Editor's note: This article was originally published by the HCPro Filtering facepiece respirators (FFR) with exhalation valves, as well as a surgical mask or an unregulated face covering, can reduce a wearer’s aerosol emissions, according to a report released on December 9 by the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH). With modifications, the respirators can offer the same level of source control as FFRs without exhalation valves. Compared with other workers and the general public, healthcare workers have faced a greater risk and a longer duration of exposure during the COVID-19 pandemic. Healthcare workers have used FFRs extensively, when available, during the pandemic.