3M Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) Considerations
The symptoms of the illness associated with this novel coronavirus are similar to those caused by influenza and other respiratory illnesses and include coughing, shortness of breath, fever, and difficulty breathing. In many countries, COVID-19 is considered to be a high-risk workplace hazard for healthcare workers in a variety of fields and specializations. The WHO and U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) have recommended airborne precautions for healthcare workers for certain interactions with patients with suspected or known cases of COVID-19.
3M is committed to supporting the public health and government response to the COVID-19 pandemic. 3M has ramped up production at its manufacturing facilities around the world – and continues to do so further – and is working with customers, distributors, government and medical officials to help get supplies to where they are most needed.
Respirators and Surgical Masks: A Comparison (PDF, 307.85 KB)
Surgical N95 vs. Standard N95 – Which to Consider? (PDF, 277.73 KB)
Possible Alternatives to Surgical Filtering Facepiece Respirators: Healthcare (PDF, 1.02 MB)
Comparison of FFP2, KN95, and N95 and Other Filtering Facepiece Respirator Classes (PDF, 155.92 KB)
Evaluating the Need for Respirators during COVID-19 Pandemic – Non-healthcare Workplaces (PDF, 1 MB)
Respirator Selection Considerations for Small Faces (PDF, 228.46 KB)
Respiratory Protection for Airborne Exposures to Biohazards (PDF, 273.68 KB)
In this crisis, 3M is experiencing unprecedented demand for respirators.
3M is partnering with other companies on a range of innovative solutions to protect healthcare workers and first responders.
Every day, health care workers on the front lines put themselves at risk to ensure others are cared for. 3M Medical offers resources and information to help protect providers and patients, especially during this challenging time.