FFP2 masks – Stiftung Warentest only recommends three models

corona pandemic
Only three out of twelve FFP2 masks can convince Stiftung Warentest

The FFP2 mask only protects the wearer from virus particles if it fits properly.

© Mickis-Fotowelt / Getty Images

The corona numbers are currently rising again. Mouth and nose protection has proven to be good protection during the pandemic. However, an FFP2 mask can only protect the wearer from infection if it fits properly and filters well. Stiftung Warentest examined twelve models.

Anyone who wears an FFP2 mask to protect themselves from infection with the corona virus must be able to be sure that the mask will keep its promises. Because the wearer is only protected from virus particles if the mouth and nose protection filters well enough and fits properly. Stiftung Warentest tested twelve masks again. Only three of them can convince the product testers.

The product testers examined how well the masks fit, how good their filter effect is, how easy it is to breathe under the mouth and nose protection and whether they are contaminated with pollutants. The product testers gave “suitable” as the best grade and “unsuitable” as the worst grade. Even if it is a good idea for the environment to use reusable FFP2 masks, consumers should rather keep their hands off them. Because: None of the three reusable models examined could convince the Stiftung Warentest. They can be recognized by the fact that they are marked with an “R”. It stands for reusable.

Reusable FFP2 mask rattles through mercilessly

The “FFP2 R” mask from “Unica” failed mercilessly. “Of the masks tested by us for their filter effect, no other achieved such a poor result,” writes Stiftung Warentest. “Unica” rattled through not only with the filter effect but also with the fit. The mask was not tight for any of the ten test persons. If the mask does not fit properly, the wearer has a problem: it does not protect properly. Because: when inhaled, aerosols can penetrate. In addition, many aerosols can also escape from the mask if it is not tight against the face. This means: Poorer protective effect and a higher risk of infection. The handle should therefore remain with the disposable mask – even if that means more waste. But if you don’t have to wear the mask all day, you can put it on several times. Read here what you have to consider.

Only three masks were able to convince Stiftung Warentest, but they also only received the rating “also suitable”. The three test winners did not receive an unqualified recommendation because their bands contain soluble latex proteins. This poses an allergy risk. For most, however, the three test winners are a good choice – they can convince in the important categories such as filter effect, breathing comfort and fit. The price-performance winner is the mask “Siegmund” from “Jifa” for 0.55 cents each. But there is a better model – from last year’s test.

Four masks were rated “suitable with restrictions” because they did not fit all test subjects tightly. And they destroy the good filter effect due to their poor fit. These include the FFP2 protective mask from “Opharm“.

You can find the complete (paid) test here!

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