Table 1.
Specifications of different face mask structures.
| Face masks | PM's diameter | % particle filtration efficiency | Characteristics and features |
|---|---|---|---|
| i) Surgical mask ii) PM0.1, 2.5, 10 surgical mask ASTM F2100-11 |
<10 μm Large respiratory droplets |
>95 | Loose fitting Three-layer, (S-M—S), flat design pleated and non-pleated Inward leakage Fine and ultrafine dusts Fluid-resistant Physical barrier for droplets Disposable/single use Good breathability |
| Respirator PM0.3 i) aN (P, R) 95, 99, 100 United States standard (NIOSH) ii) bFFP,1,2,3 European standard c(EN149:2001 + A1) |
<0.3 μm (MPPS) High penetrating aerosols |
a95, 99, 99.97 b80, 94, 99 |
Tight fitting (close facial fit) Multi-layer, (S-SMM(E)-S) flat and cone or cup design Sealed (when properly donned and fitted) Most penetrating particle size (MPPS) High performance filtering mask Fluid-resistant Filtration barrier for droplets and aerosols Higher pressure drop With or without valve Discard after each use, but can be used up to 5 times Poor breathability |
a
N: not oil resistant, R: oil resistant, P: oil proof.
b
Filtering face pieces.