COVID-19 mask use: Types of masks and respirators

This advice is intended for the general public and is

not intended for occupational health purposes, Types of masks Availability Construction Fit Regulatory considerations and standards
including health care settings. and respirators
The table compares different types of masks and
respirators. Refer to it to help you decide which mask Non-Medical Mask Homemade or Should be made of at least 2 layers Fit varies depending on the shape No standards or regulations exist for non-medical masks in
commercially of tightly woven breathable fabric, and style of the mask. Canada. Some international standards are available (AFNOR
or respirator to choose. Some products are easier to
available. like cotton. It should also have a The fit can be improved by using in Europe, ASTM in the U.S.).
find or purchase than others and costs can vary. third, middle layer of filter-type
Available in many different methods, such as Non-medical masks aren’t considered medical devices under
Non-medical masks, medical masks and respirators different sizes and fabric, like non-woven adjusting ties, bands or ear loops the Medical Devices Regulations.
fabrics. polypropylene, to improve filtration. and flexible nosepiece (if
can all be used in the community. The effectiveness of non-medical masks to help prevent
May contain a pocket to insert a included). the spread of COVID-19 varies widely, and depends on:
The effectiveness of non-medical masks in preventing removable filter.
the spread of COVID-19 can vary based on many • materials used
May be available with transparent
factors. It depends on material, construction, fit and filter layer windows. • construction
proper use. Some non-medical masks can help Reusable or disposable. • fit
prevent the spread of COVID-19 similarly to medical Reusable if washed when dirty or
masks if they: damp. • proper use
• fit well
• have multiple layers, including at least 2 layers of Medical Mask Commercially Construction materials may vary but Fit varies depending on the size Some disposable non-medical masks may look like medical masks
breathable tightly woven fabric (such as cotton) and (Procedure or Surgical Mask) available. must meet established filtration and features of your face. but don’t meet regulatory standards.
Available in adult standards. The fit can be improved by using Look for a medical mask that has ASTM F2100 or EN 14683 on
• have an effective middle filter layer and child sizes. Typically single use and disposable, different methods, such as the box label.
In general, while non-medical masks can help prevent but may be reused until visibly dirty, adjusting ties, or ear loops and This means that this mask has been tested and meets international
the spread of COVID-19, medical masks and respirators damp or damaged. adjusting the flexible nosepiece. standards for:
provide better protection. No matter which type of • particle and bacterial filtration
mask you choose, proper fit is a key factor in its
effectiveness. • breathability
• fluid resistance
There are currently no standards for non-medical
masks in Canada. Medical masks and respirators sold • flammability of materials
in Canada are required to meet established standards There are no recognized standards in Canada for transparent
for filtration, breathability and fluid resistance. medical masks.

To help prevent you and others from being exposed to

COVID-19, make sure whatever mask or respirator you
choose is:
• well constructed
• well fitting
• worn properly
Don’t use masks or respirators with exhalation valves.
They allow infectious respiratory particles to escape.
They do not help prevent the spread of COVID-19.
Respirators Commercially Construction materials may vary Designed to fit snug on the face. Make sure that your respirator is approved by Health Canada.
available. but must meet filtration standards On some respirators, the fit can be
for respirators. NIOSH N95 respirators with an approval number stamped on
May be hard to find improved by adjusting ties, bands
the device, represented as TC-84A-####n.
smaller sizes for The design allows for a better fit or ear loops and the nosepiece.
children. than a medical mask. 95PFE products or CSA certified CA-N95 and CA-N99 type
A respirator worn in the
respirators as marked according to the CSA Z94.4.1 standard.
Not available with transparent community doesn’t need fit
KN95 respirators that meet standard GB 2626-2019.
windows. testing.
Typically single use and disposable, KF94 respirators that meet standard KMOEL–2017-64.
but may be reused until visibly dirty, FFP2 respirators that meet standard EN 149-2001.
damp or damaged.

For more information

Visit: Canada.ca/coronavirus