What differentiates a respirator from a mask?

The distinction between a respirator and a mask lies primarily in their design and intended function. While it is true that all masks are forms of face coverings, they do not all share the filtration capabilities required of respirators.

Respirators are specifically designed to filter out harmful airborne particles, including dust, pathogens, and other contaminants, thus providing a higher level of protection. They achieve this through various means, such as HEPA filters or other specialized materials. Masks, on the other hand, may serve a variety of purposes, such as preventing the spread of respiratory droplets or providing basic barrier protection, but they do not necessarily offer the same level of filtration efficiency.

Therefore, stating that all masks are respirators is not accurate, as respirators are a specialized category of masks with specific protective capabilities meant for occupational or health care environments. This understanding emphasizes the importance of selecting the appropriate protective equipment based on the necessary level of filtration and protection required in different contexts.