Basically, it doesn’t matter which respirator you wear – the main thing is that you wear one! The range is now so extensive that you can choose between different models (fabric and disposable masks as well as medical masks). However, many people ask themselves which variant is the safest for them? This video shows how the droplets can spread with and without mouth and nose protection when speaking, coughing and sneezing. And that basically every model can help to reduce the spread of the corona virus. Why this is so and which respirator offers the greatest protection for whom is explained here.
1. Disposable masks
These are mostly three-layer disposable masks made of polypropylene, which should be disposed of after each use – as viruses could be on the mask surface. Unfortunately, many people do not comply and use the masks several times. Worse still, they keep their masks in plastic bags where it’s nice and warm and humid. An ideal breeding ground for viruses and bacteria. Spraying it with disinfectant doesn’t help either. Therefore, you should only use disposable masks (also available for children) once. If this is too expensive for you, the following alternative is a better choice.
2. Medical face masks
Actually, these three-layer masks are only used in the medical field to protect sick patients from possible droplet infection. Currently, however, the certified mouth and nose protection is also offered for private use due to the prevailing corona crisis. For a short period of time, the respirators also protect the wearer, but the primary aim – as with the disposable all-purpose masks and reusable fabric masks – is to avoid infecting others. The following models with FFP2 or FFP3 filters are most suitable for self-protection.
3. Respirators with FFP filter
These half masks fit snugly over the mouth and nose, so the wearer is significantly better protected against the transmission of viruses. This is made possible by the integrated FFP filter (Filtering Face Piece), which can intercept even the smallest particles and aerosols. A distinction is made between three protection levels: FFP1, FFP2 and FFP3 – with the Robert Koch Institute recommending wearing at least FFP2 in the fight against Corona. To ensure that the particle-filtering half masks are permitted in Europe, you must look out for a so-called CE mark. “The masks must regularly meet the requirements of the DIN EN 149:2009-08 standard,” explains the Federal Institute for Drugs and Medical Devices (BfArM).
There are also FFP2 models with an extra valve, but these only filter the inhaled air and thus only protect the wearer and not the environment. The exhaled air, on the other hand, is released to the outside unfiltered, so that the wearer can infect other people in the event of an infection. Therefore, the US health authority CDC even advises against wearing respirators with valves or vents in everyday life.
Tip:
You can find even more different models with different filter options in this mask shop.
There is no question why experts continue to recommend wearing a respiratory mask: The corona virus is spreading at breakneck speed and can only be contained by complying with all hygiene rules. Nevertheless, more and more people are currently feeling safe and are becoming careless, wearing their masks under their noses (they are called mouth and nose protection for a reason) or not doing them at all. The epidemic is far from over, so we should take the general recommendation to continue wearing respiratory masks to protect ourselves and those around us seriously. However, since the first three models do not have an FFP filter, they can only help to ensure that you do not infect anyone – they do not protect the wearer himself from infection.
Type
Protects the wearer
Protects the environment
disposable masks
no
And
The fabric mask
no
And
Medical masks
no
And
Masks with FFP filter (without valve)
And
And
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