An N95 respirator is a respiratory protective device designed to achieve a very close facial fit and provide a minimum of 95% efficient filtration of airborne particles.  The edges of the respirator are designed to form a seal around the nose and mouth. Most N95 respirators are manufactured for use in construction and other industrial type jobs that expose workers to dust and small particles. They are regulated by the National Personal Protective Technology Laboratory (NPPTL) in the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), which is part of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).