Overview of the different types of masks and personal protective equipment

Personal protective equipment refers to the equipment worn to minimize exposure to hazards that can cause injury or illness.

In the field of respiratory protection, the most common types of masks are:

• Surgical mask
• Cloth mask
• Disposable masks
• FFP masks
• Half-face respirators with replaceable filters

It is important to tell them apart. A surgical mask is primarily designed to block splashes and protect others from the droplets produced by the wearer. A cloth mask provides limited protection and is generally used in public settings.

FFP masks are filtering respirators. They are designed to protect the wearer against inhaling airborne contaminants such as dust, smoke, and aerosols. They provide a tight seal to the skin, which is essential for adequate respiratory protection.

Explanation of filtering respirators

A filtering facepiece covers the nose and mouth and filters suspended particles in the air before they are inhaled. In Europe, these masks are regulated by the EN 149 standard. Comparable standards include the NIOSH classifications, such as N95 in the United States.

FFP masks are classified according to two key performance criteria:

• Minimum filtration efficiency
• Maximum total inward leakage

Here’s a practical comparison:

• FFP1

○ Filters at least 80% of airborne suspended particles

○ Maximum total inward leakage of 22%

○ Suitable up to 4 times the workplace exposure limit

• FFP2

○ Filters at least 94% of airborne suspended particles

○ Maximum total inward leakage of 8%

○ Suitable up to 10 times the workplace exposure limit

• FFP3

○ Filters at least 99% of airborne suspended particles

○ Maximum total inward leakage of 2%

○ Suitable up to 20 times the workplace exposure limit

• The level of protection increases as filtration improves and leakage decreases.

FFP1 filtering facepiece respirator

FFP1 masks are designed for environments with a low level of risk.

Among common uses, you can find:

• Gardening and agriculture
• Industrial cleaning
• Construction work involving brick dust
• Coal dust at controlled levels
• Wood dust at low concentration

FFP1 masks are suitable for dusty environments with non-toxic dust. They generally provide adequate protection against airborne suspended particles that are not considered highly dangerous to health.

However, the FFP1 class does not provide sufficient protection against toxic substances, asbestos, or infectious agents suspended in the air. In environments with higher exposure levels, a higher level of protection is necessary.

FFP2 filtering facepiece respirator

FFP2 masks offer better protection than FFP1 masks and are widely used in both the healthcare sector and industry.

Their performance characteristics are as follows:

• Filtration efficiency of at least 94%
• Maximum total inward leakage of 8%
• Equivalent to N95 in many contexts

Common applications include:

• Handling softwood
• Metals and plastics (except PVC)
• Oil mist
• Lead dust
• Moderately toxic fumes
• Protection against airborne pathogens

During outbreaks such as COVID-19, wearing FFP2 masks or equivalent N95 masks was recommended for healthcare professionals because they provide protection against infectious aerosols.

In many workplaces, FFP2 masks provide adequate protection when used correctly and with a fit test.

FFP3 filtering facepiece respirator

FFP3 masks provide the highest level of protection among FFP classifications.

Their performance characteristics are as follows:

• Filtration efficiency of at least 99%
• Total inward leakage less than or equal to 2%
• Suitable for concentrations up to 20 times the workplace exposure limit

Typical high-risk applications include:

• asbestos abatement
• dangerous powders in pharmaceutical environments
• heavy metals
• brake dust
• radioactive particles
• pathogens and highly toxic substances

FFP3 provides protection in environments where exposure to hazardous materials poses a serious health risk.

Breathing resistance is a factor to consider. Higher filtration can increase breathing effort, especially during physically demanding tasks. Comfort and wearing time should be assessed.

Fit, seal, and exhalation valve considerations

Even the best-performing filtering mask will not provide effective protection if it is not perfectly sealed.

Key points to consider:

• The respirator must fit tightly to the contours of the nose and mouth.
• A fit check must be performed every time the mask is worn.
• Facial hair prevents a proper seal and compromises protection.
• A poorly fitted mask does not provide the same level of protection as a properly fitted one.

Exhalation valve: pros and cons

Some respirators include an exhalation valve. This can:

• Reduce heat and moisture build-up
• Improve comfort during intense work
• Make breathing easier over long periods

However:

• Valved masks do not filter the exhaled air.
• They may not protect others in contagious environments.
• Non-valved masks are generally preferred in healthcare settings.
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