Guidance on mask use in health care settings

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Medical masks are defined as surgical or procedure masks that
are flat or pleated. They are affixed to the head with straps that
go around the ears or head or both. Their performance
characteristics are tested according to a set of standardized test
methods (ASTM F2100, EN

Medical masks are defined as surgical or procedure masks that
are flat or pleated. They are affixed to the head with straps that
go around the ears or head or both. Their performance
characteristics are tested according to a set of standardized test
methods (ASTM F2100, EN 14683, or equivalent) that aim to
balance high filtration, adequate breathability and optionally,
fluid penetration resistance (39, 40).

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Filtering facepiece respirators (FFR), or respirators, offer a
balance of filtration and breathability. However, whereas
medical masks filter 3 micrometre droplets, respirators
must filter more challenging 0.075 micrometre solid
particles. European FFRs, according to standard EN 149, at
FFP2 performance there is filtration of at least 94% solid
NaCl particles and oil droplets. US N95 FFRs, according to
NIOSH 42 CFR Part 84, filter at least 95% NaCl particles.
Certified FFRs must also ensure unhindered breathing with
maximum resistance during inhalation and exhalation.
Another important difference between FFRs and other
masks is the way filtration is tested. Medical mask filtration
tests are performed on a cross-section of the masks, whereas
FFRs are tested for filtration across the entire surface.
Therefore, the layers of the filtration material and the FFR
shape, which ensure the outer edges of the FFR seal around
wearer’s face, result in guaranteed filtration as claimed.
Medical masks, by contrast, have an open shape and
potentially leaking structure. Other FFR performance
requirements include being within specified parameters for
maximum CO 2 build up, total inward leakage and tensile
strength of straps (41, 42).

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