Medical masks: all models in comparison

Basically: No matter which breathing mask you wear – the main thing is that you wear one! The range is now so extensive that you can choose between different models (fabric and disposable masks as well as medical masks). Here, however, many ask themselves which variant is safest for you? This video shows how the droplets can spread with and without mouth and nose protection when speaking, coughing and sneezing. And that basically every model can help to reduce the spread of the coronavirus. Why this is so and which breathing mask offers the greatest protection for whom, is explained here.

Which respiratory masks are there?

1. Disposable masks

These are mostly three-ply made of polypropylene, which should be disposed of after each use – as viruses could be on the mask surface. Unfortunately, many people do not adhere to it and use the masks several times. But what’s even worse: They keep their masks in plastic bags, where it’s nice and warm and humid. An ideal breeding ground for viruses and bacteria. Spraying disinfectant does not help either. Therefore, you should use disposable masks (also only available once. If this is too expensive for you, the following alternative is a better choice.

2. Medical face masks

Actually, these three-layer masks are only used in the medical field to protect sick patients from a possible droplet infection. The however, due to the prevailing Corona crisis, it is also offered for private use. The respirators also protect the wearer for a short period of time, but the main thing – as with the disposable all-purpose masks and reusable cloth masks – is to avoid infecting others. The following models with FFP2 or FFP3 filters are most suitable for self-protection.

3. Respirators with FFP filters

These half masks lie tightly on the mouth and nose, so that the wearer is much better protected against the transmission of viruses. This is made possible by the integrated FFP (Filtering Face Piece) filter, which can catch even the smallest particles and aerosols. A distinction is made between three levels of protection: FFP1, FFP2 and FFP3 – with the Robert Koch Institute wearing in the fight against Corona recommends. To ensure that the particle-filtering half masks are permitted in Europe, you must pay attention to a so-called CE mark. “The masks must regularly meet the requirements of the DIN EN 149: 2009-08 standard,” explains the Federal Institute for Drugs and Medical Devices ().

It is There are also FFP2 models with an extra valve, but these only filter the inhaled air and thus only protect the wearer, but not the environment. The exhaled air, on the other hand, is released unfiltered to the outside, so that the wearer can infect other people in the event of an infection. Therefore, the US health authority CDC even advises against wearing respiratory masks with valves or vents in everyday life.

Tip:

You can find even more different models with different filter options above this .

Caution: risk of infection: who do the masks protect?

There is no question why experts continue to recommend wearing a respirator: The coronavirus is spreading extremely quickly and can only be contained by adhering to all hygiene rules. Nevertheless, more and more people are currently considering themselves to be safe and careless, wearing their masks under their noses (they are called mouth and nose protection for a reason) or leaving them off completely. The epidemic is far from over, so we should take seriously the general recommendation to continue wearing respiratory masks to protect ourselves and our fellow human beings. However, since the first three models do not have an FFP filter, they can only help prevent you from infecting anyone – they do not, however, protect the wearer himself from infection.