Table II.

Comparison of attributes of surgical masks compared with respiratory protection equipment

	Surgical mask	Respirator (e.g. FFP3)	Powered respirator
Cost	Inexpensive (depends on type)	Moderately expensive (depends on type)	Expensive
Level of protection	Protects mouth, nose and respiratory tract against splashes and droplets (but not aerosols)	Protects mouth, nose and lower respiratory tract against splashes, droplets and aerosols	Protects mouth, nose and lower respiratory tract against splashes, droplets and aerosols
Fit testing requirement	Not required	Required	Not required
Eye protection	May be included	Not included	Included
Relative comfort	Reasonable comfort for wearer	Can be uncomfortable if used for long durations	Reasonable comfort for wearer
Decontamination requirement	Single use: no decontamination required	Single-use type: no decontamination required Re-usable type: must consider decontamination	Re-usable: must consider decontamination
Power requirement	No power required	No power required	Rechargeable battery pack required
Duration of use	Can keep same mask on for duration of the specified activity. Should be changed: –after each use; –if mask is damaged; or –if obviously contaminated with respiratory secretions or other body fluids	Can keep same respirator in use for the duration of the specified activity. Should be changed: –after each use; –if breathing becomes difficult; –if respirator is damaged; or –if obviously contaminated with respiratory secretions or other body fluids	Useable for as long as battery has sufficient power