Questions and answers about FFP2 and FFP3 masks 

CUSTOMER of Mr. Schulz: ….frankly, I would buy them only if there is great need.

The difference between FFP2 and FFP3 is not very big and whenever I still need an FFP3, especially the seal fit of the mask must be particularly good. This does not seem to be the case with ear loops.

BAGOBAG: Hello Mr. Schulz,

Thank you very much for your letter. I can understand your customer; on the other hand, it is not. 

First of all, our FFP2 masks have a filtering ability of 98% on average, so they are actually very close to 99% of FFP3.

For this purpose, we can also provide a video where your customer can watch the measurement of our FFP2 masks over a few iterations. You will then receive this via wetransfer. The layers at the ABJ-300 FFP3 mask offered to you are 5, at our FFP2 mask there are also 5.

Regarding FFP3: FFP3 is generally available in two variants: as a folding mask and as a half-shell with rubber edging.

The latter are more expensive because of the complex processing of the rigid form and rubber lip edging.

General: Essential to the success of the masks in terms of their operational efficiency, whether FFP2 or FFP3, is the fit of the mask. Here, too, your customer knows the right

Included with our FFP2 and FFP3 is a herringbone plastic splint or plastic loop that can hold the two loops at the back of the head. With this support, you can induce a much tighter hold of the mask and leave the ears unpinned in the resting position.

The mask is therefore stretched over the back of the head and not strapped to the ears in the loops, so that the latter are as far forward as possible. Tightening over the back of the head frees the ears. Depending on the position in the herringbone, an appropriate tightening, by a corresponding engagement of the loop ends in this arrestor, also suddenly a high tightness around the nose is achieved. You have to try this out.

So again, your customer doesn't quite have my understanding after all: because it's not the "ear" loops that cause a floppy fit, but the use of the loops on the ears instead of a stretching over the back of the head! Try it out once. Stretched over the back of the head noticeably gives a completely different tightness, especially around the nose. Tensioning over the back of the head is also used to measure and test the fit for FFP2 and FFP3 certification, never with two loop lines over the ears. Masks are not a carriage with two horses.

In the case of a half-shell, we have clearly provided the support over the back of the head. The tapes can be flexibly adjusted there as well. However, this can also be solved via the plastic connecting piece into which the loops hook, both for FFP2 and FFP3, both for half-shell and folding masks. It is also possible to use a tensioning element that partially double guides the belts.So the half-shell does not quickly lead to the general and very common misunderstanding: loops are in any case there for the ears, so to speak ear devices.

So loops, straps and rubber loop holders exist either way on a half-shell mask as well as a folding mask. The folding mask greatly increases its tightness in the seat by tying over the back of the head. The ears were not designed by God to hold masks. So loops are not the same as ear loops.They should be called somewhat awkwardly backhead lug-for-a-connector, leading to proper use. Only then is the use "with brains ".

So: tabs yes, ear tabs no, the back of the head to tighten for "with brains", please.

By the way, and this is probably decisive, at least from our point of view: If I had to be in a room contaminated with corona viruses and had a choice of FFP2 or FFP3, I would choose FFP3.

If I move while shopping or in the subway and not in a clinic where Covid patients are to be helped, FFP2 is also sufficient in my opinion. – But in my opinion - never, ever - a cotton mask or knitted stocking.

Respirators ✓ FFP3 masks ✓ Respirators FFP3 ✓ Masks FFP3 ✓ Protective masks CE PPE Regulation 2016 425 ✓ Half mask EN-149-2001-A1-2009

FFP3 masks FFP3 protective masks available ✓