Respirators and Mask Fit for Smoke and Ash

Not medical advice. The CDC says wearing an N95 can make it harder to breathe; if you have heart or lung problems, talk to your doctor before using one. Indoors with clean air is better than any mask.

What it's for

When smoke or ash fills the air and you have to be outside, a respirator that seals to your face filters out the fine particles. The CDC (NIOSH) says a NIOSH Approved N95 or P100 respirator can protect you from wildfire smoke, ash, and very small particles when it's worn correctly and fits. The Sawbones keeps the masks and teaches everyone to put them on right.

Before you need it (practice)

• Buy the right kind. Look for NIOSH Approved N95 or P100 respirators with two head straps. The EPA says masks with ear loops aren't designed to seal and won't protect your lungs from smoke. The CDC says cloth masks, surgical masks, bandanas (wet or dry), and tissues won't filter smoke particles.
• Try them on now. The CDC says if you can't get a seal, try a different size or style. Find the one that fits each person before smoke season.
• Half-face respirators with P100 filters: follow that maker's instructions for fit, seal checks, and filter changes.

Step by step

Putting on an N95 (CDC)

1. Wash and dry your hands.
2. Inspect it. If it's damaged, dirty, or damp, don't use it.
3. Hold it in your hand with the nose piece at your fingertips.
4. Place it under your chin with the nose piece on top.
5. Top strap over your head, resting near the crown. Bottom strap at the back of your neck, below your ears. Don't crisscross them; keep them flat. A hat goes over the straps (CDC).
6. Mold the nose piece with the fingertips of both hands, pressing down both sides.

The user seal check (NIOSH)

Do it every time you put one on.

• No valve: cover the mask with both hands and breathe out gently. It should puff out slightly with no air leaking at the edges. Fogged glasses or air on your face means a leak.
• With an exhalation valve: cover it and breathe in sharply. It should pull in slightly against your face with no air leaking in.
• Leak at the nose? Re-mold the nose clip with your fingertips and readjust the straps (NIOSH). Still leaking? Try another size or model.

Facial hair

The CDC says facial hair can break the seal; you'll get the most protection clean-shaven. NIOSH notes even a day or two of stubble where the mask seals can reduce protection.

Kids

The EPA says children 2 and older can wear respirators, but NIOSH Approved respirators don't come in sizes made for young children. Pick one that fits over the nose and under the chin, doesn't block their vision, and that they'll keep on. Watch them, and take it off if it doesn't fit or they're struggling. The better plan for kids is a cleaner-air room indoors (see Smoke Days at Home).

Common mistakes

• Ear-loop or cloth masks for smoke. They don't seal (EPA).
• Skipping the seal check.
• Glasses fogging and ignoring it. That's a leak (CDC).
• Straps crossed or twisted.
• Wearing one that's dirty, damaged, or hard to breathe through. The CDC says throw it away.

Care & storage

• The CDC says discard a respirator if breathing through it gets hard, the inside gets dirty, or it's damaged; use a new one each day if needed.
• Keep spares clean and dry, sealed in a zip-top bag, and follow the maker's storage directions.
• Keep a few in the car and the go-bag, not only at home.
• Some straps contain latex; the CDC says check the maker's website if you have a latex allergy.

Related gear

• N95 masks · Half-face respirator with P100 filters · Gallon zip-top bags
• See also: Smoke Days at Home · Wildfire Go-Plan
• Category: Air & Smoke · Role: Sawbones

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