Respirators and Surgical Masks— Exploring the Differences

Filtering facepiece respirators (FFRs) and surgical masks may appear similar in design, but are quite different. When worker protection from inhalation hazards is necessary, a respirator, not a surgical mask, must be selected. For FFRs to protect wearers, however, wearers must be trained in wearing and using them properly, determine they fit by being fit tested, perform a user seal check each time FFRs are put on, and be medically evaluated to ensure they are physically able to wear FFRs while working.