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Choosing the Right Mask

Here is a breakdown of masking types to protect your health during wildfire smoke. Best option for protecting yourself and your children from wildfire smoke is a NIOSH-certified N95 respirator—especially one that fits snugly around the face. These masks are sometimes called “respirators” because they filter air more thoroughly than other types.

High-Protection Masks: NIOSH-Approved N95 Respirators

The best option for protecting yourself and your children from wildfire smoke is a NIOSH-certified N95 respirator—especially one that fits snugly around the face. These masks are sometimes called “respirators” because they filter air more thoroughly than other types.

When purchasing, look for labeling like “NIOSH N95”, which means it has been approved by the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, a federal agency focused on worker safety.
These respirators are designed to block nearly all smoke particles when they fit correctly. For instance, if there are 1,000 smoke particles in the air and your child isn’t wearing a mask, they’ll inhale all 1,000. With a well-sealed N95, they may only breathe in around 100. If the mask doesn’t seal tightly—like if there are gaps at the chin, cheeks, or nose—many more particles will sneak in.

Seal Check Tip

Place your hands gently around the mask’s edges while your child wears it. Have them blow out hard (like blowing out candles) and feel for air leaks. Then ask them to take a deep breath—if the mask pulls inward toward the face and no air escapes, the seal is good.
This guidance is also relevant for pregnant individuals, since clean air is important for both parent and baby.

Some N95s include exhalation valves. These allow air to exit, but not enter—so they still protect against smoke.
Even with minor gaps, an N95 provides stronger protection than any other mask option.
While child-specific N95 masks aren’t available in the U.S., older children (around age 7+) may be able to wear small or extra-small adult sizes.
Always replace N95s that are wet, torn, dirty, or crumpled.

Medical Masks: A Second-Best Option

Surgical or medical face masks don’t block as much smoke as N95 respirators, mostly because they tend to leave gaps along the sides of the face.

In the same example with 1,000 smoke particles, a child wearing a medical mask may still inhale 700–800 particles.
The amount of smoke they breathe depends on how well the mask fits.
Medical masks must be breathable by design, but there are no specific regulations requiring them to filter smoke particles effectively.
Choose a child-sized version if possible, as a better fit will offer more protection.

Cloth Masks: Limited or No Protection from Smoke

Reusable fabric masks, while useful in slowing the spread of some infections, are not recommended for wildfire smoke exposure.

There are no standards for cloth masks in terms of filtering smoke particles or airflow.
These masks offer little to no protection against the fine particles in wildfire smoke.

Helpful Mask Safety Guidelines for Children

Both N95 and medical masks can be used safely by most children.
Always supervise younger children while they wear a mask.
A child can safely wear a mask if they’re able to communicate any discomfort. If they say it’s hard to breathe or feel unwell, remove the mask right away.
Do not use a mask for children under age 2.
If your child often puts things in their mouth, or tries to pull at or chew the mask, it may not be safe to use.
When in doubt, speak with your child’s health care provider.

Special Note on Masking for Pregnancy

Pregnant people should also follow these masking guidelines. If you’re exposed to wildfire smoke, your baby is too. Poor air quality during pregnancy can increase the risk of low birth weight or early delivery. Wearing a high-quality mask and avoiding smoky environments are critical steps to protect your health and your baby’s.

If You Can’t Access an N95 Mask

Keep in mind: these recommendations are specifically for wildfire smoke, not for illness prevention.
If N95 masks are in short supply and prioritized for healthcare use, consider using medical masks instead.
Stay away from uncertified alternatives. Masks like KN95s, which are made to international standards, may not meet the same safety or filtration requirements as NIOSH-approved respirators.
In any case, the best defense is to limit smoke exposure by improving indoor air quality with air purifiers or by staying in clean air shelters if available.