Find Filtering Facepiece Respirators on the Certified Equipment List

How to Wear Your Filtering Facepiece Respirator

This infographic explains how to put on, check, remove, and properly fit a filtering facepiece respirator (FFR). An FFR must be worn correctly and form a seal against the face to work as effectively as possible. Fit testing is the best way to confirm that a respirator fits.

Before putting on an FFR: Always use a new FFR. Clean and thoroughly dry your hands. Inspect the respirator. Do not use it if it is damaged, dirty, damp, or has stretched straps.

Putting on an FFR: Hold the respirator with the nose piece at your fingertips and the straps hanging below your hand. Place it under your chin with the nose piece at the top. Pull the top strap over your head and position it near the crown, above your ears. Pull the bottom strap over your head and position it below your ears at the back of your neck. Keep both straps flat and untwisted. Using fingertips from both hands, press down on both sides of the nose piece to mold it to your nose. Perform a user seal check.

User seal check: A seal check helps identify gaps between the respirator and your face. Depending on the respirator, use a positive- or negative-pressure check. For a positive-pressure check, cover the respirator with your hands and breathe out. Air leaking around the edges or fogging glasses can indicate a poor seal. For a negative-pressure check, cover the respirator, block the paths where air could enter, and breathe in sharply. A properly sealed respirator should collapse slightly toward the face. Adjust the respirator and repeat the check if necessary. Not every respirator can be checked using these methods; follow the manufacturer's instructions.

Removing an FFR: Do not touch the front of the respirator because it may be contaminated. Remove it by pulling the bottom strap over the back of your head, followed by the top strap, without touching the respirator. Discard the used respirator in a wastebasket and thoroughly wash your hands.

Tips for a good fit: Fit testing is the best way to ensure proper respirator fit. Jewelry, glasses, and facial hair can create gaps between the face and respirator. Gaps may also indicate that the respirator is too large or too small. FFRs may look different from those pictured, and models with two head straps generally follow the same basic steps. Consult the manufacturer's instructions for your specific respirator model.