The three main types of protection used are respirators, surgical masks, and face coverings.... but how do they differ?

Disposable respirators

Disposable respirators filter inhaled air to protect the wearer against airborne particles. They create a tight seal with the wearer’s face to prevent inward leakage. These respirators are classed as personal protective equipment (PPE) and meet the requirements of EN 149.

The EN 149 standard covers particle filtering half masks, commonly called disposable dust masks, and sets out requirements for materials, field of vision, performance, markings and user information. The respirator must be tested both on laboratory equipment and on real people performing work simulation tests in a laboratory environment. Testing covers breathing resistance, penetration, clogging, and carbon dioxide of the air, as well as strength of connections and valves.

Masks are divided into three classes:

FFP1– Low filter performance (80% efficiency),
FFP2– Medium filter performance (94% efficiency),
FFP3 – High filter performance (99% efficiency)

Disposable respirators can offer better protection than a standard face covering, by filtering the air inhaled by the wearer. A non-valved respirator filters inhaled and exhaled air, offering protection to the wearer and others around them.

Medical and Surgical Masks

Medical and surgical masks capture droplets exhaled by the wearer, to protect the working environment, and can also provide splash protection to the wearer against liquids that may contact the mask. These products meet the requirements of EN 14683, for medical masks, and the HSE state they are not classed as PPE when worn outside of healthcare settings.

They do not create a tight seal with the face to prevent inward leakage, like EN 149 disposable masks, but can offer increased protection against droplets when compared with standard face coverings.

Face Coverings

Face coverings are intended to capture droplets exhaled by the wearer in order to protect those around them. They are not intended to protect the wearer and do not provide a tight seal. Face coverings are not considered PPE and there is currently no need for them to conform to EN or ISO standards. Have any more respiratory protection questions? Take a look at our respiratory protection faq! Find out more about our range of respiratory protection.