Mask Fit Testing
Help us run this event again!
The event costs roughly $400 to run with machine and venue hire costs. Any donation helps to make another free mask fit testing day possible. Thank you to everyone who donated to this event so we could make it happen!!
Send funds to
Jenna Schroder
BSB: 923 100
Acc #: 308232660
If $200+ raised, next event will be held Apr/May 2027. If we don't hit that target, it'll be held in the second half of 2027 to allow more time to amass funds.
Want to hold your own mask fit testing day? Reach out and we'll share info.
What is fit testing with a portacount machine?
Fit testing measures how well your mask fits, and therefore how well it can prevent respiratory infection.
Read these docs for all your fit testing faq!!!
Fit testing notes my sibling wrote after the first portacount fit testing event we did: https://leaflet.pub/858a87f0-6b3d-47ba-b40d-581b4a18a5c6
Fit testing faq by Eric Kennedy & the Toronto Canada PortaCount Community Fit Test Team: https://docs.google.com/document/d/16lPIwvVdoYNvOiJiWfklyAL_tkaDbwUtjg1r2CqU1cQ/edit?tab=t.0
How many masks can i test/ what do i bring?
Bring 2-3 masks to test that fit your face well (e.g. P2/N95 headstrap masks or well fitting/tightly secured earloop masks). There may be a select number of free masks available...any masks you don't need or don't fit? We'd love you to bring them along.
Each mask takes approx 1 - 8 mins to test.
Note: won't be able to fit test elastomeric masks.
Things to know/how it will work
Do not smoke/vape or eat or drink at least 30 minutes before being fit tested as this can cause a failed test due to the particles that hang around in your mouth.
If possible/applicable shave any facial hair where the mask seals around your face (or can also test how well mask fits with facial hair before and after shaving)
A metal probe will be punched into the mask being fit tested (before you put it on).
The portacount machine will measure the particles inside your mask vs outside the mask. You will do a bunch of exercises (talking, breathing, moving your head etc.) And then be given a 'fit factor' score on how well the mask fits for each of those exercises.
Once the mask is probed it is no longer useable as a protective mask, so bring an extra mask to wear before/after you've been fit tested.
There will also be a machine running which will disperse salt particles into the air.
Covid safety
Mask required event. Please wear a N95/P2/KN95 mask when not being fit tested.
The testing will be outside or just inside with doors open if it rains.
You will be required to take off your mask to fit test a new mask.
We will be wearing a fit tested mask at all times.
Please cancel if you have any cold or flu symptoms (there will be more events in the future!)
Access
We've not used this venue before but council states it is wheelchair accessible. See more info about the venue here: https://www.yarracity.vic.gov.au/things-to-do/find-a-venue/florence-peel-centre
Extra info
Please note we are not professional fit testers, errors can occur and no guarantees can be made based on the test results.
Welcome to attend with a friend/support person who doesn't need a mask fit test.
Any Qs please don't hesitate to ask!