Why wear a mask?
Wearing a mask provides us with a barrier to prevent droplets, spouts, airborne particles and other potential infectious sources in the immediate environment from entering our respiratory system through our mouth and nose. It also prevents us from touching our face as our hands can be a transmission medium for bacteria and virus. If the wearer is a patient, it reduces the spread of infectious agents.
What is the difference between a Disposable Protective Face Mask, a Disposable Medical Face Mask and a Medical Surgical Mask?
Disposable Protective Face Mask, Disposable Medical Face Mask and Medical Surgical Mask are 3-ply masks that offer different levels of filtering efficiencies as indicated below. Our Medical Surgical Masks conforms to EN14683 Type IIR standard. The “R” indicates that the masks are splash resistant and offer further protection as they resist fluid strike-through.
Disposable Protective Face Mask | Disposable Medical Face Mask | Medical Surgical Face Mask | ||||
Execution standards | GB/T32610-2006 (Conforms to EN149:2001 + A1:2009) | EN14683 TYPE I | EN14683 TYPE IIR | |||
Standard | Our masks | Standard | Our masks | Standard | Our masks | |
Bacterial Filtration Efficiency (B.F.E.), (%) | Not required | N/A | ≥95% | ≥98% | ≥98% | ≥99.5% |
Particulate filtration efficiency (P.F.E.) at 2.5µ (%) | ≥95% | ≥95% | Not required | N/A | Not required | N/A |
Differential pressure, (Pa/cm²) | <40 | <18 | <40 | <36 | <60 | <33 |
Splash Resistance/ Synthetic Blood resistance, (mmHg) | Not required | N/A | Not required | N/A | ≥16kPa | ≥16kPa |
Microbial Cleanliness, (cfu/g) | ≤30 | Pass | ≤30 | Pass | ≤30 | Pass |
What is Bacterial Filtration Efficiency (B.F.E.)?
Bacterial Filtration Efficiency (B.F.E.) is the measurement of a filtering device’s resistance to penetration of bacteria. Results are reported as percent efficiency. Higher numbers indicate better filtration efficiency.
What is Particle Filtration Efficiency (P.F.E.)?
Particle Filtration Efficiency (P.F.E) is the measurement of a filtering device’s resistance to penetration of particulates at sub-micron levels. Higher numbers indicate better filtration efficiency.
How to choose the right mask?
You should consider the following factors whilst choosing which mask to use:
- Level of protection: Choose the right level of protection according to your occupation or your potential exposure to infectious agent
- Material quality: Choose latex and fiberglass-free masks to lower the chance of allergic reactions
- Breathability: Select a mask that is easy to breathe through to reduce moisture from building up within the mask. The lower the differential pressure of a mask, the higher the breathability.
How often should I change my mask?
It is recommend to change your mask as soon as it is damp before it loses its filtering capacity. All masks are intended for single use only.
What is the purpose of the pleats on a 3-ply mask?
The pleats prevent pooling of fluids which increases the risk of fluid penetration.
Do MEDI-C masks contain any latex or glass fibre?
No, all MEDI-C masks are latex free and glass-fibre free.
How do I dispose of a mask?
It is recommended to first remove the mask from behind without touching the front of the mask. Dispose the used mask in a closed bin and sanitise your hands immediately after.
What is the difference between KN95, FFP2 and N95?
N95, FFP2 and KN95 are single-use filtering facepiece respirators (FFR) compliant to the US, EU and China regulatory standards correspondingly. Based on the performance requirements stated in the regulatory standards, FFR certified as meeting these standards can be expected to function very similarly to one another.
Standards | N95 (NIOSH-42C FR84) | FFP2 (EN149-2001) | KN95 (GB2626-2006) |
Filter performance at 0.3µ, (%) | ≥95% | ≥94% | ≥95% |
Test agent | NaCl | NaCl and paraffin oil | NaCl |
Flow rate, (L/min) | 85 L/min | 95 L/min | 85 L/min |
Inhalation resistance, (Pa) | ≤343 Pa at 85 L/min | ≤70 Pa at 30 L/min ≤240 Pa at 95L/min ≤500 Pa clogging | ≤350 Pa at 85 L/min |
Exhalation resistance, (Pa) | ≤245 at 85 L/min | ≤300 at 160 L/min | ≤250 Pa at 85 L/min |
Carbon dioxide clearance, (%) | Not required | ≤1% | ≤1% |
Emile –
Fantastic and efficient service. Extremely helpful and accommodating. Would highly recommend.
Doug –
Face masks ordered on a Bank holiday still arrived within 2 days. Good quality products.
Tom –
Good support, timely delivery, good product – definitely going to re-order from here
Chloe –
Good product and prices seems to be reasonable to those in the shops
Kelly Hopkinson –
Didn’t have any expectations at such time, but masks arrive in time!
Tom C –
Masks are good, but we ordered on a Friday and only arrived on Tuesday
Walt –
Efficient service, good products.