Why buy your FFP2 - FFP3 or surgical mask?
Since 1981 , Voussert has been supporting its clients in the field of respiratory protection and has chosen to offer exclusively masks made in France . On our website, you will find only surgical or FFP masks manufactured in France, notably by Kolmi Hopen, a supplier to the French government and numerous hospital groups.
It can sometimes be difficult to fully understand the different types of masks, their intended use, and the actual performance validated by various standards. The filtration levels of different masks, such as "FFP" versus a surgical mask (category 3), and whether they are manufactured in France or Asia are all factors that will determine the final filtration quality of your protective mask. Remember to use appropriate containers for disposing of disposable masks, such as biohazard waste bags or bins specifically designed for this purpose.
It is already important to clearly distinguish what is the difference between a 3-ply surgical type mask and an FFP mask (FFP2 more common) in particular.
In both cases, filtration is ensured by what is called the "filtering media" consisting of the combination of several layers of materials. The quality of filtration is therefore linked to this combination.
Then, it is important to understand that a surgical mask only validates this filtration aspect through the EN14683 standard and the same is true for washable UNS1 masks which, for the record, do not meet a standard but an Afnor specification. ..
There is therefore no guarantee of a face seal on this type of mask . The fitting of this type of mask, its adaptation to the face, the use of a nose bar will therefore have a significant influence on the final result. To take a reductive image, it is as if you were insulating your house with a lot of materials and HI Tech solutions but leaving a window open...
Conversely, FFP masks are subject to leak tests which guarantee, beyond the performance of the filter media, demonstrated effectiveness on the penetration of fine particles .
It therefore seems obvious that in the event of a major risk, an FFP mask is an additional guarantee of protection . This is how, as soon as the Covid "Variants" appeared, certain states, provinces or professions switched to the FFP2 mask. The French state has banned the use of "homemade" masks and UNS2 masks, which are now considered insufficient, without making the FFP2 mandatory.
FFP mask filtering / protective mask
An FFP mask is a respiratory protection device that must comply with the NF EN 149 standard. It is intended to protect the wearer against the inhalation of both droplets and airborne particles. Wearing this type of mask is more restrictive (thermal discomfort, breathing resistance) than a surgical mask. There are three categories of FFP masks , depending on their effectiveness (estimated based on the effectiveness of the filter and the leakage to the face).
Thus, we distinguish:
- > FFP1 masks filtering at least 80% of aerosols of average size 0.6 µm (total inward leakage < 22%).
-> FFP2 masks filtering at least 94% of aerosols of average size 0.6 µm (total inward leakage < 8%).
-> FFP3 masks filtering at least 99% of aerosols of average size 0.6 µm (total inward leakage < 2%).
- Only FFP2 type masks or higher will be effective against the risk of contagion.
- Masks equipped with valves and not intended for medical use are not suitable for fighting the pandemic
Surgical protective mask / medical mask
A surgical mask is a medical device (EN 14683 standard) . It is designed to prevent the projection of droplets emitted by the person wearing the mask towards those around them. It also protects the wearer against the projection of droplets emitted by a person opposite them. However, it does not protect against the inhalation of very small particles suspended in the air.
There are three types of masks (efficiency class):
Type I surgical mask : bacterial filtration efficiency > 95% of an aerosol of average size 3 µm.
Type II surgical mask : bacterial filtration efficiency > 98% of an aerosol of average size 3 µm.
Type IIR surgical mask : bacterial filtration efficiency > 98% of an aerosol of average size 3 µm and splash resistant.
- The NF EN 14683 standard adds a projection resistance test (type 1R and 2R)
- worn by the caregiver, it prevents contamination of the patient and their environment (air, surfaces, products),
- worn by the contagious patient, it prevents contamination of those around them and their environment.
Washable mask for the general public (Example BARRAL mask)
A washable mask is neither a medical device within the meaning of Regulation EU/2017/745 (Surgical masks), nor personal protective equipment within the meaning of Regulation EU/2016/425 (Filtering masks of type FFP2). This mask is intended for the general public and the professional environment and is exclusively reserved for non-health uses. It is intended to prevent the projection of droplets. This individual mask is intended to be offered in particular to professionals who are required to meet a large number of people during their activities (checkout hostesses, law enforcement officers).
- Its permeability is 152L.m-².S-1 for a depression of 100Pa (standard >96L.m-².S-1)
- Filtration efficiency is 99.9% of 3µm particles emitted (standard >90%).
- This mask is strictly adapted to the health crisis linked to COVID 19.
Hygiene mask
This hygiene mask protects the work environment and the products manufactured there by limiting the spread of accidental oral and nasal projections (sneezing, coughing, etc.). EN ISO 9001 certified. Neither a medical device nor personal protective equipment.
Screen mask
Not a medical device and does not replace wearing a filtration mask.