sfactory statistical approach, according to Michael Smith, of MedPage Today (an online healthcare newsletter).

That retraction was in line with other studies that showed no difference between the two approaches, surgical masks and respirators.

What Are N95 Respirators?

Respirators are devices that improve breathing. The term covers a broad range of devices. Gas masks are respirators. So are machines that force air into the lungs. In connection with H1N1, they are usually special fiber cup-shaped masks that fit over the nose and mouth. They clean the air breathed by filtering out ultra-small particles. Air-floating ultra-small particles may contain viruses such as the H1N1 virus. Filtering them out of inspired air helps blocks the transmission of H1N1 disease.

N95 means the type mask has been shown to catch or filter 95% of aerosol particles 0.3 microns in diameter. This is about the size of virus-containing particles expelled during a cough or sneeze. Such particles can hang in the air for a period of time.

Respirators can be used in surgery to keep operators from contaminating the open wound. But for this comparison, a “surgical mask” means the traditional soft fiber handkerchief-like device often seen in old movies and TV shows.