Respirators and surgical masks are widely used in healthcare settings. Both types of personal protective equipment (PPE) can be used for infection control; however, only respirators can be used for respiratory protection against airborne chemical hazards. Because both, respirators and surgical masks, are used in healthcare settings, it is important that employers and workers understand the differences between them. A respirator is designed to protect the wearer from inhaling airborne contaminants such as dusts, fumes, vapors, and infectious agents associated with inhaling small and large particle droplets; guidance on appropriate selection and use is covered by OSHA’s respiratory protection and PPE standards.4-5 In comparison, a surgical mask only provides barrier protection against large-particle droplets and does not effectively filter inhaled small particles, fumes, or vapors.6-7 A surgical mask is primarily used to protect patients and healthcare workers from people who may have a respiratory infection or to protect sterilized or disinfected medical devices and supplies.