choosing the right level of respiratory protection
It’s important to understand the difference between surgical masks and FFP2 masks when choosing the right one for you. Since the Covid-19 pandemic, terms like PPE (Personal Protective Equipment) have become more common, and it’s still key to know what they actually mean. There are many types of masks available, but two of the most popular are surgical masks and FFP2 masks. While both offer protection against airborne viruses, they differ in design and function.
Here’s a quick rundown of how they differ.
Surgical face masks explained
Surgical masks, also called “medical masks,” are disposable, loose-fitting, and usually blue. They help protect your nose and mouth from big droplets in the air that might have germs.
These masks are known for offering "one-way protection," meaning they catch droplets from your own coughs or sneezes and stop them from spreading. However, they don’t protect you from inhaling small droplets, so they’re not meant to filter out germs from the air.
Made from polymer materials, surgical masks usually have simple elastic straps that go around your ears. They’re designed to fit loosely around your nose and mouth, without a custom fit. Surgical masks are for one-time use only and should be thrown away after wearing.
FFP2 Masks explained
FFP2 masks are more advanced than surgical masks and offer a higher level of protection. The name ‘FFP2’ refers to the European standard for air filtration, meaning these masks filter at least 94% of airborne particles.
FFP2 masks are also known as ‘respirators’ because they protect the wearer’s respiratory system from inhaling potentially harmful air particles. A standard FFP2 mask fits snugly around the nose and mouth and provides two-way protection for both the wearer and those around them. Unlike surgical masks, FFP2 masks can filter out very small airborne particles, as well as larger droplets.
Which mask is right for me?
Choosing between a surgical mask or an FFP2 mask depends on your situation and how much protection you need.
Surgical masks are cheaper and easy to find, usually available at most stores and pharmacies. If you’re in a high-risk environment like healthcare, or if you’re more vulnerable to airborne viruses, an FFP2 mask might give you extra protection and peace of mind.