Qualitative respirator fit testing per CSA Z94.4-18 by certified infection control practitioner Susan VanTeeffelen — serving healthcare workers, students, and industry across Northwestern Ontario.
Book Your Fit Test →A properly fitted N95 respirator only protects you if it seals to your face. Fit testing ensures yours does.
All testing follows the Canadian standard for respirator selection, use, and care — the same standard required by Ontario occupational health regulations.
A safe, non-invasive taste-based test. If you can't taste the bitter solution through your mask, you've got a proper seal. Takes 15–20 minutes.
Your fit test certificate is valid for 2 years. Re-test sooner if your weight changes 15+ lbs, you have dental or facial surgery, or you switch to a different mask model or size.
The fit test takes about 15–20 minutes. Here's what to expect.
Susan determines the right N95 model and size for your face — everyone's fit is different. If your workplace uses a specific mask, bring it along.
A hood goes over your head while you wear the mask. A bitter-tasting solution (Bitrex) is sprayed inside. You perform seven simple exercises — normal breathing, deep breathing, turning your head, nodding, talking, and bending. If you can't taste the bitterness, your mask seals.
You receive a fit test record card listing the mask make, model, and size. The certificate is valid for two years under CSA Z94.4-18 — accepted by every Ontario hospital, clinic, and clinical placement program.
A few simple steps ensure your fit test goes smoothly.
Infection Control Practitioner
A certified infection control professional based in Kakabeka Falls, Ontario. Susan brings specialized expertise in respirator fit testing and infection prevention to healthcare workers, students, and industry across Thunder Bay and Northwestern Ontario. Her ICP credential means she understands not just how to fit a mask — but why the seal matters for infection control in clinical environments.
Every two years under CSA Z94.4-18. You'll also need a re-test sooner if your weight changes by 15 lbs or more, you have dental or facial surgery, or you switch to a different respirator model or size.
Yes. Susan provides the N95 respirator for your test. If your workplace or clinical program uses a specific make and model, you're welcome to bring it — just confirm compatibility beforehand.
About 15 to 20 minutes per person. Plan for up to 30 minutes in case additional mask models or sizes need to be tested.
Yes. Susan travels to workplaces, dental offices, clinics, long-term care homes, and industrial sites across Thunder Bay and Northwestern Ontario. Contact her for group scheduling and rates.
Not everyone fits the first mask model. Susan will try different makes, models, and sizes until the right seal is found. A failed test just means the specific mask you tried isn't the right shape for your face — it's normal and expected.
Photo ID (required), your current fit test card if you're re-testing, and your workplace's required mask model if applicable. If you wear glasses or dentures with your respirator, bring those too — they can affect the fit.
Call or email Susan directly to schedule an appointment. Same-day certificates provided.
Mobile on-site service available for workplaces, dental offices, clinics, and long-term care homes in Thunder Bay and across Northwestern Ontario.