We can conduct basic fit tests at cons.
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.
We provide a basic, qualitative fit test 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. (Currently we don’t have the much more expensive equipment needed to conduct a quantitative fit test.)
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.