Which is the Best Face Mask to Buy?
There are plenty of face masks on the market, with different materials and effectiveness. Some face masks look to prevent airborne contaminants, and depending on the material, they will work better at guarding you against viruses and bacteria.
The best types of face masks to buy are filtering facepiece (FFP) respirators like:
N95 respirator face mask
N99 respirator face mask
FFP1, FFP2, FFP3 respirator face masks in Europe
Face masks are also categorized by their materials. We'll look at the best masks to buy and why, according to reports from Paragon Tools. Some come in a one-size-fits-all, and others you can get custom-made according to your facial measurements.
N95 and N99 Respirator Face Masks
Surgical N95 respirators are the best at blocking out:
bacteria, and
other airborne contaminants.
Surgical masks come in different styles depending on your personal preference or needs of the workplace. The surgical mask is often made from a nonwoven fabric that may be oil-free latex-free for those who have an allergy to latex which is common among healthcare professionals.
The N95 respirator face mask has been tested against airborne particles like viruses, bacteria, and fungi. It also works well with carcinogenic substances such as:
asbestos,
lead dust, and
mists of irritant chemicals - so long as they aren't oil-based or water-soluble (otherwise, use an FFP).
The N95's material will stop these harmful air contaminants from getting through to your lungs while still letting oxygen flow freely for better breathing conditions at work or outdoors during emergencies. However, the downside of this type of face mask is that it does not filter out harmful gases and vapors. For this reason, it's often combined with a gas & vapor respirator cartridge to provide better protection for workers who need additional respiratory support in the workplace.
FFP- Filtering Facepieces
FFPs or Filtering Facepieces are face masks that allow you to breathe in clean air while protecting your lungs from harmful particles and chemicals. These masks are approved as being reliable enough to use when working with hazardous materials in an indoor environment.
In Europe, there are a few minor differences in the way respirators are classified:
FFP1 respirators filter out at least 80% of particles;
FFP2s remove at least 94%, and
FFP3 devices remove at least 99.97%.
In addition, since they're both disposable after one-time use, these face masks are great if you only need protection from vapors or small solid particles such as lead dust or welding fumes.
However, there are some restrictions on how long you can wear them before disposing of them because they get worn out pretty quickly due to constant contact with skin oil throughout the day.
Conclusion
The best types of facemasks for a healthy home environment that can be found include
N95 respirator face mask (effective against things like tuberculosis),
N99 respirator face mask (also effective against TB),
FFP1-FFP3 respiratory protection grade 3 filters for Europe which protect your lungs during an infectious disease outbreak).
All of these masks are effective in filtering out particles as small as 0.3 microns in diameter, including most airborne pathogens such as influenza virus and Covid-19. If you're looking for protection against specific contaminants like pollen or other allergens, these surgical or FFP masks will be ideal.
