Respirator Selection Guide

As air pollution, infectious diseases, and industrial contaminants become more severe, choosing the right masks and respirators is essential for protecting health. From standard surgical masks to the FFP series (FFP1, FFP2, FFP3), N95, R95, and masks with activated carbon layers, each type serves a specific role depending on the source of exposure and risk level. This article outlines the characteristics, filtration performance, and use cases of common mask types to offer an initial selection guide.

1. Everyday droplet protection: cloth masks & medical/surgical masks

In daily life, cloth masks and surgical masks provide basic protection, primarily by blocking droplets.

When medical/surgical masks are suitable:

• During outbreaks of infectious diseases (e.g., influenza, COVID-19)

• When coughing or sneezing, to protect others from droplet exposure

• In crowded places such as public transit, shopping malls, and schools

Note: Cloth masks do not filter bacteria or pathogens. Standard medical/surgical masks are not designed to filter very fine particles or hazardous gases.

2. Particulate protection: FFP1, FFP2, FFP3, N95 & R95

Depending on particle concentration and whether particles are oil-based or non-oil-based, different protection classes provide tiered defense:

FFP1

• Filters ~80% of non-oil-based particles

• Suitable for low-toxicity dust environments (e.g., household cleaning, gardening)

FFP2 / N95

• Filter at least 95% of non-oil-based particles

• Suitable for medium to high-risk environments, such as:

  • Air pollution (PM2.5)

  • Dust at construction sites, woodworking, or mining

  • Infection control (e.g., COVID-19, influenza)

FFP3

• Filters ~99% of particles

• Suitable for high-risk environments, such as:

  • High-concentration industrial dust (e.g., welding fumes, metalworking)

  • Airborne pathogens (e.g., tuberculosis) or medical isolation areas

R95

• Filters at least 95% of both oil-based and non-oil-based particles

• Suitable for oil-particle environments, such as:

  • Wildfire smoke, petroleum industry pollutants

  • Painting/spraying, chemical work sites

3. Odor and light chemical protection: activated carbon masks

Activated carbon masks add a carbon layer to standard or higher-spec masks to adsorb odors and certain chemical substances.

Use cases:

• Urban environments: Adsorbing odors and some pollutants from vehicle exhaust

• Chemical tasks: When using cleaners, disinfectants, or low-concentration chemical gases

• Kitchen fumes & garbage odors: Extra odor filtration

Note: For high-concentration or high-hazard chemical vapors, use a half-face or full-face respirator with appropriate gas/vapor cartridges for safety.

4. Quick selection guide: scenarios vs. mask types

Conclusion

Selecting the appropriate mask or respirator according to environmental risks and contaminant types is critical. Surgical masks suit everyday droplet protection; FFP2/N95 are appropriate for medium-risk particulate exposure; FFP3 offers a higher level of particulate protection. Activated carbon masks help adsorb odors and are suitable for light chemical environments.

With proper selection and correct wearing, masks and respirators can effectively reduce health risks and meet the needs of personal protection, public health, and occupational safety.

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