Face mask types in comparison: Which mask is useful when?

Protective masks to contain the corona pandemic have become an integral part of our everyday lives. Some masks are made of fabric, others of more or less thick paper. Experts repeatedly point out that there are big differences in the protective effect – depending on the structure of the mouth-nose cover. We present the most important types of protective masks.

“Each of these masks serves a different purpose”

The Bundesinstitut for medicaments and medical products (BfArM) in germany differentiates on its Internet side roughly between three mask kinds: Mouth nose covers, medical face masks and particle filtering half masks. There are however still various subspecies. Essentially, the masks are intended to prevent the wearer from infecting people in his vicinity with viruses or other pathogens via exhaled droplets (aerosols). According to experts, the mask wearer himself is only protected to a limited extent because many masks are permeable to aerosols.

So masks do not provide 100% protection, although some are more effective than others – models with FFP2 or FFP3 filters, for example.

“Each of these masks serves a different purpose. It is important that we know the differences and know what protection the individual masks offer and how they are handled correctly,” says Dr. Royth von Hahn from TÜV Süd.

Type 1: Mouth and nose covers / community masks

These are loose-fitting masks made of fabric, which are either self-sewn or industrially manufactured. They soak through quickly and should then be changed.

“Wearers of the described mouth-nose-coverings cannot rely on them to protect themselves or others against the transmission of SARS-CoV-2, as no corresponding protective effect has been proven for these masks,” says the BfArM.

What can the Mask-Art?

It catches droplets that the wearer releases when talking, coughing or sneezing. People who wear a fabric mask may touch their mouth or nose less often, which could reduce the risk of infection.

Where should the mask be worn?

TÜV Süd recommends that fabric masks are best worn only in well-ventilated environments without large crowds – i.e. (as sometimes prescribed) in public places.

Safety tip: Store the fabric mask in a lockable box after removal or wash it directly (at least 60 degrees).

Type 2: Medical face masks / surgical masks

A disposable product that is disposed of directly after each use in the medical field. This particularly light type of mask sits loosely and therefore does not seal. According to BfArM, surgical masks are tested and CE-certified.

What can the Mask-Art?

Should prevent the wearer’s saliva drops from being given to other people. Covers the mouth and nose, so that the mucous membranes there have less contact with the hands.

Where should the mask be worn?

Surgical masks have been developed for use during medical examinations or interventions, but they can also be used in ventilated public spaces, provided the minimum distance of 1.5 meters is observed.

Safety tip: Use medical face masks only once and then throw them away. Then wash hands with soap for 30 seconds.

Type 3: Particle filtering half masks / FFP masks

These protective masks are available in different thicknesses (FFP1, FFP2 and FFP3), and there are also some with and without exhalation valves. The Robert Koch Institute recommends FFP2 and FFP3 masks for protection against pathogens. According to the BfArM, they must meet the requirements of the DIN-EN-149:2009-08 standard, bear a CE mark and should only be worn once.

What can the Mask-Art?

An FFP mask is designed to protect both the wearer and people around them. However, the mask must not have an exhalation valve, otherwise breathing air will escape to the outside.

Where should the mask be worn?

According to HealthMask.de, FFP masks are useful in crowded public transport, at large gatherings or when in contact with infected persons.

Safety tip: “A beard can impair or cancel the protective effect,” warns the Institute for Occupational Safety and Health of the German Social Accident Insurance.

“The best protection against a potential virus transmission is still to consistently distance oneself from other, potentially virus-carrying persons“, writes the BfArM.

So, it is best to always keep a distance of 1.5 meters to other people. A correctly carried mouth-nose cover can offer nevertheless “a certain protective function before larger droplets and mouth-nose mucous membrane contact with contaminated hands“, so the experts of the Federal Institute.