FFP2 & FFP3 Face Masks: A New Weapon Against COVID Protection

mask

As time moving on, new cases in COVID are still arising. As the version of this infection changes, the number of cases in people also increases despite the high registration of vaccines.

However, the instructions and SOPS still need to practice for the sake of protection. Does a face mask still helpful even after getting vaccine doses? Why not? This is the only critical weapon for every individual that ensures ultimate protection against COVID and other viral diseases. Thanks to Hong Kong FFP2 face mask suppliers, who now provide a further enhanced version of masks with advanced filtered capacities.

The ffp2 and ffp3 face masks have more demand after K/N95 masks, especially in Hong Kong. Due to the high rise in cases and severe inflation, the supply of masks got highly reduced, so the community decided to help citizens by providing something worth wearing as a protection statement.

By the way, what specific feature does the ffp2 mask contains that makes it highly demanding, like N95? Or both are the same? Here is the answer;

 What is in FFP2 face masks?

The FFP2 face mask has three layers of synthetic non-woven materials and is available in different thicknesses, along with filtration layers in between. The reason for the high demand is the combination of factors that leads to such effective results. This figure is accomplished by testing covers utilizing NaCl (sodium chloride) particles and paraffin oil – this is just for FFP2 testing, with the N95 certificate measure just testing using NaCl.

While standard clinical covers channel three micrometre drops, FFP2 respirator veils channel down to 0.075 strong micrometre particles. The covers are then tried by seeing which level of these tiny particles endure and, on account of getting an FFP2 certificate, just six per cent or less can do as such.

How to fit an FFP2 Mask – Seal a proper protective mask

Now let’s discuss how to put on and seal a proper protective mask. I am not going to discuss regular face masks designed to help protect other people from the wearer; instead, I will discuss wearing ffp2 face masks, which are designed to protect the wearer from other people well the environment.

Medics traditionally wear the ffp2 masks, and tests have shown that they can be up to 30 times more effective in protecting the wearer, but only if they’re worn properly.

Make sure your hands are clean with the nose piece up and straps out of the way. Hold the mask in one hand and place it comfortably on your face, usually relatively high on the nose. Hold firmly and use the other hand to hook the straps behind the ears.

Now use both hands to press the nose piece evenly. Once you have the mask on, you need to do a simple sill test. Hold your hand just away from the mask, and breathe firmly. If the seal is good, you’ll feel the mask expand and contract a little as you breathe.

Since both ffp2 and ffp3 are leading with high competition, the question comes both are same in terms of material, and filtration or is there a difference between both? Is one better than the other, or do both hold equal significance in the market?

Ways to Support Healthcare Department During Covid-19 Pandemic

So, let’s throw the light of comparison between both;

Difference between ffp2 and ffp3

There are several things we need to know;

The media used in ffp2 masks can filter a minimum of 94% of particles sized between 0.3 and 0.6 microns. Whereas the media used in ffp3 mask filters a minimum of 99%.

While you may find ffp2 breathable, this might be because media filters less, and therefore you can breathe better. The fit is inferior by definition. Now ask what the fit is?

Defining FIT

The face masks are evaluated for their filtration levels and for the way they fit on your face and prevent your lungs from being polluted by external hazards. Thus, to put in simple words, if you have a well-fitted mask, it will seal perfectly to your face, and you will only breathe through the mask.

But, if the fit is insufficient, then air will leak into and out of the mask around your face, and you won’t be breathing filtered air. A typical example is surgical masks that may use media with viral filtering retention yet aren’t tightly fitted to the face.

To check a fit, you can use a porta count particle counting device, which gives you a fit factor. It demonstrates how a fitted mask reduces user’s exposure to hazardous particles in the air. So, with a fit factor of 10, your exposure is ten times lower than it would be without a mask.

When comparing FFp2 and FFP#, the fit factor of the FFP3 mask is 100, and the FFP2 mask fit factor is 25; by comparison, a surgical mask will have a fit factor of 0.

What does it mean?

This means that FFP2, by definition, protects four times less than ffp3. This means with regards to COVID 19; an FFP2 mask is not as suitable as FFP3. Thus, using an FFP3 mask in high concentration exposure, such as direct patient contact in hospitals, becomes imperative.

Which One to Buy N95 or FFP2?

Both are parallel worldwide, including a certified standard in Hong Kong and available in the UK. FFP2 essentially means “separating facepiece,” with the number demonstrating the degree of insurance. Some separating facepiece respirators also accompany “NR” toward the finish of their name, which signifies “not reusable.”

FFP2 covers are best utilized as close to home defensive gear (PPE) by medical care labourers or those focusing on somebody who might have Covid-19 locally setting. If you believe you need the additional assurance, FFP2 face veils are currently accessible at purchase from specific retailers.

FFP2 and N95 face veils are not the equivalents but instead considers show that there is no material contrast between their adequacy.

The World Health Organization doesn’t suggest the utilization of FFP2 for everybody, expressing that non-clinical face covers should be utilized by the overall population younger than 60 who don’t have fundamental medical issues.

Against coved, we should only use what’s safest!