Acceptable masks at Mayo Clinic

All patients, staff and visitors are required to wear a mask while on Mayo Clinic property.

See visual examples of acceptable COVID-19 masks (PDF).

Acceptable masks

• Homemade masks that cover the nose and mouth
  • Please do not use athletic neck gaiters, bandanas or crochet material. New evidence suggests they may be less effective than cloth masks.
• Surgical or procedural masks (tie or ear loop)
• Dust masks
• N95 masks without vents
  • N95 respirators are preferred for health care personnel during specific care activities.
  • Patients or visitors arriving with an N95 masks may continue using them.

Unacceptable masks

• Masks with vents
  • Why? Masks with vents or exhalation valves allow unfiltered exhaled air to escape.
  • Such masks are an unacceptable form of source control as a universal mask while on Mayo Clinic property.