FFP2 masks

Updated on 03/12/24 by Erika C.

FFP2 masks: online sale, more savings

FFP2 masks are personal protective devices for the respiratory tract with a filtering capacity of 92 %.

They are essential in hospitals in infectious disease wards with a medium to high risk of infection, but together with surgical masks, they have recently also proved indispensable outdoors in daily use to protect against Coronavirus.

In situations where the risk is high, however, you should opt for the FFP3 type of mask with a filtering power of 98%.

Certified FFP2 masks | FFP2 mask certification

FFP2 masks must meet all the requirements to receive CE certification, and in order to prove their authenticity, the Declaration of Conformity must be verified.

For products imported from non-EU countries, the importer must ensure that the manufacturer itself has made such a declaration, as required by PPE Regulation 2016/425.

Finally, certified FFP2 masks can be recognised by the CE marking followed by a 4-digit number corresponding to the laboratory authorised to certify the PPE; in the case of FFP2 masks, when searching on the web, you should therefore find the expression 'personal protective equipment.

Types

Reusable FFP2 masks | Certified washable FFP2 masks

FFP2 masks are usually disposable but can be reused and therefore washed or sanitised.

We speak of disposable FFP2 masks if, after the certification, there is the initials 'NR' (not reusable). While we talk of washable and reusable masks if, in addition to the CE marking, there is the letter 'R'; a possible letter 'D', on the other hand, refers to the clogging test.

In any case, in a hospital environment and high-risk conditions, as with Coronavirus, replacing them after each use, even if of short duration, is advisable.

FFP2 FFP3 mask

The Ffp2 and FFP3 masks are practically identical in appearance, and both have a high protection capacity. It is precisely in this respect that FFP2 and FFP3 differ, albeit slightly:

• FFP3 masks → 98% filtering capacity for particles with a diameter of 2.5 microns

• FFP2 masks → ability to filter out particles with a diameter of 2.5 microns is 93/94%.

In this regard, we would like to point out that the so-called KN95 filtering masks have the same filtering power as FFP2 masks: it is no coincidence that they are also referred to as FFP2 KN95 masks.

FFP2 masks children

FFP2 masks for children are carefully designed in terms of aesthetics and comfort.

Available in coloured versions or with patterns and designs created for the youngest age, these masks have a slightly different structure than those for adults: they are smaller in size and, in most cases, the layer directly in contact with the skin is softer because, as a rule, children's skin is more delicate and needs more care.

Coloured FFP2 masks

Coloured FFP2 masks were particularly successful in 2020: the year in which the world had to deal with the consequences of Covid-19.

During this period, masks became an integral part of our days, and as such, there was a growing need to match them with our outfits. Companies have therefore mobilised to meet this need, and among the most common colours such as blue and pink, the most popular are the:

Black FFP2 masks

Black FFP2 facemasks can be adapted to any requirement as it is a colour that matches without a problem and is also unmistakably synonymous with elegance. It is no coincidence that they are most commonly used in the catering industry, where it is well known that image is the first calling card for customers.

Precisely for this reason, you will certainly have seen several black masks customised with the logo or name of the business in question. 

Prices

Cost of FFP2 masks

FFP2 masks start at a price of only € 3.90 in most cases.

Given their high filtering power, they cost more than surgical masks - and usually less than FFP3 masks - but it should be noted that compared to the single bag, the best prices apply to packs of at least 50 pieces.

In summary, the greater the number of masks, the more you save on individual FFP2 masks.

Frequently asked questions

Are FFP2 masks washable?

Although it may seem strange, FFP2 masks can be washed, but only if there is the letter 'R' (reusable) on the mask.

Washing can be carried out in a machine with a standard detergent at a temperature of 60° to remove germs and bacteria completely. Alternatively, sanitisation with an alcohol-based spray detergent at 70° can be used.

What are the advantages of valve-free FFP2 masks?

FFP2 masks without a valve offer the advantage of all-around protection: even in epidemic situations, these are the types of masks recommended. The valve allows greater comfort when the mask is used for a long time, preventing the formation of moisture and condensation, but on the other hand, it allows potentially infected droplets to escape.

FFP2 layered masks without a valve, on the other hand, are safe for both the wearer and those around them, as they do not allow respiratory secretions to escape.

What does EN 149:2001 regulate?

Standard EN 149:2001 has been updated and replaced by standard 2001 a1 2009 and sets out the performance requirements for respiratory protective devices.

Through this standard, the possibility of reuse or non-reuse of the mask is established, and the new updates introduced mainly concern the addition of tests such as clogging, climatic conditioning, efficiency, storage and much more.