Face masks are different from respirators and can be made from either cloth or paper. A face mask worn by someone with infectious TB can help to prevent the spread of M. tuberculosis from the patient to other people. The face mask can capture large wet particles near the mouth and nose of the patient, preventing the bacteria from being released into the environment. Cloth masks can be sterilized and reused.
Respirators can protect health care workers from inhaling M. tuberculosis in certain circumstances, but they are expensive to purchase and they require specialized equipment to ensure that they fit properly. The use of a face mask does not protect health care workers against TB, and so a health care worker or other staff should not wear a face mask in a household (or indeed in a health care) setting.5
- See more at: http://www.tbfacts.org/tb-prevention/#sthash.sdr9YlxZ.dpuf