What Is The Difference Between Face Masks And Respirators?
May 18, 2021
Today, we will share with you in detail the similarities and differences of the masks and respirators currently available in the hospital. If necessary, you are welcome to forward it to those around you for understanding and learning, to help more people. So what is the difference between N95/KN95/FFP2 respirators and medical masks?
Protection:
l FFP2 /N95/KN95 respirators are intended to help reduce the wearer’s exposure to certain airborne particles. In addition, some respirators have also been cleared for use as surgical masks to show how respirators seal to help provide respiratory protection to the wearer wearing surgical masks may not.
l Surgical masks are a barrier to fluids, such as splashes, droplets, and sprays of bodily fluids. Protects the patient from the wearer's respiratory emissions. Masks mainly help prevent large particles expelled by the wearer from reaching the patient they also help protect the sterile surgical field from contamination of exhaled particles, in addition, fluid-resistant surgical masks help reduce wear our exposure to blood and body fluids
Fitting:
l Masks often fit loosely over the face leaving gaps between the mask and the wearer
l FFP2/N95/KF94 respirators are designed to fit tightly to the face and create a seal between the face and respirator
Now let’s find out more details about the comparison of masks and respirators in the table below:
Images | Availability | Material | Fitting | Standards |
Respirators | ||||
 | Available in a variety of shapes: Folding Type Cap-Shap Fish-Shap
| Construction materials may vary but must meet filtration standards for respirators. Typically single use, but may be reused until visibly dirty, damp, or damaged.
| Designed to tight fit on the face. On some respirators, the fit can be improved by adjusting ties, bands, or ear loops and the nose-piece.
| NIOSH N95 respirators with an approval number stamped on the device, represented as TC-84A-####. KN95 respirators that meet standard GB 2626-2019. FFP2 respirators that meet standard EN 149-2001. KF94 respirators that meet standard KMOEL–2017-64. |
Medical mask / surgical mask | ||||
 | Available in adult and smaller sizes that could be used for children. And different colors and printings are available.
| Construction materials may vary but must meet established filtration standards. Typically single use, but may be reused until visibly dirty, damp, or damaged.
| The fit varies depending on the size and features of your face. The fit can be improved by using different methods, such as adjusting ties or ear loops and adjusting the flexible nose-piece.
| Some disposable non-medical masks may look like medical masks but don’t meet regulatory standards. Look for a medical mask that has ASTM F2100 or EN 14683 on the box label. This means that this mask has been tested and meets international standards for:: · particle and bacterial filtration · breathability · fluid resistance · flammability of materials
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