What Does the N in N95 Stand For?

With the popularity of the N95 face mask during the COVID pandemic, more and more people are wondering, “What does the N in N95 stand for?” Read on to learn what you need to know about N95s to stay safe in uncertain times.

But what does the N in N95 stand for? And what about the 95?

All respirators have a rating letter class, and the N95 face mask is no exception. The N stands for “Non-Oil,” which is a mask that is best used in an environment that doesn’t contain oil-based particulates. Typically, oil-based particles come from products such as pesticides or solvents that become airborne when sprayed. Of course, during the current pandemic, oil-based particles are not what you need to block, and that’s why N95s are a great choice.

Face mask designations end in different numbers, which represent how effective they are. The "95" designation is for 95% efficiency. The highest possible rating is, of course, 100, and N100 masks do exist. These masks are proven to be 99.97% effective, which is about the same as your typical HEPA filter.

Remember, the main difference between a mask and respirator is that a respirator, such as an N95, fits tight to the face, creating a seal, while a mask does not. If you want to keep yourself or your healthcare professionals safe, an N95 face mask is the way to go.