01What is FFP Mask?
An FFP (filtering facepiece) mask, also called respiratory protection mask or simply respirator is a type of protective mask certified by the Europe Union that serves to protect against particulates such as dust particles. The EN149 standard defines three classes of filter efficiency for these masks, namely FFP1, FFP2 and FFP3. It is an example of a mechanical filter respirator.
The mask is a half-face mask, which means that it protects the chin, nose and mouth. The mask must meet certain standards and effectiveness tests. Efficacy is assessed by the filtration rates( filter penetration, also referred to as efficiency), as wcvcell as the degree of leakage around the edges. The mask should be correctly adjusted to the face.
This type of mask, unlike the surgical mouth mask, protects the wearer from inhaling infectious agents or pollutants in the form of aerosols, droplets, or small solid particles.
02What are the FFP2 respirator mask /FFP3 respiratory mask?
The EN 149 standard defines performance requirements for three classes of particle-filtering half masks: FFP1, FFP2 and FFP3. The protection provided by an FFP2(or FFP3) MASK includes the protection provided by a mask of the lower-numbered classes.
FFP2 respirator masks or FFP3 respiratory mask (named because they filter out 95-99%% of small particles) are the safest protection against illness. These are specialized masks meant for trained industry professionals, not consumers. FFP2/FFP3 respiratory mask seal the area around the face completely when properly fitted, but they make breathing more of an effort. They also require the use of annual training and fit tests to ensure that the professional is still using them safely. Untrained wearers may not be able to fit them properly to their faces, or can compromise the seal by adjusting it incorrectly.
It is worth noting that both masks and respirators have specific shelf lives depending on the conditions and climate in which they are stored, so it's important to ensure the masks are stored properly and in good condition. Since respirators come in different sizes, it's also important to ensure you have enough of them in each size, since respirators of the wrong size cannot create a proper seal and therefore will compromise their users.
03What is EN 149 Standard
This European standard, the first version of which dates from 2001, establishes the minimum characteristics of respiratory protection equipment, which includes laboratory tests, field tests and certain requirement to ensure the conformity of the masks.
The following points are analyzed:
Packaging
Materials: resistance to manipulation
Practical performance test
Leakage: total leakage inwards and penetration of the filter material.
2009 version
With the publication of the 2009 version of the standard, the designation of the respiratory protection mask is now particulate filtering half mask. The abbreviation NR or R is added after FFP1, FFP2 , FFP3.
1.NR ( not reusable): if the use of the filtering half face mask is limited to one working day. It is not reusable.
2.R( usable): if the filtering half-face mask can be used for more than one working day. It is reusable.
04What factors should you consider when buying masks?
during the situation of the epidemic of corona virus, mask is the most efficient and effective way for anti infection.But how do you decide which one is the right one for your needs? We have outlined a list of factors you need to consider before you making a buying decision.
What type of mask you need?
There have several type of masks in the market, KN95 mask with 99% filtration, FFP2 respirator mask with valve and without valve, FFP3 respiratory mask with valve and without valve.
What is the difference of FFP2/FFP3 respirator mask?
FFP2 respirator mask is the European EN149 standard which can filter above 94% particles, and FFP3 respiratory mask is the EN149 standard which can filter above 99% particles.
What is the price difference of FFP2/FFP3 mask?
FFP3 respirator mask is high cost than FFP2 respiratory mask.
05How to buy mask?
Once you have decided on what type of mask you need, the hard part is over. The next step is to find the perfect supplier to buy your masks. Here is a guide to help you choose the best mask manufacturer:
Research the market
Looking for the right manufacture of mask can be overwhelming. Make the process easier by doing an online search to find all mask manufacturer around your area. You can do this easily, by using some relevant keywords like “ mask” , “ face mask manufacturer” or “ FFP2/FFP3 respirator mask manufacturer”.
This search will help you jot down a list of mask manufacturers that look the most promising. If you want to make your list even more targeted, use product specific keywords in your seach,a search for “ FFP2 respirator mask or “ FFP3 respirator mask will give you a list of mask manufacturers that provide this type of mask you need.
Choose the Right Mask Manufacturer
Once you have a list of promising mask manufacturer, it is time to choose the best one. The following factors will help you decide which mask manufacturer is the right one for you.
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Mask manufacturer or reseller: a.mask manufacturers usually offer a better product than resellers. Also, mask manufacturers know a lot more about the products they are selling and can help you choose the right mask for you.
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Variety of products: Good mask manufacturer provide a wide range of products such as: FFP2 respirator mask with valve and without valve, FFP3 respiratory mask with valve and without valve. Browse the mask manufacturer’s website to see what they have.
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Quality control: Check what kind of machines they make masks and take a look at their manufacturing process and the quality control they have in place.
Contact the Manufacturer
Now that you have streamlined your list of mask manufacturers, reach out to each of them. This will help you compare their products, prices, customer service and more to see which is the best mask manufacturer for you. Here are some of the things you should ask each mask manufacturer:
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What is the price of you mask ? Ask them to give you an estimate of cost and also the moq.
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How long they can deliver the mask to you? Also, ask them how much time shipping will take. If they don’t handle the shipping process, ask for recommendations.
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What is the warranty policy?
You can call the mask manufacturers or email them to get this information. Afterward, compare the price quotes, customer service and ordering process of each mask manufacturer. Choose the one that meets your requirements.
06Conclusion
During the situation of worldwide epedemic, the market need for mask is huge. And also choose the right mask manufacturer is the key for saving people’s lives, boosting your business and also maximizing your profit. However, all of this will only be possible if you choose the right mask supplier for you and order them from a trustworthy mask manufacturer.
User this mask buying guide to find out which mask is right for your needs or get in touch with us and we will do all the heavey lifting for you.
