Class FFP2 and FFP3 respirators buy online
Respiratory protection masks filter pathogens or toxins from the air and thus protect the health of the wearer - whether in the workplace, in medical facilities or in private environments. They also play a central role in the fight against the coronavirus or the COVID-19 pandemic. In our store you will find certified half masks of protection classes FFP2 and FFP3, all of which have undergone a standardized approval process.
Coronavirus (COVID-19) Warning: Beware of counterfeit respirators!
What are respirators?
Generally, respiratory protection is understood to be personal protective equipment (PPE) that provides its wearer with protection against germs or environmental toxins in the air they breathe. Respiratory protection may be required by law as part of occupational health and safety to protect employees from workplace hazards. In the healthcare sector and in many areas of industry, so-called particle-filtering half masks, also known as FFP masks, are used. The abbreviation "FFP" stands for "Face Filtering Piece". A particle-filtering mask is primarily used for self-protection.
On the other hand, masks can also have the purpose of protecting other people from germs that the wearer exhales. If the environment is to be protected first and foremost, then medical surgical masks or so-called community masks made of fabric are usually sufficient. These are also available in our online shop. The WHO recommends such masks as a basic hygiene measure to contain the COVID-19 pandemic or the coronavirus.
Which respirators are available?
Particle-filtering respirators are divided into 3 protection classes according to the European standard EN 149, the so-called FFP classes. The classification refers to how tight the protective masks are and what proportion of particles are trapped.
FFP1
Class FFP1 respirators filter at least 80 percent of particles from the air and may have a leakage (total leakage) of no more than 25 percent. They provide protection against fine dust particles, which are non-toxic but can irritate the respiratory tract. They are used, for example, in construction, agriculture or the food industry. In addition, FFP1 masks are suitable as protection for people allergic to pollen or for cleaning work where dust is stirred up.
FFP2
Class FFP2 protective masks must filter at least 94 percent of the particles from the air breathed and must not leak more than 11 percent. FFP2 masks offer protection against harmful dust particles and aerosols such as concrete dust, cement, silicone or paint and varnish particles. In addition, they are suitable for protection against bacteria and viruses of the so-called risk class 2, i.e. microorganisms that are pathogenic but do not normally cause severe or difficult-to-treat diseases.
FFP3
A respirator of class FFP3 must have a filtering performance of at least 99 percent, and its total leakage must not exceed 5 percent. FFP3 masks thus offer the highest protection and are also suitable for handling radioactive particles, asbestos or other carcinogenic substances. In addition, they protect against fungal spores as well as viruses and bacteria in risk class 3, which are germs that can cause serious illnesses or trigger epidemics.
Respirator: With or without valve?
Regardless of the FFP class, you can buy respirators with or without a breathing valve. A breathing valve reduces the resistance when exhaling and thus subjectively makes breathing easier. Also, less heat and moisture accumulates under the mask, so it can be worn longer. However, the air exhaled through the valve is not filtered. This means that germs can enter the ambient air unhindered. Accordingly, respirators with a valve are only suitable for self-protection, not for external protection.
Therefore, if the respirator is also intended to protect other people, for example from a possible coronavirus infection by a COVID-19 sufferer, a product without a breathing valve is the right choice.
Which respirator is suitable for which purpose?
Respiratory protection in health care
In hospitals, medical practices or care facilities, respiratory protection can serve two purposes: On the one hand, it protects staff handling infectious patients, which is of key importance in the context of the COVID pandemic, for example. On the other hand, respiratory protection can also prevent transmission from staff to patients. If the respirator is to fulfil both functions - i.e. ensure protection of staff and patients - then an FFP2 or FFP3 mask without a breathing valve is required.
Respiratory protection in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic (novel coronavirus)
In principle, the Robert Koch Institute (RKI) recommends the use of at least FFP2 respiratory protection masks when handling COVID-19 infected persons or suspected cases. FFP1 masks are not sufficient against the coronavirus. In situations where there is a particularly high risk of infection by aerosols, e.g. during bronchoscopy, an FFP3 mask is recommended.
When caring for patients without COVID-19 infection or suspected infection, the RKI and WHO recommend simple mouth-nose protective masks (surgical mouthguards) as a basic hygiene measure - for both staff and patients. In addition, protective masks are useful in crowded closed rooms or public transport to prevent transmission of the coronavirus. So-called community masks made of fabric, which are more comfortable to wear, are also suitable for this purpose.
Respiratory protection in the industrial and construction sectors
During activities such as planing, sawing, cutting, grinding and drilling or during cleaning work, harmful dust particles or aerosols can be generated. Depending on the type of pollutants and their concentration, different protection classes are suitable. In the case of basically non-toxic substances (e.g. gypsum, cellulose, cement, limestone), an FFP1 mask is often sufficient. If harmful particles or aerosols are to be expected, on the other hand, an FFP2 or FFP3 mask should be worn. FFP3 masks also offer protection against highly toxic substances such as asbestos or diesel soot and are therefore frequently used in the chemical industry or in waste disposal companies. Since respiratory protection in these areas is exclusively for self-protection, a respiratory protection mask with a breathing valve is sensible and appropriate.
How are respirators certified?
Every respirator that is placed on the market in the EU and serves as personal protective equipment (PPE) must undergo a strict testing and approval process. The legal basis for this is DIN EN 149, which defines, among other things, the criteria for FFP classification. It also specifies the procedure by which the filter performance and the tightness of the mask are tested.
If the respirator meets all the necessary criteria, it is certified in accordance with EU Regulation (EU) 2016/425 on personal protective equipment (PPE). This can be recognised by the CE mark, which should be printed directly on the mask. Among other things, it contains the FFP protection level, the name of the manufacturer and an identification number for the certification body.
What else distinguishes a respirator?
In our online shop, we naturally only stock masks that have been tested and approved in accordance with the legal standards. In addition, our quality products are characterized by the following criteria:
Suitable materials
In the past, respirators were often made of coated cotton material. Today, they are usually made of synthetic material such as polypropylene (PPP) or ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA). These materials are well tolerated by the skin and ensure reliable filtering performance due to their material properties. While the outer side is designed to be stable and firm, the inner layer should be made of soft, skin-friendly fleece.
Form
FFP2 and FFP3 class respirators are manufactured in two basic anatomical shapes - semicircular or conical or beak-shaped. The latter are also called folding masks by many manufacturers, as they can be folded flat. The shape does not matter for the filter performance. The only important thing is that the mask fits the shape of the face as precisely as possible.
Nose pad
Many manufacturers equip their masks with a foam padding in the nose area. This increases the wearing comfort and prevents unpleasant chafing, especially when worn for a long time.
How to wear the respirator correctly
Respiratory protection masks only fulfil their purpose if they are worn correctly! There is a risk of contaminating the mask, especially when putting it on and taking it off. It is therefore important:
- Disinfect your hands or use fresh disposable gloves before putting on or taking off.
- Make sure that the mask fits correctly. Beard hairs or open hairs can impair the tight fit!
- Do not pull the mask down to the neck. This could contaminate the inside with clothing or gowns.
Order certified respirators conveniently online
In the course of the coronavirus pandemic, respirators suddenly became a scarce commodity, with counterfeits appearing on the market time and again. In our online shop you can be sure: We carry only tested, certified and CE-marked products that meet all the necessary quality criteria. The protective masks are permanently available at fair prices.
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