N-95 Donning/Doffing Instructions

Donning & Doffing

In order to get full protection from your respiratory protection, you need to know how to put on and take off your N-95 respirator.  The Occupational Safety & Health Administration (OSHA) and UTMB Policy require that employees follow the manufacturer instructions for putting on (donning) and taking off (doffing) your PPE.  Scroll down to find instructions for donning and doffing of the N-95s that are approved for use at UTMB: 3M1870+/1870, Prestige Ameritech ProGear (Small & Regular), Gerson 2130, Halyard Fluidshield (Small & Regular), 3M 8120, 3M 1860/1860S, and the 3M 1805/1805S/1804/1804S.

Prestige Ameritech ProGear N95:

Donning Instructions:

  1. Open the front pleat and form the respirator into a cup.
  2. Locate the headbands and hold them apart with your thumbs.
  3. Cup the bottom of respirator under the chin and pull the headbands over the head, keeping the mask level from side to side.
  4. Place one strap at the crown of your head and one at the base of the head.
  5. With your index fingers, form the aluminum nose strip against the nose ensuring that there is no gaping at the side edges of the nose.
  6. While pushing the noise piece firmly against the nose with four fingers, use your thumbs to mold the ends of the strip around the cheek bones ensuring there is no gaping between the nose and the mask or cheek bones.  Note: Always use two hands when molding the nosepiece. Pinching with one hand may result in improper fit and less effective respirator performance.
  7. Check the bottoms and side of the mask and remove any wrinkles or gaps.
  8. Perform a user seal check.

Doffing Instructions:

  1. Without touching the respirator, slowly lift the bottom strap from around your neck up and over your head.
  2. Lift off the top strap. Do not touch the respirator.
  3. Discard according to infection control policy.

Donning Instruction Video:

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3M 1870+/1870:

PDF Instructions with Pictures: https://utmb.us/3ti

Donning Instructions:

  1. Remove the respirator from its packaging and hold with straps facing upward. Place the bottom strap under the center flaps next to the “ATTENTION” statement.
  2. Fully open the top and bottom panels, bending the nosepiece around your thumb at center of the foam. Straps should separate when panels are opened. Make certain the bottom panel is unfolded and completely opened.
  3. Place the respirator on your face so that the foam rests on your nose and the bottom panel is securely under your chin.
  4. Pull the top strap over your head and position it high on the back of the head. Then, pull the bottom strap over your head and position it around your neck and below your ears.
  5. Adjust for a comfortable fit by pulling the top panel toward the bridge of your nose and the bottom panel under your chin. Make certain hair, facial hair, jewelry and clothing are not between your face and the respirator as they will interfere with fit.
  6. Place your fingertips from both hands at the top of the metal nosepiece. Using two hands, mold the nose area to the shape of your nose by pushing inward while moving your fingertips down both sides of the nosepiece. Note: Always use two hands when molding the nosepiece. Pinching the nosepiece with one hand may result in improper fit and less effective respirator performance.
  7. Perform a user seal check.

Doffing Instructions:

  1. Without touching the respirator facepiece, slowly lift the bottom strap from around your neck up over your head.
  2. Lift off the top strap. Do not touch the respirator.
  3. Discard according to infection control policy.

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3M 1860/1860S:

PDF Instructions with Pictures: https://utmb.us/3th

Donning Instructions:

  1. Cup the respirator in your hand with the nosepiece at fingertips, allowing the head straps to hang freely below hand.
  2. Position the respirator under your chin with the nosepiece up.
  3. While holding the respirator in place, pull the top strap over your head so it rests high on the back of your head.
  4. While continuing to hold the respirator firmly in place, pull the bottom strap over your head and position it around your neck, below your ears. Untwist the straps. Position the respirator low on your nose.
  5. Using both hands, mold the nosepiece to the shape of your nose by pushing inward while moving your  fingertips down both sides of the nosepiece. Note: Always use two hands when molding nosepiece. Pinching with one hand may result in improper fit and less effective respirator performance.
  6. Perform a user seal check.

Doffing Instructions:

  1. Without touching the respirator, slowly lift the bottom strap from around your neck up and over your head.
  2. Lift off the top strap. Do not touch the respirator.
  3. Discard according to infection control policy.

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3M 1805/1805S/1804/1804S:

PDF Instructions with Pictures: https://utmb.us/3tj

Donning Instructions:

  1. Place fingers from both hands on top side of nosepiece. Place both thumbs underneath side of nosepiece and bend slightly at center of nosepiece.
  2. Unfold the respirator by pulling top part (with nosepiece) up and bottom part down so the respirator is open all the way. Straps should be held on the top panel.
  3. Place respirator against your face with the bottom under your chin, and the nosepiece across the bridge of your nose. Hold the respirator on your face with one hand. With your other hand pull the bottom securely under your chin.
  4. Pull one strap over your head and position it around the neck below your ears. Pull second strap over your head and position it high on the back of your head.
  5. Tabs on side of respirator may be used to further adjust facepiece for comfort. Make certain hair, facial hair, jewelry and clothing are not between your face and the respirator as they will interfere with fit. Make certain respirator is completely opened and edges lay flat against your face.
  6. Adjust by pulling bottom edge under chin while holding top edge on nose.
  7. Place your fingertips from both hands at the top of the nosepiece. Use both hands to bend the nosepiece to fit snugly against your nose and face. Slide fingers down both sides of the nosepiece to seal it against your nose and face. Note: Always use two hands when molding the nosepiece. Pinching with one hand may result in improper fit and less effective respirator performance.
  8. Perform a user seal check.

Doffing Instructions:

  1. Without touching the respirator, slowly lift the bottom strap from around your neck up and over your head.
  2. Lift off the top strap. Do not touch the respirator.
  3. Discard according to infection control policy.

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