Mask Types Explained

Surgical Face Mask

A surgical mask is a protective medical apparel utilized by medical providers as well as health or ill individuals in order to prevent the transmission of bacterial and viral contaminants from one person to another. These pathogens may arise in the form of respiratory droplets, airborne aerosols, as well as other forms of bodily secretions. This is the most common type of mask we see in healthcare and surgical settings and though it is protective in its nature, it is not the most effective measure to prevent spreading contaminants as it does not create an absolute seal on the face and is more favorable in containing the pathogens released during a cough or a sneeze by the wearer.

Respirator Masks

Respirators such as the N95 are masks that effectively protect individuals from inhaling contaminants, aerosol gases, and airborne pathogens. These masks are superior to the basic surgical masks as they form a tight seal over the individuals nose and mouth protecting the wearer from external contaminants.

In the USA, they are demarcated with a letter and a number where the numbers 95, 99, 100 mean they filter 95%, 99%, and 100% of suspended particles in the air. The letters further categorize these respirators into ‘N,R, and P’ distinctions.

  • N means no oil resistance
  • R means oil resistance for 8 hours
  • P means complete oil resistance

In the European Union two types of standards are used, the ‘FFP’ (Filtering Face Piece) EN Standard 149:2001 and the ‘P1/P2/P3’ ratings from EN Standard 143.

 

Respirator Standard

Filter Capacity (removes x% of of all particles that are 0.3 microns in diameter or larger)

FFP1 & P1

At least 80%

FFP2 & P2

At least 94%

N95

At least 95%

N99 & FFP3

At least 99%

P3

At least 99.95%

N100

At least 99.97%