Use the correct mouth mask

For optimal protection, it is important that you are aware of the different types of mouth masks and determine which one is most suitable for your situation. Europe has specified guidelines, norms and standards regarding this matter. Below you will find an overview of the different types of mouth masks and their properties.

Surgical mouth mask

A surgical nasal mask filters the user’s exhaled air and aims to protect the user’s environment from aerosols, coughing and sneezing.

Respiratory protection mask

A respiratory protection mask protects both the user and his or her environment from pathogens that can be spread through the air.

Different types of mouth masks

There are three types of mouth masks, in which the type including the recognition R stands for a non-moisture-permeable variant.

Type I
The Type I mouth nose mask protects others against the exhalation of microorganisms and the transfer of bodily fluids through the mouth and nose. The mask has a layer with filter that prevents the transfer of bacteria for more than 95%.

Type II
The mouth mask type II offers the same properties as type I, only the transmission of bacteria is prevented up to 98%.

Type IIR
This type of nose mask has the same properties as type II and on top of that is also non-moisture permeable, which also protects against splashes of (body) fluids from the outside.

* The government recommends the use of a surgical mouth nose mask type IIR in various situations.

Different types of respiratory protection masks

The different types of respiratory protection masks all have a designation starting with FFP, which stands for Filtering Facepiece Particle (a face mask that filters particles). The added number (FFP1, 2 or 3) expresses how strongly the inhaled air is filtered.

FFP1
An FFP1 mask has the lowest level of performance in this area with an efficiency of at least 80% against airborne particles.

FFP2
An FFP2 mask has an efficiency of at least 94% against airborne particles.

FFP3
A FFP3 mask offers the highest class of protection and has a minimum efficiency of 99% against airborne particles.

* The government advises to use type FFP1 or FFP2 only in case of high risk. For other situations, the surgical mouth mask IIR is recommended.