Are N95 respirators with

Exhalation valves

Emory University, created by Visual Medical Education. Updated July 2, 2020

The materials are intended solely for general educational and information purposes, are made available in the context of the public health emergency related to the coronavirus (COVID-19) and have not been subject to review that typically would occur in a non-emergent situation. The materials do not constitute the provision of medical, legal or other professional advice.”

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appropriate for COVID???

Protecting your patients

Exhalation valve is a one-way valve that opens only when you exhale.

How does this apply to COVID?

N95 without valves can prevent contaminants dispersing between you and other people.

N95 without valve

Exhaled airborne contaminants pass through the valve on the N95.

Your respirator protects you, but the patient is at risk if you are an asymptomatic or presymptomatic carrier.

valve

respirator surface

cover

Airborne particles travels freely through the valve.

N95 without a valve doesn’t allow droplets to go across the respirator.

N95 + valve

What are exhalation valves for?

Likewise, valves on other masks are also ineffective to protect those around you.

N95 with valves are invented for industrial use.

They block out inhalation of airborne contaminants while cooling the user.

N95 with valves do not protect patients.

Always wear a respirator that doesn’t have a valve to protect those around you from getting infected.

When you exhale, the valve flaps open.

Not protectedProtected

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