Answers to frequently asked questions regarding breathing protection against Corona


What do the different protection levels of FFP-Masks mean?

FFP stands for Filtering Facepiece. The following numbers 1 to 3 describe the protection level of the respirator. The higher the number, the higher the Bacteria Filtering Efficiency (BFE), which ensures protection against higher concentrations of pollutants. For example, an FFP2-Mask must have a BFE of at least 95% to be certified as such. For more information and details, please click HERE.


What is the difference between FFP-Masks and oral-nasal protection?

FFP-Masks protect the wearer from the finest airborne pollutants, such as dust, aerosols (finest distribution of suspended solid or liquid substances in gases, especially in the air) or even viruses. In order to achieve the required filter performance, the masks are made of high-quality filter material and fit close to the face. Masks without an exhalation valve can also prevent the wearer from spreading exhaled droplets and saliva. FFP-Masks without valve can therefore additionally be tested and approved as a medical product according to DIN EN 14683.

Surgical (OP) masks / oral-nasal protection masks primarily prevent the wearer from spreading exhaled droplets and saliva. The masks themselves protect the wearer from liquid splashes such as blood, but not from fine aerosols. 


Which masks protect against the coronavirus SARS-CoV-2 / Covid-19?

The WHO recommend wearing FFP2 or FFP3 masks. Further information and details can be found HERE or on the homepage of the Federal Institute for Drugs and Medical Devices.


Can FFP2 masks be cleaned, disinfected and reused?

The protection standard EN 149 provides for two types of FFP-Respiratory Protection Masks:

  • FFP masks marked "NR" (non reusable) are intended for single use for an 8-hour shift
  • FFP masks marked "R" (reusable) are reusable. They can be cleaned and disinfected.
Caution:
When handling radioactive and airborne biological materials - the latter includes the coronavirus SARS-CoV-2 / Ovid-19 - FFP-Respiratory Protection Masks may only be used once, regardless of the marking, in accordance with DGUV rule 112-190.


What is the shelf life of Pro-ASM FFP2 masks?

Pro-ASM respirators are stored according to our specifications regarding humidity and temperature. These specifications and also the expiration date can be found on the product packaging.

If the expiration date has been exceeded, respirators must no longer be used, as the filter performance may decrease after a certain time. 


What do I have to consider when putting on breathing masks?

Our masks are designed to be easy and largely self-explanatory to use. In order for respirators to provide their full protective effect, they must be put on and used in accordance with the enclosed instructions for use. When putting on the mask, care must be taken to ensure that the straps are correctly positioned and that the mask fits snugly against the face.


How can I tell whether a respiratory protection mask is certified?

Respiratory protection masks must meet the test specifications of the European Standard (EN). For surgical masks (OP-Masks), the norm DIN EN 14683:2019-6 applies, for FFP-Masks the norm DIN EN 149:2001-10 applies. If all test criteria such as filter performance of the respirator are met, the respirator can be certified according to the EU regulation (EU)2016/425.

The following points should be met for certified FFP masks:

  • The following information is printed on the product: the CE mark with the four-digit identification number of the certification body, the FFP protection level, the EN standard, the manufacturer's name and the article marking
  • The product packaging contains a declaration of conformity by the manufacturer or a link to a corresponding online version 

Further recommendations and information on the topic of respiratory masks in connection with the coronavirus SARS-CoV-2 / Covid-19 can be found on the homepage of the Federal Institute for Drugs and Medical Devices.

 


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