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Home » Choosing a Surgical Mask or Respirator

Read our buying guides and make the right choice

TABLE OF CONTENTS
 * BACK TO HOME
 * How to choose a surgical mask or respirator?
 * Why choose a surgical mask?
 * Why choose a respirator?
 * What are the standards that must be respected for masks?
 * Which surgical masks or respirators protect against contagious diseases and
   viruses?
 * Should a disposable or reusable mask be used?
 * How to use a mask?
 * Back to top

MEDICAL CONSUMABLES


CHOOSING A SURGICAL MASK OR RESPIRATOR

A mask can be either a disposable medical device (a “surgical” type mask) or
personal protective equipment (a “respirator”), worn by caregivers and/or
contagious patients. Depending on the type of mask, it protects against the
transmission of infectious agents by “droplet” or “airborne” routes. Depending
on the standard it meets and its protection class, it can prevent contamination
by viruses such as coronavirus, SARS and H1N1.

View safety masks


 * HOW TO CHOOSE A SURGICAL MASK OR RESPIRATOR?
   
   Several criteria should be taken into account when choosing a mask such as
   application, type of mask, level of protection required, etc.
   
    * Application: depending on the profession, the field of application and the
      presence or absence of contagious diseases, patients and caregivers use a
      certain type of mask with a certain level of protection.
    * The type of mask: the two main types of masks are “surgical” masks and
      “respirators.” They have different functions, standards and objectives.
      The key point to keep in mind is that surgical masks only protect against
      infectious agents that can be transmitted via “droplets”, while protective
      masks or respirators also protect against the inhalation of infectious
      agents that can be transmitted by “airborne” routes.
    * The level of protection required: each of these types of masks is subject
      to different standards and regulations in different countries. Within
      these standards, there are different classes of devices to determine the
      degree of protection. Refer to the regulations in your geographical area.
    * Disposable or reusable: Surgical masks are only available as disposable.
      Respirators can be resuable. In the case of respirators, it is possible to
      replace the filter once it is full.
    * Effective life: the duration of a mask’s effectiveness varies according to
      use. It can be between three and eight hours. A cheaper mask can mean a
      short period of use. This is systematically indicated by the manufacturer.
    * Comfort: there are different sizes of masks, adaptable to the morphology
      of the person who will be wearing it. Protective masks or respirators can
      also be equipped with an exhalation valve to improve user comfort. Some
      masks also cover the eyes if eye protection is required. These are called
      full face respirators or masks.


 * WHY CHOOSE A SURGICAL MASK?
   
   DACH Schutzbekleidung surgical mask
   
   A medical or surgical mask  is a disposable medical device. It protects
   against infectious agents transmitted by “droplets.” However, it does not
   protect against “airborne” infectious agents. It will therefore not prevent
   the wearer from being potentially contaminated by a virus.
   
   A surgical mask does two things:
   
    * Prevents droplets of saliva or secretions from the upper respiratory tract
      when the wearer exhales. If worn by the caregiver, the surgical mask
      protects the patient and his or her environment (air, surfaces, equipment,
      surgical site). If worn by a contagious patient, it prevents the patient
      from contaminating his or her surroundings and environment.
    * Protects the wearer from infection transmitted by “droplets” or from the
      risk of splashs of biological fluids. In the latter case, the surgical
      mask must have a waterproof layer. It can also be equipped with a visor to
      protect the eyes.
   
   “Surgical” masks can be used in different fields:
   
    * Surgery
    * Dentistry
    * Other medical procedures
    * In the case of isolation


 * WHY CHOOSE A RESPIRATOR?
   
   3M N95 respirator
   
   A respirator is a type of personal protective equipment. It prevents the
   wearer from inhaling aerosols (dust, smoke, mist) as well as vapors or gases
   (disinfectants, anesthetic gases) that are health hazards. It also protects
   the wearer from airborne infectious agents i.e. against contamination by a
   virus such as coronavirus, SARS, H1N1, etc.
   
   Respirators are divided into two categories: insulating (which are not
   covered in this buying guide) and filtering.
   
   Filtering respirators consist of a facepiece and a filtering device.
   Sometimes the filter element is integrated into the facepiece. Depending on
   the type of filter, the mask will either be effective only against particles,
   only against certain gases and vapors, or against particles, gases and
   vapors.
   
   Filtering respirators can sometimes also be equipped with an exhalation valve
   to improve user comfort. The valve prevents condensation inside the mask,
   misting on the glasses and helps the user breathe in and out easily.
   
   It should be noted that respirators also protect those who wear them from
   inhaling “droplets” of infectious agents.


 * WHAT ARE THE STANDARDS THAT MUST BE RESPECTED FOR MASKS?
   
   Each of these two types of masks are subject to different standards and
   regulations depending on the country or geographical area.
   
    * Surgical masks: these masks are tested in the direction of exhalation
      (from inside to outside). The tests take into account the efficiency of
      bacterial filtration. They must meet the following regional standards:
      * European standard EN 14683. According to this standard there are three
        types of effectiveness:
        * Type 1 or BFE1 with a bacterial filtration efficiency of over 95%.
        * Type 2 or BFE2 with a bacterial filtration efficiency of over 98%.
        * Type R: the European standard also adds a test of resistance to
          projection for types 1R and 2R, 2R being the most resistant.
      * In the United States surgical masks must comply with ASTM standards.
        There are three levels of protection:
        * Level 1: for a low risk of exposure to fluids.
        * Level 2: for a moderate risk of exposure to fluids.
        * Level 3: for a high risk of exposure to fluids.
   
    * Respirators: these masks are tested in the direction of inspiration (from
      outside to inside). The tests take into account the efficiency of the
      filter and leakage to the face. They must meet the following regional
      standards:
      * European standard EN 149: 2001. According to this standard, there are
        three classes of disposable particulate respirators:
        * FFP1: the least filtering of the three masks with an aerosol
          filtration of at least 80% and leakage to the inside of maximum 22%;
          it is mainly used as a dust mask (home renovations and various types
          of work).
        * FFP2: minimum 94% filtration percentage and maximum 8% leakage to the
          inside; mainly used in construction, agriculture, the pharmaceutical
          industry and by healthcare professionals against influenza viruses or
          respiratory illnesses such as avian flu, SARS, pneumonic plague,
          tuberculosis and most recently the new coronavirus.
        * FFP3: minimum filtration percentage of 99% and maximum 2% leakage to
          the inside; it is the most filtering mask of the FFPs and protects
          against very fine particles such as asbestos.
      * In the United States, respirators must meet NIOSH (National Institute
        for Occupational Safety and Health) standards. Within this standard,
        there are several classes of respirators depending on the degree of oil
        resistance:
        * Class N: no oil resistance. A distinction is made between N95, N99 and
          N100. The number after the letter indicates the percentage of
          filtration of suspended particles.
        * Class R: mask resistant to oil for up to eight hours. Here again, a
          distinction is made between R95, R99 and R100.
        * Class P: a completely oil-resistant mask. There are also P95, P99 and
          P100.
   
   Surgical Masks:
   
    * EN 14683: Type 1, Type 2, Type R
    * ASTM: Level 1 / 2 / 3
   
   Respirators:
   
    * EN 149: FFP1, FFP2, FFP3
    * NIOSH: Class N, Class R, Class P


 * WHICH SURGICAL MASKS OR RESPIRATORS PROTECT AGAINST CONTAGIOUS DISEASES AND
   VIRUSES?
   
   In the presence of patients with contagious diseases or dangerous viruses,
   caregivers must be equipped with a suitable type of mask with a sufficient
   level of protection. Let’s take the cases of tuberculosis, coronavirus, SARS,
   H1N1 and the risks of bioterrorism.
   
    * Tuberculosis:
      * For the contagious patient: it is necessary to wear a surgical mask to
        avoid contamination of the surroundings by the projection of saliva
        droplets or secretions from the upper respiratory tract during
        exhalation.
      * For caregivers and visitors: it is necessary to wear a protective mask
        of a class of at least FFP1 or FFP2 (Class N or R in the United States)
        in case of multi-resistant tuberculosis or particularly high-risk
        situations (intubation, induced sputum, etc.).
    * Coronavirus, SARS, H1N1:
      * For the contagious patient: it is necessary to wear the surgical mask as
        soon as contagion is suspected.
      * For caregivers: it is necessary to wear a protective mask of at least
        class FFP2 or FFP3 (Class N, R or P in the United States) for maximum
        filtration of particles and aerosols when caring for a patient who is
        infected or suspected of being so.
    * Anthrax type bioterrorism: it is necessary to wear a FFP2 or FFP3
      respirator (Class N, R or P in the United States).


 * SHOULD A DISPOSABLE OR REUSABLE MASK BE USED?
   
   Honeywell respirator with removable filters
   
   The surgical mask is a disposable medical device that must be disposed of in
   the appropriate manner after use. Respirators can be disposable or reusable.
   In the second case, it is possible to replace the filter when it is full.
   
   The effective life of a surgical mask or a respirator is indicated by the
   manufacturer. It varies according to use. Generally speaking, it can range
   from three to eight hours depending on the concentration of the contaminant
   and a series of external factors such as air humidity, temperature, volume of
   air breathed in, etc.
   
   For respirators equipped with gas filters, if the wearer begins to perceive
   the smell of gas, he or she must immediately leave the work area and replace
   the filter. Similarly in the case of dust filters, if the wearer begins to
   perceive an increase in inspiratory effort, he or she should leave the
   premises and replace the filter. These masks are mainly worn by people
   working in contact with chemicals or by firefighters.


 * HOW TO USE A MASK?
   
   Certain precautions should be taken when fitting a surgical mask or
   respirator. These are the main ones:
   
    * Remove the mask from the packaging and apply it to the face by holding it
      only by the ties.
    * Make sure you put it on right side out with the strip up at the nose. In
      general, the information printed on the mask by the manufacturer should be
      displayed on the outside. If there is no specific indication, the most
      padded side should be applied to the face.
    * Position the upper ties on the top of the head and the lower ties at neck
      level. The mask must be properly unfolded.
    * The mask should cover the nose, mouth and chin. In the case of
      respirators, it is possible to check that the mask fits properly by
      closing the filter surface with your hands and inhaling slowly. If the
      mask tends to crush against the face it is well placed, otherwise it is
      incorrectly placed and leaks.
    * Once the mask is in place, it should not be touched or repositioned
      (except during removal).
    * If the mask is single-use, once the mask has been removed it should be
      disposed of immediately in the appropriate manner.
    * The mask should be changed regularly: at least every three hours for a
      surgical mask (or before if it has been soiled by splashes) and between
      three and eight hours for a respirator.
    * You should wash your hands before and after each mask change.

RELATED GUIDES
 * SURGERY UNIT
   
   
   CHOOSING THE RIGHT OPERATING TABLE
   
    * What technical criteria should be taken into account when installing and
      maintaining an operating table?
    * How does an operating table work?
    * What are the possible positions on a surgical table?
   
   LEARN MORE

 * MEDICAL IMAGING
   
   
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    * What are the advantages and disadvantages of MRI?
    * MRI system or CT system?
   
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 * REHABILITATION
   
   
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   LEARN MORE

(3 votes, average: 2.33 out of 5)




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12 comments
 * Lodovico Benso says:
   February 24, 2020 at 1:51 pm
   
   Clear and comprehensive. The appropriate protection should be chosen in the
   knowledge that it does not completely eliminate the risk but appreciably
   reduces its probability.
   
   Answer
   
 * PARK HYONGBIN says:
   April 4, 2020 at 4:13 am
   
   한국관광서포터즈 대표이사 박형빈 입니다
   많은자료 가 도움이되었읍니다
   감사합니다
   
   Answer
   
 * Steve says:
   April 4, 2020 at 5:03 pm
   
   I found this site to be very informative and straight to the point. Explained
   everything i wanted to know very clearly .
   
   Answer
   
 * Larry says:
   April 5, 2020 at 1:24 am
   
   This info is very useful, Thanks.
   
   Answer
   
 * Imran says:
   April 28, 2020 at 10:00 pm
   
   First time reading & knowing mask details and found here very useful
   informations.
   
   Answer
   
 * Robert Goto says:
   May 25, 2020 at 1:14 pm
   
   Thank you! Finally, clear and concise information on masks and what level of
   protection they provide and their proper and intended use.
   
   Answer
   
 * Ken says:
   June 1, 2020 at 11:34 pm
   
   Thank you – very informative and should be sent to everyone by Government
   agencies
   
   Answer
   
 * william smith says:
   July 3, 2020 at 12:32 pm
   
   It’s great that you put out some key pointers related to surgical masks and
   respirators. There are many who are still confused about which one to use
   when and what the right way is to wear a mask, with respect to a surgical
   mask, respirator mask like N95 or KN95 mask. People shouldn’t just have the
   product, but they should have the right product and knowledge of how to use
   it rightly.
   
   Answer
   
 * surgical mask says:
   July 18, 2020 at 3:57 am
   
   Nice article keep it up like this in your future.I hope you do best afford
   and make future bright.
   
   Answer
   
 * Aswin says:
   July 22, 2020 at 4:12 am
   
   thank u so much its clearly explained and easy to understand
   
   Answer
   
 * Girish says:
   September 26, 2020 at 3:50 pm
   
   The article was soo informative towards the usage of surgical or FFRs .
   On the other side it’s required to provide a proper information regarding the
   usage of non medical mask too.Because if we go thru the percentage of usage
   of surgical,FFRs and non medical masks. Non medical stands by the major side
   and it’s required to choose the best from the worst scenario.
   
   Answer
   
 * Perumbavoor Surgicals Pvt Ltd. says:
   July 27, 2022 at 10:20 am
   
   Thanks for the detailed explanation and video. It is a very useful piece of
   content. I really appreciate your efforts in creating great content like
   this.
   
   Answer
   


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