With air quality indexes (AQI) reaching sky-highs and the population of the world dealing with COVID-19 and SARS-like diseases frequently, wearing FFP3 face masks, disposable dust masks, and other types of protective masks has become essential. While an FFP3 mask offers the highest level of protection from toxic particles and several airborne diseases, there are different FFP3 variants which must be used correctly for guaranteed protection, safety, and fit.
This article will talk about what an FFP3 face mask is, its types, how to check its proper fit, who should wear an FFP3 and where you can buy a good-quality FFP3 mask.
FFP3 Mask- What is it?
An FFP3 face mask is the best mask to protect oneself from dust, airborne particles, viruses, bacteria, and other air pollutants. Designed under the European standards EN 149:2001 + A1:2009, it adheres to the safety standards and comes with all the certifications and markings to check its authenticity. Such as:
- ‘CE’ marking on the FFP3 mask represents its European standard.
- An ‘NR/R’ marking shows the mask is not reusable or reusable.
- ‘D’ marking shows the mask has passed the Dolomite clogging test.
What are the different types of FFP3 masks?
When purchasing an FFP3 face mask, you might encounter different types of masks for protection against airborne particles and diseases. While they may seem similar, each serves a different purpose:
Valved and Non-valved FFP3 masks
The valved FFP3 mask comes with an open or close knob to remove moisture and heat, while the non-valved mask does not have any knob.
Disposable dust masks or FFP3 dust masks
The single-use mask is lightweight and can be used anytime for short durations when stepping out in pollution or when exposed to dust or fine air particles.
3M masks
These are manufactured by 3M, which is a well-known company for safety equipment. The masks are developed using high-quality material and provide an ergonomic fit.
Half or Full face masks
The half face masks only cover the nose and mouth, while the full face masks also include eye protection.
How to check the proper fit of an FFP3 face mask?
A high-quality or expensive FFP3 mask does not guarantee a good fit. Thus, it is necessary to ensure a proper fit of the FFP3 mask to prevent any contaminated or toxic air from entering through the improperly fitted mask.
- Check that the nose clip is firmly placed on the nose top.
- Verify that the straps are not broken, and get evenly placed on the ears or the back of the head.
- To check the performance, wear the FFP3, then inhale and exhale the air. The air should not move out from the side of the mask.
- Also, check that when wearing the mask, you don’t feel suffocated and can easily breathe in and out for a long time.
- Check the material of the mask; it should be soft and should not cause any rashes on the facial skin.
Who wears FFP3 masks?
An FFP3 dust mask, also called a protective mask, is mostly used by professionals who work in places where there is a high chance of airborne infections or diseases. Some of the most common professionals include:
- Healthcare workers: This includes doctors, nurses, and support staff working in high-risk infectious zones of hospitals and healthcare facilities.
- Industry and construction site workers: People who work on construction sites often get exposed to silica, dust particles, and other toxic gases. Thus, it becomes necessary for them to wear respirator masks in order to prevent any airborne disease.
- Workers who deal with waste materials: Professionals who work at waste collection sites or decomposition places of toxic waste (Such as plastics or other chemicals) are at risk of airborne diseases. They wear these masks for protection and to filter out the hazardous particles.
- People living in highly polluted areas or experiencing pandemics like COVID-19: The world saw the importance of wearing FFP3 protective masks or half-face masks during the COVID-19 pandemic. Similarly, for people living in areas with high AQI levels, protect themselves by wearing a good-quality FFP3 mask.
From where can you buy a good-quality FFP3 mask?
You have a choice to buy an FFP3 from offline stores or purchase from well-known platforms such as:
- Respirator Shop: It is the most popular website in the UK that sells all types of FFP3 masks online. The provider is certified and trusted by several users for purchasing high-end disposable masks, FFP3 full face or half face masks, etc.
- Online Shopping eCommerce platforms: You can purchase the best quality FFP3 masks, from disposable to reusable masks, valved/nonvalved, or 3M masks, on the top eCommerce platforms like Amazon.
Stay safe with a well-fit and protected FFP3 face mask
It’s understandable that with multiple FFP3 variants, it is natural to get confused about which protective face mask to use for your protection. Whether you are purchasing a disposable mask, reusable, valved, non-valved, 3M or full face mask, make sure to check its certifications from the supplier regarding material, fit, and its functionality with the purpose.
Also, ensure that you buy FFP3 masks from trusted and known suppliers who sell good quality, authentic, and compliant masks for your protection.
FAQs
Which is better, an FFP3 or an N95 mask?
An FFP3 can provide better protection with the capacity to filter out 99% of the dust, toxins, and pollutants. At the same time, an N95 mask has a filtration efficiency of 95%.
How can I check that the FFP3 mask fits me properly?
Check the nose fit, no broken straps, and perform a seal check to verify no air leaks from the sides of the masks.
For how long a disposable masks be worn?
Disposable masks can work for 4-5 hrs or should be changed immediately if they get wet or exposed to harmful pollutants.
