Mask tests are carried out in laboratories, what you need to pay attention to is whether this laboratory provides this service as accredited. The lack of face masks during the COVID-19 pandemic has become a symbol of the fragility of modern medicine and public health. Covering the nose and mouth was part of traditional sanitary practices against infectious diseases in early modern Europe. This protection was mainly about neutralizing organisms called miasma in the air through perfumes and spices kept under a mask like the bird-like masks of plague doctors. However, such practices became marginal in the 18th century. Face masks, as used in healthcare and society today, can be traced historically to a more recent era when a new contagion concept based on the germ theory was applied to surgery. Not only surgically, but also personal protective masks protect human health from gas and dust.

What is a Mask

The mask is a protective accessory that is made of cloth, fabric, leather or plastic in general and used to protect against viruses and external influences.

What is N95 Mask

N95 Respirators. One N95 mask is a respiratory protective device designed to filter particles very close to the face and in the air very efficiently. 'N95'When the definition is subjected to laboratory tests, breathing apparatus means that it blocks at least 0.3 percent of very small (95 micron) test particles. These tests can be determined by standards ASTM F 2100, ASTM F2101 and ASTM F2199.

Respirators in the United States Must meet NIOSH (National Institute of Occupational Health and Safety) standards. There are several classes of respirators in this standard, depending on the degree of oil resistance:

• Class N : no oil resistance. A distinction is made between N95, N99 and N100. The number after the letter indicates the percentage of suspended particles filtered.
• Class R : oil resistant mask up to eight hours. Here again a distinction is made between R95, R99 and R100.
• Class P : a completely oil resistant mask. There are also P95, P99 and P100.

What is FFP Mask

FFP mask is a European Union approved type of protective mask that protects against particles such as dust particles. The EN 149 standard defines three filter efficiency classes for these masks: FFP1, FFP2 and FFP3. It is an example of a mechanical filter respirator.

• FFP1 refers to the least filtration of the three masks with at least 80% aerosol filtration and a maximum of 22% leakage into it. This mask is mainly used as a dust mask (home renovations and various types of work).
• FFP2 masks have a minimum 94% filtration percentage and a maximum 8% leakage inside. They are often used by construction, agriculture and healthcare professionals against influenza viruses. They are currently used for protection against coronavirus.
• FFP3 masks are the most filtering mask of FFPs. They protect against very fine particles such as asbestos with a minimum filtration percentage of 99% and a maximum of 2% leakage inside.

What is TYPE IIR Mask

Protection of health personnel and patients from infectious diseases

Medical face mask, Type IIR - EN14683, features include:
Ear rings or ties
Three or Four layer protective protection
Splash-proof layer protection against blood and body fluids

Medical face masks help prevent large particles (such as saliva, mucous membranes) that the user throws out from reaching the patient or working environment and help prevent the user from exposure to blood and / or body fluids from the patient or working environment. 

Type IIR - EN14683 masks are suitable for situations where exposure to blood and / or body fluids from the patient or working environment is at risk for the healthcare worker.

If we look at the requirements of other Medical Mask test standards.

How to make MASK Tests

Mask tests are carried out in special experimental devices with a certain pressure and air flow by simulating the human face according to the articles of the relevant standards.

In these tests, to measure bacterial filtration and viral filtration efficiency, they are made with certain powders and aerosols, no real bacteria or viruses are used. The passage of the virus or bacteria can be calculated by simulating the size. In addition, the control of the permeability of the blood, liquids and chemicals coming from outside through the mask to the other surface is simulated with hydrostatic test devices. Another issue is the breathability, the mask should provide breathability while performing all the protection activities, here air permeability test cabinets are used. If the reusability of the masks is required, their measurements are made in the microbial activity formed on the mask washed several times. In addition, flammability tests and conformity tests are performed on protective masks.

With our expert team and technological infrastructure in mask tests, we are pleased to provide accredited laboratory services to our valued customers.