FFP2

FFP2 respirators for maximum protection

FFP2 masks find their application in a wide range of work areas where employees are exposed to potentially harmful pollutants. The abbreviation FFP stands for Filtering Face Piece. The number 2 denotes the filtering class of the mask. An FFP2 mask must achieve a filtering performance of at least 94 percent. This is the second highest protection class for FFP masks. The top models from DACH achieve an even significantly higher filtering performance. Even more effective are masks with the FFP3 designation. These filter at least 99 percent of pollutants from the air.

How FFP2 protective masks work

How does the filter of an FFP mask work?

FFP2 protective masks have a filter layer made of one or more layers of so-called meltblown non-woven fabric. This material consists of a fabric of ultra-fine polypropylene fibres that has a high filtering capacity and can filter even the finest particles from the air. High-quality respirators fit well to the shape of the face, so they fit snugly to the face without any clearance around the edge of the mask and are more stable.

Does it make a difference how many filter layers an FFP mask has?

Not really. Rather, it depends on the quality of the filter material. One filter layer of high-quality filter material can filter as well as three layers of an inferior material. Many filter layers can also have the disadvantage of making it particularly difficult to breathe through them.

Can an FFP2 mask filter viruses?

Yes! Viruses are indeed tiny, and in fact even smaller than the extremely small openings between the meltblown fibres in the filter material of an FFP mask. While a dust particle will mechanically get stuck in the filter, this is not the case with a virus. But: A good filter also has a static charge that causes viruses to get stuck on the filter fibres. Moreover, viruses are usually part of an aerosol. So they do not float freely in the air we breathe, but are part of a small droplet of body fluid that is larger than the virus itself. The claim that FFP masks would not protect against viruses has been scientifically refuted many times.

What types of FFP masks are there?

There are different typesof FFP masks. The good and secure fit depends on the design principle.

FFP masks with ear loops or with headgear?

On the one hand, there are FFP masks with ear loops and FFP masks with headgear. Masks with ear loops usually do not fit as tightly as masks with headgear. Masks with headgear are therefore more secure against slipping or leaking, while masks with ear loops are easier to put on and take off. The higher the risk you take as a wearer, the more likely you are to choose a mask with a headgear.

Coffee filter, duckbill... - what are the different types of FFP masks?

The most common is the FFP mask with a coffee filter shape. It is folded lengthwise from top to bottom and looks packaged like a filter bag for brewing coffee. It usually comes with ear loops, only occasionally with a head band. It is the most common because it is the easiest and therefore the cheapest to produce. The most serious disadvantage is its poor fit. Only rarely does an FFP mask in the form of a coffee filter fit really tightly around the face. The so-called leakage is therefore usually greater than that of masks of other designs. Another disadvantage of masks of this design is the usually smaller volume of the mask. A lower breathing volume makes breathing more difficult, while a higher breathing volume contributes to good wearing comfort.

Less common is the FFP mask in duckbill shape. It is also called a duckbill mask. It usually comes with a head harness instead of ear loops to ensure a stable fit. Due to its design, it can be better adapted to different face shapes and fits better, i.e. closer, to the face. Due to their design, they usually have a higher breathing volume than coffee filter masks. For professional use with higher risk, it is far more suitable than the coffee filter mask. Some people think that you look like Uncle Scrooge when you wear it - but you should overlook that fact when it comes to your own health.

Finally, there are FFP masks in a three-piece design that look flat when viewed from the front, the so-called flat mask, sometimes called a fish mask. They are available with ear loops as well as with headgear. Again, with ear loops it is easier to put on and take off. With headgear, it fits tighter and does not slip as easily, so it is more secure. They offer a good fit, so they close well on the face. They have a higher breathing volume and finally, they look more elegant than the other designs.

FFP mask with valve or without valve?

FFP masks are available without a valve but also with an exhalation valve, which makes it easier to exhale. Those who wear a mask with a valve enjoy the same protective effect as those who wear a mask without a valve, because the valve closes when inhaling. When exhaling, the valve opens, so that the breathing resistance decreases when exhaling.

The disadvantage of an FFP mask with a valve is that the airflow is hardly filtered when exhaling. The wearer can therefore release his viruses into the ambient air. FFP masks with a valve are therefore particularly suitable for industrial use, where the protection of the wearer is the only concern. FFP masks with a valve are also always in demand when the wearer has to exert himself to a high degree. If the FFP mask is also to protect the person opposite from the germs of the wearer, on the other hand, a mask with a valve is out of the question.

What are FFP2 masks with dolomite test for?

An FFP2 mask must meet various technical requirements and undergo tests. However, a test for dolomite dust is not prescribed in the relevant technical standard EN149 but is voluntary. If the filtering performance has been tested for dolomite dust, the mask bears the designation FFP2 NR D. Anyone who has to deal with dust at work should choose such a mask.

What is the difference between FFP masks (respirators) and surgical masks?

FFP masks are so-called personal protective equipment (PPE). Their purpose is to protect the wearer of the mask from hazards. Surgical masks, on the other hand, are medical devices whose purpose is to protect the patient. However, FFP masks without a valve can also protect the patient from germs, just as surgical masks also provide some protection for the wearer - at least from direct splashes of infectious liquids. Surgical masks also have a filter layer. However, they do not fit tightly at the edge, so that the so-called leakage is significantly greater.

What do FFP2 masks protect against?

FFP masks of all protection classes keep out non-toxic, non-fibrogenic dust as well as fine dust. The higher the protection class, the stronger the filtering performance.

FFP2 models also protect you from smoke, toxic dust and liquids and solids that irritate the respiratory tract. This makes them ideal for industrial applications. In addition, the masks keep out aerosols and droplets and thus effectively protect against viruses and bacteria of risk group 2, such as the Corona virus. Both in an ordinary working environment and in the medical field.

Are FFP2 masks reusable or not?

FFP2 masks with the designation FFP2 NR are disposable. In professional use, they should be used for a maximum of one working shift. The maximum time they can be worn at one time depends on the area of use. There are recommendations from the employers' liability insurance associations on the rhythm of use of the mask and breaks in wearing. As a rule of thumb, the more you exert yourself, the more often you need to take a break and take off the mask.

Multi-use masks with the FFP2 R designation are basically reusable, but must be disinfected. Their use is usually uneconomical, so such masks are not widely used. In addition, if the mask becomes damp or wet, its filtering performance will deteriorate considerably. Then it must be replaced.

In addition, disinfection is required after each use. This entails considerable additional costs, which are often higher than the purchase of new masks. The repeated use of masks is therefore seldom worthwhile.

EN 10993: The biocompatibility test

Whether an FFP2 mask is biocompatible does not have to be tested according to EN149. However, we at DACH Schutzbekleidung consider this to be an important quality feature. Therefore, we have all our products "Made in Germany" also tested and certified for biocompatibility. So that you can be sure that the products are absolutely safe.

FFP2 masks from DACH - certified and of high quality

To ensure effective protection, it is important that FFP2 masks are certified. An FFP mask according to EN 149 is a particle-filtering half mask that has been tested according to the specifications of the CEN (Comité Européen de Normalisation). The precise name of the technical standard defining the requirements for an FFP mask is EN 149:2001 + A1:2009. Only a mask tested by an approved European testing institute receives the obligatory CE mark. The CE must be followed by a four-digit number. This indicates which testing institute has tested and certified the type of mask in question.

Are there particularly good FFP2 masks or are they all the same?

The S-class among respirators: neolution®Air FFP2 NR D

The models in the neolution®Air series are a particularly good choice when buying FFP2 masks. They adapt very well to different face shapes. Their large surface area in combination with a particularly high-quality filter fabric ensures easy breathing. This makes them ideal for users whose work involves physical exertion and long periods of use.

neolutionPlus© - metal-free

Another high-quality option when purchasing FFP2 masks is the FFP mask neolutionPlus©. With its tight fit, it offers optimal protection and is also characterised by long-lasting wearing comfort. This mask has a metal-free nosepiece and adapts well to any face shape even without the use of metal. It is therefore also suitable for explosive atmospheres.

Which FFP2 masks are the right ones?

Which FFP2 mask is the right one depends on the area of application.

In industry, models with a valve are often used, which ensure self-protection. In the medical sector, masks without a valve are usually recommended because they also protect the patient.

Which DIN standard for FFP2 masks?

FFP2 masks are tested according to DIN EN 149. Added to this is the extension A1:2009, so the complete designation for a certified EN 149 mask is EN 149:2001 + A1:2009

What does NR D mean for respirators?

The suffix NR means that the mask is not reusable.

The letter D means that it has passed a dolomite test. However, a dolomite test is not mandatory for non-reusable designs.

How to recognise a genuine FFP2 mask?

A certified FFP2 mask bears a CE mark with a four-digit number indicating the testing body.

How long is the shelf-life of FFP masks?

An expiry date is stated on each individual FFP mask. For most manufacturers, this is two or three years after the date of production - sometimes it is up to five years.