This article was co-authored by Direct Relief. Direct Relief is an award-winning humanitarian aid organization, active in all 50 states and more than 80 countries. They focus on helping people affected by emergencies and natural disasters. Direct Relief has been highly rated by Charity Navigator, GuideStar, and the Center for High Impact Philanthropy at University of Pennsylvania, for their effectiveness, efficiency, and transparency. This article has been viewed 373,962 times.

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If you need to wear an N95 face mask because of poor air quality or a viral outbreak, start by shaving off your facial hair if you have any since it can get in the way and prevent a tight seal. If you're in an emergency situation and you don't have time to shave, you can skip this step. When you're ready, place the mask over your mouth and nose so the nosepiece is covering the bridge of your nose and the bottom of the mask is under your chin. Then, pull both straps over your head, and position the bottom strap under your ears and the top strap above them. Finish by molding the nosepiece around the bridge of your nose with your fingers to create a tight seal. For advice from our Humanitary co-author, like how to choose the right N95 face mask for your situation, keep reading.