What it means
Personal protective equipment for the lungs. The most common is the N95en-NINE-tee-fiveA close-fitting respirator mask that filters at least 95% of tiny particles from the air the wearer breathes.Full entry , a disposable face-piece respirator; another is a powered air-purifying respirator (PAPR), a hood with a battery fan and filter. Respirators protect the wearer, while a surgical mask mainly protects others from the wearer. In older use, "respirator" also meant a mechanical ventilator, a machine that breathes for a client.
For the nurse
Use a respirator for airborne precautions, after a fit test for the model. Do a seal check each time you put it on.
At a glance
| Also written | respirators |
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Related terms
mechanical ventilation
Breathing support from a machine, a ventilator, that pushes air into the lungs through a tube or a mask.
personal protective equipment
Gear worn to protect a health worker from germs and body fluids, such as gloves, gowns, masks, respirators and eye protection.
N95
A close-fitting respirator mask that filters at least 95% of tiny particles from the air the wearer breathes.
airborne precautions
Infection control steps, used with standard precautions, for germs that spread through tiny particles that stay in the air.