Respirators are essential in the fight against the coronavirus. If you want to protect yourself and your environment, it is best to use FFP masks. We explain what you need to know on the subject.
In times of the corona pandemic, FFP masks are a sensible alternative to the classic mouth and nose protection made of fabric, as these models not only protect the environment, but also the wearer himself. But what do the protection levels mean? Can I clean my FFP2 mask? And what else is there to consider?
FFP masks: This is what the protection levels mean
In the fight against the coronavirus is a Mouth and nose protection especially important to contain the spread. There are different types of respiratory protection masks. Safe variants are half masks with an integrated FFP filter (Filtering Face Piece) that fit tightly on the mouth and nose. They protect against the smallest particulate pollutants such as dust, smoke and aerosols. A distinction is made in these models between the three protection levels FFP1, FFP2 and FFP3. These are standardized across Europe. The following applies to the levels: the higher the number, the better the protection.
FFP1 masks
Respirators of protection class FFP1 filter at least 80 percent of the particles in the air down to a size of 0.6 micrometers (µm). These models are used, for example, in construction or in the food industry. These masks are in the fight against the coronavirus according to the Robert Koch Institute (RKI) but not suitable. It recommends at least FFP2 masks.
FFP2 masks
Respirators of protection class FFP2 filter at least 94 percent of the particles in the air up to a size of 0.6 µm. They protect against harmful water and oil-based particles, but not against carcinogenic substances, radioactive particles, airborne biological agents in risk group three or enzymes. That Robert Koch Institute recommends to wear either FFP2 masks or FFP3 masks in the fight against the coronavirus.
FFP3 masks
Respirators of protection class FFP3 filter at least 99 percent of the particles in the air up to a size of 0.6 µm. They protect against harmful and carcinogenic particles based on water and oil as well as against radioactive particles and airborne biological agents in risk groups two and three and against enzymes. Like FFP2 masks, this variant is used in the fight against the coronavirus Recommended by the RKI.
Are FFP masks better than other respirators?
Viruses such as the coronavirus are often less than 0.1 µm in diameter and they float through the air in tiny droplets, known as aerosols. These droplets, but also smoke and fine dust, can be filtered by FFP masks, so that both the wearer and the environment are largely protected from viruses. Depending on the protection class, even up to 99 percent. Fabric or disposable masks, on the other hand, usually only protect the environment, but not the wearer from droplets. In addition, they are significantly more permeable to the smallest particles and enzymes.
Type | Protects the wearer | Protects the environment |
Disposable masks | no | Yes |
Cloth masks | no | Yes |
Medical masks | no | Yes |
Masks with FFP filters | Yes | With the valve closed: Yes With the valve open: No. |
Masks with FFP filters | Yes | Yes |
Which FFP masks are best for everyday use?
According to the Robert Koch Institute, FFP2 or FFP3 masks are best suited in everyday life to curb the spread of the coronavirus. Important to know: There are also FFP masks with valvethat protect the wearer, but not the environment. Because the inhaled air is filtered, the exhaled air, on the other hand, is released unfiltered to the outside when the valve is open. These masks are therefore usually not suitableto use in everyday life.
What do I have to consider when buying?
When buying FFP masks you have to click on the so-called CE mark to make sure they are allowed in Europe. “The masks must regularly meet the requirements of the DIN EN 149: 2009-08 standard,” says the website from Federal Institute for Pharmaceuticals and Medical Products.
Can you clean your FFP2 mask?
Both FFP2 and FFP3 masks are commonly for the single use and should be discarded after use. Although there are also reusable models that can be worn several times, the RKI advised the following in April: “The reuse of FFP masks or MNS [Mund-Nasen-Schutz, Anm. d. Red.] requires safe handling. Failure to comply increases the risk of infection for employees. Please note that the measures for reuse described below are only to be applied to declared emergency situations, if FFP masks and / or MNS are not available in sufficient numbers Dispose of the mask after each use, especially if there are no delivery bottlenecks.
Risks of cleaning an FFP2 or FFP3 mask
There are various methods of cleaning your (reusable) FFP2 or FFP3 mask, such as chemical (with disinfectant) or thermal cleaning using heat (e.g. by sterilizing in the microwave or oven). However, there is no guarantee that the cleaning methods will kill 100 percent of the germs. In addition, both chemical and thermal cleaning can impair the filter performance of the masks over time. Since the material compositions of the masks differ from manufacturer to manufacturer, there are no general tips. Therefore, reusable masks should also be disposed of over time and the manufacturer’s instructions should be observed.
You should also make sure that the fit of the mask does not change as a result of cleaning, so that your Protective effect not reduced will. So if you should decide to clean it, you should make sure that this does not happen. In addition, when heating or sterilizing protective masks in the microwave, you should make sure that no metallic components are present, otherwise there is an acute risk of fire. In addition, oven sterilization can also be dangerous if the mask goes up in flames. So whether you want to clean your FFP mask is up to you to assess your own risk.
Another important note: That Robert Koch Institute advises against cleaning the disposable FFP masks with disinfectant. So only clean reusable models – if at all – and dispose of them over time to ensure reliable protection for yourself and your environment.
Are there alternatives to the classic FFP masks?
There are now various companies that are concerned with the further development of FFP masks that are suitable for everyday use. An example: Anna Müller is the founder of the start-up CLAIR Solutions and developed reusable, clear masks with filters years ago to protect the wearer from airborne pollutants. Due to the corona pandemic, she has further developed her AIO masks and adapted them to the FFP standard. They are designed in such a way that they can even be cleaned in the dishwasher and therefore carried over and over again.
Sources used: Robert Koch Institute / Federal Institute for Drugs and Medical Devices
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