Considerations in the use of homemade masks to protect against COVID-19

Notice to General Public and Healthcare ProfessionalsHealth Canada is advising the public, as well as healthcare professionals (HCPs) to use caution when considering the use of homemade masks to protect against the transmission of COVID-19.
Homemade masks may include those that are:

• made of cloth e.g., cotton
• with pockets to insert other masks or filters
• to be worn over N95 respirators (in an effort to reuse respirators)

Homemade masks are not medical devices and consequently are not regulated, like medical masks and respirators. Their use poses a number of limitations:

• they have not been tested to recognized standards
• they may not provide complete protection against virus-sized particles
• the edges are not designed to form a seal around the nose and mouth
• the fabrics are not the same as used in surgical masks or respirators
• they can be difficult to breathe through and can prevent you from getting the required amount of oxygen needed by your body
• they may require frequent adjustment, increasing the amount of times your hands come into contact with your face and increasing the probability of infection

Homemade masks may include those that are:

• made of cloth e.g., cotton
• with pockets to insert other masks or filters
• to be worn over N95 respirators (in an effort to reuse respirators)

These types of masks may not be effective in blocking virus particles that may be transmitted by coughing, sneezing or certain medical procedures. They do not provide complete protection from the coronavirus because of a potential loose fit and the materials used.
Only fit-tested NIOSH-approvedFootnote* N95 surgical respirators (not medical masks) are designed to provide complete protection. These respirators are medical devices authorized by Health Canada. An N95 respirator is a respiratory protective device designed to achieve a very close facial fit and very efficient filtration of airborne particles. The 'N95' designation means that when subjected to careful testing the respirator blocks at least 95% of very small test particles.
Medical masks are also medical devices that use materials that block at least 95% of very small test particles, however, they do not fit tightly to the face, so are not designed to provide complete protection for the wearer. They need to be used in combination with other personal protective equipment (PPEs) to provide additional protection.
Health Canada has provided important information on optimizing the use of masks and respirators during the COVID-19 outbreak.
The Public Health Agency of Canada guidance on preventing coronavirus includes guidance on wearing masks, if necessary, and includes the following:

• If you are a healthy individual, the use of a mask is not recommended for preventing the spread of COVID-19
• Wearing a mask when you are not ill may give a false sense of security
• There is a potential risk of infection with improper mask use and disposal
• They also need to be changed frequently
• However, your health care provider may recommend you wear a mask if you are experiencing symptoms of COVID-19 while you are seeking or waiting for care. In this instance, masks are an appropriate part of infection prevention and control measures. The mask acts as a barrier and helps stop the tiny droplets from spreading you when you cough or sneeze.

For further advice and resources, please visit the Government of Canada COVID-19 website