What type of mask is required for airborne precautions?

Airborne precautions are necessary to protect against pathogens that can remain suspended in the air and be inhaled. The N95 respirator or higher is specifically designed to filter at least 95% of airborne particles, including very small respiratory droplets that may carry infectious agents. The fit of the N95 respirator is crucial, as it forms a tight seal around the face, minimizing the risk of airborne transmission.

In contrast, a standard surgical mask is primarily designed to protect others from the wearer’s respiratory secretions and does not provide the same level of protection against airborne particles. Cloth masks offer even less filtration than surgical masks and are not recommended for healthcare settings where airborne precautions are required. Filtered masks, while they may offer some level of protection, are generally not classified or designed with the specific filtering capabilities and fit of an N95 respirator. Hence, the N95 respirator or higher is the appropriate choice for airborne precautions.