Surgical masks and respirators are two main types of masks. Surgical masks are loose-fitting masks made of fabric that protect others from the wearer's droplets but do not filter very small particles. Respirators, like N95 masks, form a tight seal and filter at least 95% of airborne particles to protect the wearer. A new transparent leaf mask has an N99 filter, antifog feature, and ventilation control through an app.

1. MASKS
By Dr. Ankita Francis

2. TYPES
Surgical Mask
Respirator

3. SURGICAL MASK
Also known as procedure mask /medical mask/ laser
mask/isolation mask/fluid resistant mask.
Loose fitting , made of non - woven fabric.
Designed to protect others from wearer’s liquid
droplets and aerosols which could travel upto 26 ft.
Made of 3 layers , innermost layer for absorbing
moisture, middle layer is polypropylene layer and
outermost layer repels water.
Polypropylene layer acts as the filter.

4. SURGICAL MASK
Must have bacterial filtration efficiency(BFE) of >95%
simulated with a particle size of 3μ.
Collection efficiency of surgical mask filter ranges from
<10% to 90%.
Demerits:-
1)doesn’t filter very small particles.
2)doesn’t provide complete protection to the wearer
due to its loose fit.

6. RESPIRATOR MASKS
 It is an example of a mechanical filter respirator
 removes particulates from the air using a filter that mechanically
stops them from reaching the wearer's nose and mouth.
 According to EN149 standard defines performance requirements for
3 classes of particle filtering masks:-
1) FFP1 - least filtering of FFP masks.
- filters only 80% of airborne particles.
- internal leak rate <22%
- used as dust mask
2) FFP2 - filters 94% of airborne particles.
- internal leak rate 8%

7. 3) FFP3 - filters 99% of airborne particles.
- most filtering of FFP masks.
- protects against very fine particles like
asbestos.
It completely covers mouth, nose and chin therefore,
providing better protection to the wearer than a
surgical mask.
- protects against viruses and bacteria
- similar to N95

8.  According to NIOSH standard, 9 classes of particulate filtering
respirators based on combination of respirator series and
efficiency level:-
 N series - not resistant to oil.
- used when oil particulates are absent.
- N95, N99, N100
 R series – resistant to oil.
- used when oil particulates are present.
- filter cannot be re-used.
- R95, R99, R100
 P series – oil proof
- used when oil particulates are present.
- filter can be re- used.
- P95, P99, P100

10. FFP 1

11. FFP 2

12. FFP 3

13. LEAF TRANSPARENT FACE MASK
 World’s first FDA-registered, clear mask to have N99-standard air filtering
abilities and has a self-purifying feature due to a built-in UV-C light.
 Transparent, medical-grade silicone provides a universal fit.
 Antifogging feature, so the mask doesn’t become cloudy on the inside with
each breath .
 World’s first transparent mask to have high-quality N99+ HEPAHEPA-
Carbon filters fitted into the chin section.
 has iOS/Android app-controlled ventilation as well as an air-quality sensor
that gives details about the quality of the air around.
 reusable, high quality mask with long-lasting filters.