occupational/professional use by adults who are properly trained in their use and limitations.
• The wearer must be clean-shaven to wear respirators that seal tightly to the face. Beard, stubble or long mustaches may cause large leaks into the respirator.
• Training on proper use and limitations, including practice putting the respirator on and wearing it is required.
• Individuals with a compromised respiratory system, such as asthma or emphysema, should consult a physician before wearing a respirator.

back to the top

What if the respirator does not fit me?
If, during the user seal check (fit check), you notice air leakage around the edges of the respirator you should readjust the respirator.

If you still notice air leakage, you should remove the respirator (in a clean area only). Review the instructions, if necessary, to make sure that you are putting it on correctly. Inspect the respirator to make sure that there is no damage to the respirator. You must be clean-shaven. Be sure that there is no hair, clothing or jewelry between your skin and the edge of the respirator. Put the respirator on again, according to the manufacturer’s directions. Do a user seal check (fit check).

If you still cannot achieve a proper seal, do not enter the contaminated area. You may need to obtain a different size, make or model respirator.

In the US, Canada and certain other countries, workers need to pass a fit test before wearing a respirator for the first time. If you do not pass a fit test on the first try, you should remove the respirator. Reread the instructions and put it on again. Conduct a user seal check (fit check). If you do not feel any air leakage around the respirator edges, then you should try the fit test again. If you fail the fit test on the second try, do not enter the contaminated area. You should obtain a different size, make or model of respirator. Follow local regulations regarding fit testing.

back to the top

If I use the respirator in areas (i.e. healthcare settings) with suspect or confirmed SARS patients, should I discard the respirator after use?
Direct recommendations have not been issued regarding reuse of respirators used with SARS. The CDC has said that it is possible that the virus that causes SARS is spread through touching objects that have become contaminated. Until the spread of the SARS virus is better understood, respirators worn in contaminated areas should be handled gently and disposed of after use according to the facility’s policy for isolation precaution. Immediate disposal will help reduce the risk of the wearer contaminating the respirator or the respirator contaminating the wearer’s hands or other objects. The CDC and Health Canada have recommended that healthcare workers implement standard, contact and airborne precautions when caring for patients with suspect or confirmed SARS.

back to the top

What is the risk of inhaling biological particles that have been collected by the respirator filter?
The risk of inhaling particles that have been collected by the filter is very low, particularly in very clean areas (such as a patient care setting or a home). When particles are collected on a filter they are strongly held to the filter. Breathing through a filter has not been shown to dislodge the particles collected in that filter. However, it is important to understand that proper use of respirators only reduces your exposure to particles and does not prevent exposure.

Just because particles may not reaerosolize, does not mean that a respirator can be reused. The CDC has said that it is possible that the virus that causes SARS is spread through touching contaminated objects. Until the spread of the SARS virus is better understood, respirators worn in contaminated areas should be handled gently and disposed of after use according to the facility's policy for isolation precaution. The CDC and Health Canada have recommended that healthcare workers implement standard, contact and airborne precautions when caring for patients with suspect or confirmed SARS.

back to the top

Can particles, such as bacteria or viruses, be reaerosolized from the respirator filter?
When particles are collected on a filter they are strongly held to the filter. Proper and normal use of a respirator has not been shown to reaerosolize the particles collected in that filter. Just because particles may not reaerosolize, does not mean that a respirator can be reused. The CDC has said that it is possible that the virus that causes SARS is spread through touching contaminated objects. Until the spread of the SARS virus is better understood, respirators worn in contaminated areas should be handled gently and disposed of after use according to the facility’s policy for isolation precaution. The CDC has recommended that healthcare workers implement standard, contact and airborne precautions when caring for patients with suspect or confirmed SARS.

back to the top

Can a European or Australian/New Zealand “P1” respirator be used for SARS?
The CDC and WHO respiratory recommendations only cover healthcare workers. The CDC has recommended that healthcare workers in healthcare settings use a NIOSH-approved N95 respirator to help reduce their exposure to the virus that causes SARS. As of April 14, 2003 WHO has recommended that people in hospitals who are in contact with a SARS patient use a NIOSH-approved N95 respirator to help reduce exposure to the virus that causes SARS. As of April 14, 2003, no general respirator recommendations from the CDC or WHO have been made regarding the general population.

A respirator is just one, of several preventative measures, that can be used to help reduce exposure to the virus that causes SARS. Among the steps that have been recommended by the CDC to help reduce exposures to this virus include tho rough and frequent hand washing, close attention to general hygiene and not sharing food utensils or towels with others.

back to the top

Further Questions
In Canada, for technical questions regarding respiratory protection, call 1-800-267-4414. For services related to training and fit testing call 1-800-265-1840 extension 4733.

back to the top