We can conduct fit tests at cons: both basic qualitative fit testing, as well as precise quantitative fit testing using professional equipment!
For the best protection, your mask needs to fit your face properly to ensure there are no leaks through which air can escape. Everyone’s face is different, and not every mask will fit everyone the same. Fit testing is how we determine if your mask fits properly—people who wear respirators for occupational safety are required to undergo regular fit testing to make sure they are actually being protected from hazards.
Note that fit testing is intended for N95, KN95, and similar respirator masks. If you typically wear a cloth or surgical mask, we’d like to take the opportunity to show you just how much better a respirator mask can protect you!
NEW: Quantitative PortaCount fit testing
Thanks to our friends at Clean Air LA, we’re excited to bring quantitative fit testing (QNFT) to some of our events! We use a TSI PortaCount to measure exactly how well your mask performs—it’s the same equipment used by lab workers, medical workers, firefighters, asbestos removers, and other professionals who need to know their masks work!
You will perform a short series of exercises (normal breathing, heavy breathing, talking, and head movement) while your mask is connected to the PortaCount. You will receive numeric scores (fit factors) for the performance of your mask for each exercise as well as overall. Including setup time, the process takes about 10-15 minutes per person.
Note that this type of fit testing destroys the mask; we must install a probe in the mask, which makes it no longer protective. Please bring a few of the masks that you typically wear. Of course, we’ll bring our own masks which you’re welcome to take to test and wear.
PortaCount testing must be done in a location where you are comfortable unmasking; we recommend outdoor areas or in your hotel room. For this and other reasons, we will not perform PortaCount testing during panels. Please make an appointment with @yatchi.
Schedule
- SoCal Furry Swapmeet, March 8, 2025, Long Beach, CA.
- Golden State Fur Con 2025, March 27–30, 2025, Los Angeles, CA.
- Las Vegas Fur Con 2025, April 17–20, 2025, Las Vegas, NV.
Qualitative fit testing
We can provide a basic, qualitative fit test (QLFT) in which we test whether you are able to taste a bitter or sweet solution through your mask. This is relatively inexpensive, and you can purchase the materials to do it at home – see the /r/Masks4All wiki for more information.
We demonstrate the procedure with volunteers at our panel, but if you’d like a more thorough test, make an appointment with us and we’ll meet up with you.
Disclaimer: Due to equipment, time, and logistical constraints, the procedure we use will not meet the requirements of OSHA Standard 1910.134(F) and will not certify your mask to protect you against exposure to respiratory hazards in a workplace. The results of this testing are for informational purposes only. We express or imply no guarantee that your mask will provide adequate protection against Covid or other respiratory hazards.
The procedure is as follows:
- Wear the mask you would like to test.
- Place the hood over your head.
- Bitter or sweet solution will be injected into the hood using a nebulizer.
- Open your mouth slightly, extend your tongue slightly, and breathe deeply. You may also try moving your head or jaw or talking.
- If you taste bitter/sweet within 30 seconds, the test has failed.