Get the Facts on Masks details
Respirators, Surgical Masks, and Non-Medical Masks

Each type of mask is designed for a specific purpose. Respirators are close-fitting and protect against exposure to airborne particles, including viruses. Medical masks are loose-fitting and act as a barrier to droplets and spit (produced by breathing, coughing, etc.). Non-medical masks can help limit the spread of droplets and spit at the source. Regardless of the mask chosen, it should be well-made and worn properly with a snug fit. Even if you are fully vaccinated, it is highly recommended that masks be worn in spaces shared with people from outside your household, especially if the setting is indoors or crowded.
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Know the differences
Link to video: How to Choose a MaskYoutube video from CCOHS
Respirators (including
N95, 95PFE, KN95, KF94 and FFP2)
|
Medical Masks (surgical
or procedure masks)
|
Non-Medical Masks
|
|
---|---|---|---|
Evaluation, Testing, and Certification | Should be approved by Health Canada or certified by the CSA Group or the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH). | Should meet an acceptable standard such as ASTM F2100 or EN14683. Not all masks which have the appearance of medical masks meet regulatory standards. | Not evaluated or tested to recognized standards in Canada and are not considered medical devices. |
Purpose | Protect from exposure to airborne particles, including viruses. | Function as a barrier to droplets and spit. | Help limit the spread of droplets and spit. |
Fit (Face Seal) | Designed to seal tight to the face of the wearer. Respirator fit testing is required in workplace settings. | Are not designed to seal tight against the face. | Are not designed to seal tight against the face. |
Filtration | Respirator filters that collect at least 95% of aerosols (droplets and virus particles) are given a 95 rating. | Do not effectively filter small particles from the air but can block liquid droplets which carry the virus. | Not designed to filter small particles but can help to reduce the spread of droplets which carry the virus. |
Use Limitations | Generally single use but repurposing may be appropriate in certain circumstances. Follow manufacturer’s instructions. Wearer must be fit tested to ensure the best seal and protection. | Generally single use, but repurposing may be appropriate in certain circumstances. Follow manufacturer’s instructions. | Efficacy depends on materials, construction, fit, and use. Can be difficult to breathe through fabric. Wash between uses. |
Who Should Use and When | Health care workers or anyone meeting the current criteria (as defined by jurisdictional occupational health and safety regulator or local public health agency). | Anyone who has COVID-19 or its symptoms, lives in an overcrowded setting with someone who has COVID-19 or its symptoms, provides direct care to a COVID-19 patient, or is at higher risk of exposure or more severe disease or outcomes. | General public as part of their regular routine, when the wearer is in a shared space (especially indoors) with people from outside of their immediate household, crowded places, or when advised by the local public health authority. |