General Information About Face Masks
Why a mask?
The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends wearing a face mask if you are caring for someone suspected of being infected with the corona virus. Even those who exhibit symptoms such as fever, cough, a snot nose or shortness of breath are better off wearing a mask. The WHO warns that wearing a face mask is only useful in combination with frequent washing of the hands. In addition to the advice of the WHO, more and more countries advise to wear face masks “for any situation where a safe distance cannot be maintained.”
EVOLON® MASK by Textiles & More
Textiles & More has had the filtration efficiency of the EVOLON® MASK tested at TNO (TNO Reference: MSB-2020-100332199-MHe). Based on these tests, the mouth masks meet the filtration efficiency of the material in accordance with the material of type IIR Surgical reference masks. The mouth masks have a filtration efficiency (PFE, Particles Filtration Efficiency) of at least 90% against particles that are spread through the air.
Below you will find the general information about the types of face masks and the accompanying guidelines, specifications.
The correct name for face masks is mouth-nose masks. For optimal protection, it is important that you know which face mask is suitable for what. European directives, norms and standards have been drawn up for this. The text below is taken from the document “RIVM Personal Protective Equipment VWK” sections 6 and 7.
Type of facemasks
The Surgical Face Mask: A medical device that protects the patient from pathogens from the nose or face of healthcare workers. In addition, it protects the healthcare worker from touching their nose or face with their hands or gloves.
The respiratory protection mask: this is a personal protective equipment and protects the user against pathogens that can be spread through the air.
1) Surgical face masks:
Surgical nose masks must comply with the Medical Devices Directive and the NEN-EN 14683 standard. There are 3 different types of surgical face masks:
Type I mask: Intended for clients, not healthcare workers.
Type II mask: For use by healthcare professionals in those cases where a face mask is required, but
where there is no risk of splashing body fluids.
Type IIR mask: This is the non-moisture permeable variant. It is for protection of the nasal and oral mucous membranes against splashes of body fluids. RIVM recommends that type IIR face masks be used in general care procedures, including in patients who are infected with the corona virus.
2) Respiratory protection mask
The respiratory protection mask must comply with the European Personal Protective Equipment Directive and with NEN-EN 149 + A1.
There are 3 types of respiratory protection masks:
FFP1 mask: this is the lowest performance level to speak of a protection mask. This mask has a filtration efficiency of at least 80% against airborne particles. The side leakage (around the face) should not exceed 22%. This mask is used, among other things, when there is a corona virus.
FFP2 mask: Is the average protection mask category and has a filtration efficiency of 94%. The side leakage should not exceed 8%. This mask is used, among other things, when TB is involved.
FFP3 mask: This class offers height protection and a minimum filtration efficiency of 99%. The side leakage should not exceed 2%. This mask is used, among other things, when working with cytostatic.
With regard to the above: follow the RIVM guidelines and see the separate document “RIVM Personal Protective Equipment VWK”.