Standard respirator versus surgical respirator? Surgical mask versus N95 respirator? Learn more about respiratory protection in health care.
Explore some simple ways you can help protect your skin from prolonged use of PPE.
We're here to help protect you, so you can protect those in your care. That's why we offer a range of respiratory protection options for healthcare workers.
Our unique manufacturing process injects a powerful electrostatic charge into an open formation material, improving the efficiency of particle trapping while allowing more air to pass through. This results in highly effective respirators—NIOSH-approved and FDA-cleared for fluid resistance.
Illustration of how 3M’s electrostatically charged microfibers—magnified 10,000 times—attract and capture particles from the air.
The primary purpose of a surgical mask is to help prevent biological particles (e.g. bacteria and viruses) from being expelled by the wearer into the environment. Surgical masks are not necessarily designed to seal tightly to the face, so air might leak around the edges and therefore may not provide protection to your lungs.
To be effective, a respirator needs to be worn correctly and worn throughout the duration of the hazardous exposure.
Don:
Doff: Do NOT touch the front of the respirator.
Re-Don:
Doff for storage and reuse:
We're committed to helping you protect your skin. Explore our list of practical ways to avoid skin irritation and breakdown due to prolonged PPE use.
Certain 3M skin health products may help protect the skin and not interfere with the fit of the respirator including:
Learn more about 3M skin protectant considerations and how to use 3M Cavilon solutions for skin protection under your PPE.
Yes, 3M™ Cavilon™ No Sting Barrier Film will help protect intact skin from moisture and friction and, when used properly, would not be expected to interfere with the fit¹ of 3M FFR.
*Please refer to the product inserts (Instructions for use) for 3M™ Cavilon™ No Sting Barrier Film and/or 3M™ Cavilon™ Advanced Skin Protectant for complete Indications and Instructions for Use, Contraindications, Precautions, and Warnings.
¹No effect on respirator fit was observed in studies comparing the fit of filtering facepiece respirators with and without these Cavilon products applied to skin as shown in this application guide (PDF, 139 KB). If there is any doubt or concern regarding the impact of these products on the respirator’s seal, employees should be fit tested with these products applied to the skin as they would be during respirator wear.
3M™ Cavilon™ Advanced Skin Protectant*,** can be used to help protect damaged skin, e.g. abrasions from friction or other superficial skin damage.
The 0.7 ml applicator is recommended.
*Please refer to the product inserts (Instructions for use) for 3M™ Cavilon™ No Sting Barrier Film and/or 3M™ Cavilon™ Advanced Skin Protectant for complete Indications and Instructions for Use, Contraindications, Precautions, and Warnings.
**USA only: Federal Law (U.S.A.) restricts the device to sale by or on the order of a health care professional.
The 0.7 ml† is recommended.
If the 2.7 ml† applicator is used, the following steps are recommended to minimize fluid dripping or pooling during application:
†Single use only
Once completely dry on the skin, 3M Cavilon No Sting Barrier Film or 3M Cavilon Advanced Skin Protectant is not expected to transfer off the skin onto FFRs. However, 3M has not tested FFRs for the presence of residual barrier film or skin protectant, or the impact that this material could have on decontamination processes.
Note: No effect on respirator fit was observed in studies comparing the fit of filtering facepiece respirators with and without these Cavilon products applied to skin as shown in this application guide (PDF, 139 KB). If there is any doubt or concern regarding the impact of these products on the respirator’s seal, employees should be fit tested with these products applied to the skin as they would be during respirator wear.
3M does not recommend use of dressings such as polyurethane foams and hydrocolloids. These types of dressings can raise the respirator off the cheeks and nose and may interfere with the intended seal and exposure reduction associated with the respirator.
Note: Dressings or film barriers can be used to help prevent or cover areas of skin damage under equipment, such as face shields, where fit and seal is not critical to the function of the protective equipment.
Explore the range of respiratory protection options for healthcare settings.
3M offers a wide selection of NIOSH-approved filtering facepiece respirators, such as N95s.
3M™ Half Facepiece Reusable Respirators with replaceable particulate filters. They offer the protection of N95 filtration with the ability to be disinfected and reused.
This battery-operated respirator system can cover the full face and neck. When used correctly, the HEPA filter can filter 99.97% of airborne particles.
Fit testing is a critical part of your respiratory protection program. Learn more about fit testing and resources available to help protect your team.
Subscribe to receive the latest 3M news, events and information.
Thank you for subscribing, you are signed up for future 3M Medical emails.
An error has occurred while submitting. Please try again.