From our very ownFDA that set the standards for such devices:
People with chronic respiratory, cardiac, or other medical conditions that make breathing difficult should check with their health care provider before using an N95 respirator because the N95 respirator can make it more difficult for the wearer to breathe.
Some models have exhalation valves that can make breathing out easier and help reduce heat build-up. Note that N95 respirators with exhalation valves should not be used when sterile conditions are needed.
All FDA-cleared N95 respirators are labeled as “single-use,” disposable devices. If your respirator is damaged or soiled, or if breathing becomes difficult, you should remove the respirator, discard it properly, and replace it with a new one. To safely discard your N95 respirator, place it in a plastic bag and put it in the trash. Wash your hands after handling the used respirator.
N95 respirators are not designed for children or people with facial hair. Because a proper fit cannot be achieved on children and people with facial hair, the N95 respirator may not provide full protection.
” respirators are not designed for children or people with facial hair”
Yep
Civil war with long beards and “moustaches”. Then to WWI time, men chopped all the beards and moustaches off cuz of the gas masks.
Fit and trim and shaved was in.
Then Gable and the no tee shirt.
Then Kennedy and the no hat.
Form follows function.
How many people that wear the N95 actually know how to put it on or have ever been fitted
For a N95 to be useful you have to have the proper size to fit your face and you have to wear it correctly.
https://www.cdc.gov/niosh/docs/2010-133/pdfs/2010-133.pdf