N95 respirators have been designated as important PPE to protect the wearer from respiratory hazards. Circle of Care has the following general guidance for N95 respirator use related to COVID-19:
- N95 respirators are required for COVID-19 environments (COVID positive client or COVID caution client).
- N95 respirators donned for providing care to a COVID positive or COVID caution client should be discarded upon leaving the client environment. Additionally, N95 respirators are to be discarded if they are visibly soiled, contaminated, damp, damaged or difficult to breathe through.
- Any staff stationed at a congregate/group setting where an N95 respirator is required for daily use will discard the respirator at end of day or if visibly soiled, contaminated, damp or damaged.
- Prior to use, inspect your respirator to make sure that the straps are intact, the respirator forms a proper seal and that there are no signs of damage.
- Wearing a cloth or medical mask over the N95 respirator is not recommended. Double masking is not recommended.
N95 respirators can be ordered through Circle of Care. Please request these when you are placing your supply order on your mobile phone and input your respirator size in the note/comment section.
For more information about the proper us of N95s, please refer to our Universal Precautions Policy and COVID-19 and Mandatory PPE Policy .