Our N95 Mask Fit Test module allows Health Care Providers (HCPs) to select an appropriate model of N95 mask, and test the fit of the mask to their face. 

This Mask Fit Test conforms to CSA Standard Z94.4-18, and includes the following:

Pre-Screening / Health Surveillance

Before any healthcare worker can undergo a fit test, they must undergo medical surveillance. The healthcare worker must be physically capable of breathing through a tight-fitting mask without risking their own health (e.g., managing asthma, claustrophobia, or restricted lung capacity).

Strict Clean-Shaven Policy

To achieve an effective seal, the standard explicitly states that workers must be completely clean-shaven where the respirator contacts the skin.

Qualitative Fit Testing (QLFT)

The Qualitative Mask Fit Test is performed by using the person's sense of taste to detect a leak in the seal.  The most common method used in hospitals for disposable N95 masks. It is a pass/fail sensory test. The worker wears a hood, and an aerosolized agent—usually Bitrex (bitter) or Saccharin (sweet)—is sprayed inside. If the worker tastes the agent while performing physical movements, the seal has failed.

Dynamic Exercise Protocol

A CSA-compliant fit test is not static. While wearing the mask, the healthcare worker must perform 7 specific physical exercises meant to simulate real-world patient care movements:

• Normal breathing

• Deep breathing

• Turning the head side-to-side

• Moving the head up-and-down

• Talking out loud

• Bending over at the waist (or jogging in place)

• Normal breathing again

If the seal breaks during any of these steps, the test is a failure.

Frequency of Re-Testing

Bi-Annual Minimum: Legally, workers must be re-tested at least every two years. However, many Canadian hospitals and health networks mandate annual testing as an internal best practice for high-risk environments.

Triggers for Immediate Re-Testing: A worker must be re-tested immediately if they experience a physical change that could alter their facial structure (e.g., significant weight gain/loss, major dental surgery, facial scarring), or if the hospital changes its supply brand, model, or size of N95 masks.

User Seal Checks (Every Shift)

The standard clarifies that a fit test only proves a specific mask can fit the worker. On the job, the healthcare worker must perform a user seal check (positive/negative pressure check) every single time they don the mask before entering a patient environment to verify the seal is active.

Preparation for the Mask Fit Test session:

The test session includes the following components:

1. Selection of a 3M N95 respirator based on size (3M Masks on supply: 1870+, 1860, 1860s, 1804, 1804S, 8210)

2. Demonstration of how to correctly don / doff the respirator

3. Check of the person's sensitivity to the taste solutions which will be used for the Test.  A sweet solution (Saccharin), and a bitter solution (Bitrex) will be used.

4. Fit Test is performed with the person wearing a special hood over their head.  The taste solutions are dispersed into the hood using nebulizers. 

5. The person will be required to perform several movements to check the seal of their mask.

Note for Mask Fit Test Participants

​The test relies on your sense of taste.  You must not smoke, eat, chew gum, or drink any liquids (except water), at least 30 minutes before the test.

To ensure a secure seal, you must be clean-shaven. 

Audience: Health Care Providers (HCPs), including, Nurses, Dental professionals, and other allied health care providers or Students

Class Format: In-Class: 30 minutes In-person Qualitative Fit Test

​Certification Included: Vital CPR Mask Fit Test certificate (valid for 2 years)

Certification Requirements:

1. Successful demonstration of don / doff procedure

2. Successful Fit Test (no seal leaks)

Participant Materials Included:

• 1 3M N95 Respirator / Mask (1860, 1860s, 1870+ model), if purchased. Participant may supply their own N95 Mask.

  • Note: It is not guaranteed the provided model will fit securely.  An additional $5 charge will apply for each additional mask model required for the Test.

• Printable Test Report issued upon successful completion

• Hard Copy Mask Fit Test certification card issued upon successful Fit Test