Setting Standards for N95 Face Masks, Disposable Masks, & FFP2 Face Masks to Make the Right Choice

The debate on face masks and their effectiveness is indeed a heated affair at the time. Starting right from a disposable face mask, to standard quality reusable face masks, the big question is what to choose and why? Day by day, the usage of masks is rapidly increasing and being necessary to adopt all around the globe. Hence, it is important to follow various mask standards and learn how they differ from one another.

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The primary masks available at the market as of now are as follow:

 

1. Surgical masks
2. PPE masks (FFP1, FFP2, and FFP3 masks)
3. KN95 and N95 Surgical Face Masks
4. Filtering masks

 

 

1.       Surgical masks

 

The most commonly used face shields, which have been used for ages and even now, surgical masks are typically blue and are used by medical experts. It serves the purpose of protecting the other person from potential contact with bacteria and viruses exhaled by the wearer. The ability to effectively filter the air expelled from the nose and mouth is what makes it useful. They are considered a good way of limiting the spread of saliva droplets while talking, coughing, and sneezing. These are effective for only one-time use. 

 

2.       FFP3 and FFP2 Face masks

 

These face masks are recognized to be PPE, that is, personal protective equipment. These provide superior filtration performance for inhaling and exhaling air. The term FFP is short for “filtering facepiece”, that means these masks are certified as meeting the EN 149-2001 standard, ultimately matching the quality for efficiency, breathability, comfort, and biocompatibility. The numbers of FFP1, FPP2, FFP3 intimates the filtration efficiency of these devices. FPP3, have the best filtration efficiency for airborne particles, claiming 98% protection for FFP3. A good number of reputed FFP3 face mask manufacturers in the market, such as Joys & Young Technology; the standard promises of quality and deliveries of these masks are met.  

 

 

3.       KN95 and N95 Surgical Face Masks

 

The number N95 and KN95 sequel respirator masks are approved to American (N95) and Chinese (KN95) standards respectively. These are almost the same as the European FFP2 mask standards. These standards refer to the filtration efficiency for non-oily particles or air-borne particles. These could come in use for a total of 8 - 9 hours before washing. 

 

4.       Filtering masks

 

Filtering masks are specially designed to connect high filtration efficiency and convenience of the user. With advanced technology, it is formed by joining three different layers of fabric, resulting in 95% filtration efficiency for bacteria and harmful fine particles. The three layers in these masks form a fixed barrier against micro particles to protect both the wearer and those around them. The bonus to these special masks is that they generally have replaceable filters that are guaranteed to last 12 hours.