FFP2 masks and other antivirus masks - how do they differ from each other?

Administrative decisions related to the coronavirus epidemic require the public to cover their mouths and noses with appropriate masks, with the recommendation to use FFP2 masks. What does it mean? We hear names and designations from everywhere: masks, masks, half masks, FFP1, FFP2, FFP3, disposable, reusable, with a filter, valve, fabric, non-woven, etc. It is easy to get confused in this flow of information, so in this text we explain what the symbols mean and what types of antivirus masks are suitable for.

Dr. N. Pharm. Maria Kaspshak

Mask, half mask or face mask?

Over the past year, we have often heard the word "face mask" used in the context of covering the face for wellness purposes. This is not a formal or official name, but a common diminutive. The correct name is "mask" or "half mask", which means a protective device that protects the mouth and nose. Products marked with the FFP symbol are filtering half masks designed to filter airborne dust and aerosols. They pass the relevant tests and after them they receive the FFP 1-3 classification.

Medical masks and surgical masks are designed to protect physicians and medical staff from bacteria and potentially infectious fluids. They are also tested and labeled accordingly. FFP filtering half masks are classified as personal protective equipment, i.e. PPE (Personal Protective Equipment, PPE), while medical masks are subject to slightly different rules and are classified as medical devices. There are also non-medical masks made of fabric or other materials, disposable or reusable, which are not subject to any regulations and therefore are not considered PPE or medical devices.

FFP filter masks - what are they and what standards should they meet?

The abbreviation FFP comes from the English words Face Filtering Piece, which means an air filtering product worn on the face. Formally, they are called half masks because they do not cover the entire face, but only the mouth and nose, but this name is rarely used colloquially. They are often sold as anti-dust or smoke masks. FFP half masks are personal protective equipment designed to protect the wearer from airborne, potentially harmful particles. As standard, they are tested for their ability to filter particles larger than 300 nanometers. These can be solid particles (dust), as well as the smallest droplets of liquid suspended in the air, i.e. aerosols. FFP masks are also tested for what's called total internal leakage (tests how much air leaks through gaps due to mask mismatch) and breathing resistance.

 FFP1 masks, when properly used and fitted, will capture at least 80% of airborne particles larger than 300 nm in diameter. FFP2 masks must capture at least 94% of these particles, while FFP3 masks must capture 99%.. In addition, FFP1 masks must provide less than 25% internal leakage protection (eg airflow due to seal leakage), FFP2 less than 11% and FFP3 less than 5%. FFP masks may also have valves to make breathing easier. They are closed during inhalation to filter the air you breathe through the material of the mask, but open during exhalation to make it easier for the air to escape.

Valved masks are ineffective in protecting others from potential respiratory infections because the exhaled air comes out unfiltered. Therefore, they are not suitable for use by sick or suspect persons in order to protect the environment. However, they protect the wearer's health from inhalation of dust and aerosols, which can also potentially carry germs.

FFP masks are usually single use, marked with a crossed-out 2 or the letters N or NR (single use), but they can also be reusable, in which case they are marked with the letter R (reusable). Check this on the specific product label. Remember to wear the mask only for the period specified by the manufacturer, and then replace it with a new one - after this time, the filtering properties deteriorate and we are no longer guaranteed the protection that a new mask would provide.

Masks with replaceable filters P1, P2 or P3

Another type of masks are masks or half masks made of airtight plastic but equipped with a replaceable filter. Such a mask, with the correct replacement of the filter, is most often reusable. These masks and filters are subjected to the same tests as FFP masks and are marked P1, P2 or P3. The higher the number, the higher the degree of filtering, i.e. effective mask. The efficiency level of P1 filters is 80% (they can pass up to 20% of aerosol particles with an average diameter of 300 nm), P2 filters - 94%, P3 filters - 99,95%. If you are choosing a mask because of the coronavirus regulations, then in the case of masks with a filter, check that they do not have a valve that opens on exhalation. If the mask has such a valve, it means that it protects only the wearer, and not others.

Medical masks – “surgical masks”

Medical masks are worn by healthcare workers daily. They are designed to protect the patient from infection by personnel, as well as to protect personnel from infection by airborne droplets from the patient. For this reason, medical masks are tested for bacterial leakage as well as leakage - the idea is that if splashed with a potentially infectious fluid - saliva, blood or other secretions - the doctor's face is protected. Medical masks are for single use only and must be disposed of after use. Usually they consist of three layers - an outer, hydrophobic (waterproof) layer, a middle one - filtering and an inner one - providing comfort of use. They usually do not fit tightly to the face, so they are not intended to protect against aerosols and suspended particles, but only from contact with larger secretion droplets that can splash onto the face.

Labels - which mask to choose?

First of all, we must remember that no mask will give us XNUMX% protection, it can only reduce the risk of contact with germs. The effectiveness of the mask depends primarily on its correct use and timely replacement, as well as compliance with other hygiene rules - washing and disinfecting hands, not touching the face, etc. You should also consider for what purposes you want to use the mask - or protect yourself or to protect others in case we become infected ourselves. 

FFP masks - they filter aerosols and dust, so they can potentially protect against bacteria and viruses suspended in such particles. If we care about better protection of our own respiratory tract, it is worth choosing an FFP2 mask or a mask with a P2 filter (the use of FFP3 masks is recommended in high-risk situations, not every day. However, if someone wants and feels comfortable wearing such a mask, you can use it). However, keep in mind that the better the mask filters, the higher the breathing resistance, so this solution may be uncomfortable for people with, for example, asthma, COPD or other lung diseases. Masks with exhalation valves do not protect others. Therefore, if you want to protect others as well, it is best to choose an FFP mask without a valve. The effectiveness of the mask depends on adaptation to the face and adherence to the time and conditions of use.

Medical masks - provide protection against splashing droplets when talking, coughing or sneezing. They do not fit tightly to the face, so they are usually easier to wear than FFP masks. They are also usually cheaper than specialized FFP masks. They are a universal solution for most everyday situations when you need to cover your mouth and nose. They need to be changed frequently and replaced with new ones.

Other masks are not tested, they are made from different materials, so it is not known which particles they protect against and to what extent. It depends on the material of the mask and many other factors. Common sense would suggest that such cloth or non-woven masks protect against the splashing of larger droplets of saliva when talking, coughing and sneezing. They are cheap and usually easier to breathe in than FFP or medical masks. If we use a reusable cloth mask, it should be washed at high temperature after each use.

How to wear a mask or protective mask?

• Read and follow the mask manufacturer's instructions.
• Wash or sanitize your hands before putting on the mask.
• Fit snugly to your face to avoid leaks. Facial hair limits the ability of the mask to fit snugly.
• If you wear glasses, pay special attention to the fit around your nose to keep the lenses from fogging up.
• Do not touch the mask while wearing it.
• Remove the mask with elastic bands or ties without touching the front.
• If the mask is disposable, discard it after use. If it is reusable, disinfect it or wash it according to the manufacturer's recommendations before reuse.
• Change the mask if it becomes damp, dirty, or if you feel that its quality has deteriorated (for example, it has become more difficult to breathe than at the beginning).

More similar texts can be found on AvtoTachki Pasje. Online magazine in the section Tutorials.

Bibliography

1. Central Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (BHP) - COMMUNICATION #1 on the testing and conformity assessment of respiratory protection, protective clothing, and eye and face protection in the context of COVID-19 pandemic prevention activities. Link: https://m.ciop.pl/CIOPPortalWAR/file/89576/2020032052417&COVID-badania-srodkow-ochrony-ind-w-CIOP-PIB-Komunikat-pdf (accessed 03.03.2021).
2. Information about the rules regarding medical masks - http://www.wyrobmedyczny.info/maseczki-medyczne/ (Accessed: 03.03.2021).

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