Each type of mask filter has its own advantages and disadvantages, depending on the situation and the risk of exposure. N95 filters are the most widely used and recommended for nurses who work with patients who have or are suspected of having infectious respiratory diseases, such as COVID-19, tuberculosis, or influenza. They offer a high level of protection, but they also require a proper fit test, regular replacement, and careful disposal. P95 and R95 filters are similar to N95 filters, but they also offer resistance to oil-based particles, such as those from aerosolized medications or industrial pollutants. However, they are more expensive, less available, and harder to breathe through than N95 filters. Surgical masks are the easiest to use and the most comfortable, but they only provide a barrier against droplets and splashes, not airborne particles. They are suitable for nurses who work with patients who do not have respiratory infections, or who perform low-risk procedures, such as wound care or medication administration.