The CDC says that [Elastomeric respirators](https://www.cdc.gov/niosh/ppe/respirators/elastomeric.html#:~:text=Elastomeric%20respirators%20protect%20against%20gases,classes%20as%20filtering%20facepiece%20respirators.) can offer the same, or greater, level of protection than N95 FFRs in filtering out airborne particles; if used correctly. Elastomeric respirators are the [reusable masks](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Elastomeric_respirator) that seal the face with rubber or other material. They would be useful to have in a pandemic or public health emergency, so I got one! I’m London based. So, I went to my local DIY store… (_this is not an ad for Screwfix btw_) ![](https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/w_1456,c_limit,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F5b60c176-c2b4-48f8-aff9-ffdf08f9a2ef_1600x1200.jpeg) Asked for it and then bought one for 30 quid… ![](https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/w_1456,c_limit,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Fcd763958-8b35-4704-a86a-f9cc2c9aab42_1200x1600.jpeg) _**And then fit tested it according to the manual to make sure that the seal on my face was done properly.**_ In my case I had to press the exhale outlet with my hand, exhale, and check that no air leaked out. Casual Physics Enjoyer Face reveal: ![](https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/w_1456,c_limit,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Faa729fb3-935b-4c61-9876-aea7224b9109_656x1160.png)