Face Masks

Face Masks & Respirators Types

The facemask is often called a surgical mask and usually refers to a 3-layer disposable surgical mask that is used by health professionals when performing related treatments or healthcare procedures. It is designed to prevent infection of patients and treaters by capturing the bacteria emanating from droplets and aerosols scattered from the mouth and nose of the wearer.

Respirator protective mask focuses more on preventing exposure to airborne particles. It is designed to prevent exposure to biological aerosols including viruses and bacteria for the wearer in healthcare.

Medical masks are generally divided into two categories: Respirator protective masks (like N95, KN95, FFP2, etc.) and Surgical masks (3 ply disposable surgical/medical mask).

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The Component Materials of Surgical Face Mask

The commonly used material for the 3 ply surgical mask are:

• Inner layer (in contact with face mask);
• Middle layer (Most important components that ensures the filtration);
• Outer layer
• Ear-loop or tie-on
• Nose clip

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Five Basic Protective Criteria of Mask

The protective indicators of medical masks generally include the following basic criteria:

• BFE (Bacterial Filtration Efficiency): Percentage of particles filtered out at a pore size of 1.0 - 5.0 microns (µ)
• PFE (Sub-micron Particulate Filtration Efficiency): Percentage of particles filtered out at a pore size of
  0.1 - 1.0 microns (µ)
• Fluid Resistance (Synthetic Blood Resistance): Mask resistance to penetration by synthetic blood under pressure (mmHg). Higher resistance = higher protection
• DELTA P (Differential Pressure): Pressure drop across mask, or resistance to air flow in mmH2O/cm2; Greater resistance = better protection but less breathability
• FLAME SPREAD: Measures the flame spread of the mask material

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The Main Difference between Face mask and Respirator

Respirator protective masks and surgical masks have different emphasis on the above evaluation indicators. Respiratory protective masks focus more on the filtration of Sub-micron particles (high particle filtration efficiency), while surgical masks focus more on liquids such as blood Splash protection (high synthetic blood penetration resistance); however, respiratory protective masks are often prone to shortages during major outbreaks, and surgical masks can also be used as the most basic respiratory protection if necessary.

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Face Mask Exporting Requirement?

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European Importing Standard?

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The USA Importing Standard?

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ASTM F2100-11 Levels	Barrier Protection	BFE	PFE (0.1 micron)	Fluid Resistance	DELTA P	Flame Spread
Level 1	Low	≥ 95%	≥ 95%	80 mm Hg	< 4.0 mm H2O/cm2	Class 1
Level 2	Moderate	≥ 98%	≥ 98%	120 mm Hg	< 5.0 mm H2O/cm2	Class 1
Level 3	Maximum	≥ 98%	≥ 98%	160 mm Hg	< 5.0 mm H2O/cm2	Class 1

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