---
title: The surprising origin of the N-95 mask
description: The N-95 mask is a ubiquitous sight nowadays, but most of us probably haven’t given much thought to where it comes from. Luckily, one...
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# The surprising origin of the N-95 mask

[Medical Pharmaceutical Translations](https://aiatranslations.com/blog/topic/medical-pharmaceutical-translations) • Jun 5, 2020 12:00:00 AM

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The N-95 mask is a ubiquitous sight nowadays, but most of us probably haven’t given much thought to where it comes from.

Luckily, one journalist did – and it turns out the history behind the mask is pretty surprising.

The N-95’s origins go back to the products created by a woman named Sara Little Turnbull, who worked for the 3M company. In the late 1950’s, she presented them with a list of no less than 100 ideas for items that could be created with a material called Shapeen. The most important of these for Turnbull was a medical mask that could comfortably fit onto the wearer’s face (a molded bra cup, a similar concept, was another of Turnbull’s designs).

At first, Turnbull’s invention wasn’t used in the medical field, but as a dust mask. Then, with the development of filters, it became the high-end protective gear we know today.

[Read on](https://www.mentalfloss.com/article/624703/sara-little-turnbull-who-designed-n95-mask-using-bra-cup) to learn more about Turnbull and the origins of the N-95 mask.

[*Image source*](https://www.fda.gov/medical-devices/personal-protective-equipment-infection-control/n95-respirators-and-surgical-masks-face-masks)

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