Type II R 3-ply Disposable Surgical Face Mask (CE, EN14683)

Description

It’s official, face masks will be mandatory on public transport within England from 15th June.  As the country begins to exit lock down millions of people will be using public transport for travel to and from work.

For office managers, it is your legal obligation to provide sufficient PPEs for their staff and visitors against possible infection.

Both our hand sanitiser and face masks come with CE certification and have been verified with a qualified testing agency.

FAQ #1: What is Type II R face masks?

A: Type II R medical face masks EN14683 are made up of 3- or 4-ply non-woven cloth that prevents particles, bacterial and viruses passing from the wearer to the surrounding environment or  people. Please note they are less effective at protecting the wearer from airborne pathogens such as coronavirus COVID-19.

Type II R face masks have a Bacterial Filtration Efficiency (BFE) of 98% or over.  It also includes a splash resistant layer to protect against blood and other bodily fluids.

FAQ #2: What are the differences: Type I vs Type II vs Type II R face masks?

A: Face masks are tested based on three main parameters: Bacterial Filtration Efficiency (BFE), breathing resistance, and splash resistance.

The BFE ≥ 95% for Type I and Type I R face masks, and Type I R ones are splash Resistant.

The BFE ≥ 98% for Type II and Type II R face masks,, and Type II R ones are splash Resistant.

The breathing resistance of all 4 types are, are exactly the same.

FAQ #3: What are the difference between surgical face masks and respirators?

Medical face masks are broken down into 2 main categories; surgical masks and respirators. The key difference is how the BFE is measured, surgical masks are tested on the direction of exhalation (inside to outside) while the respirators are tested on the direction of inspiration (outside to inside). The filtration material is thicker with respirators so breathing resistance is higher, that’s why respirators should NEVER be used during sports and physical exercises. Respirators are relevant for medical staff dealing with infectious diseases, and surgical masks are for everybody else.

FAQ #4: What are the differences between Type II R vs FFP3 or Type I R vs FFP2 Face Masks?

As mentioned in the above FAQ #3, their BFE rating was tested differently. So although their BFE numbers are very close ie 98% vs 99% (or 95% vs 94%), these numbers are NOT directly comparable.

FAQ #5: Is it better for me to wear FFP2/FFP3 face masks/ respirators, if I am really worried about the coronavirus?

Yes FFP2/FFP3 respirator masks are more effective at protecting the wearer from viral transmission. However unless you are working in high risk environment like the infectious disease department of a NHS hospital, type II R is more suitable.

FAQ #6: What’s the difference between FFP2, FFP3, N95, KN95 face masks / respirators?

FFP2 & FFP3 Face Masks are made to European standard, N95 are made to US standard, and KN95 are made to Chinese standard.

FFP2 face masks are roughly equivalent of N95 and KN95 face masks, which meet the guidelines from The World Health Organisation for protection against Covid-19. FFP2 masks have a minimum of 94% filtration percentage and a maximum of 8% leakage to the inside. These masks are not shaped to your face but are simply held in place by the elastic earloop and have a typical lifespan of 3-8 hours depending on environmental factors.

FFP3 face masks have the best BFE, with a minimum of 99% and a maximum leakage of 2% to the inside. These masks are better shaped to your face for a more snug fit and typically have a valve to help breathe as the filtration material is much thicker. The valve also reduces the build up of moisture, lengthening the lifespan of the mask.

It should be noted that N95 and KN85 face masks can not be officially legally recommended for use in Europe although in the current situation with PPE shortages in practice a more flexible approach seems to be being taken.