The best respirators and medical masks for viruses for 2020

Antivirus masks protect against viruses and bacteria, dust and smoke, and some are suitable for protecting against coronavirus. Currently, there is a shortage, but the supply situation could change for the better at any moment. Therefore, the editors of the site "bestx.htgetrid.com/en/" have prepared for you a rating of the best respirators and medical masks for viruses for 2020. Look below what the models are, what are the filtering capabilities, carefully study what to look for and choose the right product.

Types of masks and respirators

Masks and respirators have different functions and categories depending on the place of use (dusty environment, high levels of gas, etc.).

Surgical models are medical devices designed to protect patients in special situations such as surgery, but they do not guard the doctor or nurse who uses them because they do not have a face sealing lip and filter system. The requirements for such masks are standardized by GOST R 58396-2019.

Respirators are regulated by GOST 12.4.294-2015, according to which they are systematized into three FFP classes, the abbreviation of which means "filtering face mask". They are composed of materials that guarantee effective filtration. Their use is mandatory in working conditions with high concentrations of dust, smoke, aerosols, viruses, and other particles that are harmful to health.

The classification is the same in all countries of the world: FFP1, FFP2 and FFP3.

As a general rule, all masks and respirators are disposable (unless otherwise specified by the manufacturer). Once removed, they must be discarded safely.

Class characteristics

FFP1 protects against non-fibrogenic dust. This type of dust is harmful to health as it irritates the respiratory tract. This is the weakest level of protection. Suitable for renovation, construction work, cleaning. Inexpensive products cost 30-80 rubles.

FFP2 protects against the more aggressive fibrogenic dust that scars in the lung tissue rather than simply irritating the respiratory system. Protects from more elements, including viruses and bacteria, smoke, vapors and aerosols. These are the most popular models in different industries, they protect against most harmful substances.

The types of dust, fibrogenic or not, depend on the percentage of the toxic component. The separation is not completely clear, since there are substances that have an intermediate effect.

FFP3 offers stronger screening. Rescue from aggressive aerosols, dust, smoke, vapors, various pathogenic agents, bacteria, fungal spores, viruses. For example, it can be worn when painting a car. At enterprises with a high degree of pollution, such respirators are issued free of charge.

The second and third classes (FFP2 and FFP3) protect against substances most hazardous to health, including those recommended during epidemics.

FFP2 guarantees a filtration capacity of at least 89% in accordance with GOST. FFP3 has better filters, protection rate according to Russian rules 95%. Foreign standards are 92 and 98%, respectively.

Also important is the MPC (maximum permissible concentration) of pollution. For FFP1, this figure is 4, FFP2 - 12, FFP3 - 50.

With or without valve

Anti-virus masks and respirators can be fitted with a valve. The valve provides greater comfort, prevents condensation from forming inside the mask, which eliminates fogging. Whether it is worth choosing a mask with a valve depends on the type of work performed, the time of wearing and the intensity of air pollution. For example, if you need to complete a work shift, a valve is needed.

Reusable with filters

Expensive models can be equipped with removable filters. The plus is that only the filter changes, and the base of the mask lasts for a long time. With frequent use, the savings are substantial. In addition, they are suitable for the “dirtiest” jobs, for example, with radioactive substances. It is not advisable to purchase such specimens for protection during seasonal flu outbreaks.

Thus, the selection criteria are correlated with specific personal needs.

The quality of protection depends more on the tightness of the mask. The most budgetary, but tight-fitting models will protect better than the expensive ones that are not sized. In addition, it is important to understand that masks and respirators are useless if worn incorrectly.

Terms of use

Any masks, filtered or not, protect the wearer from infection due to their design, structure, materials and filters used, but they must be used properly. In particular, they should be well placed on the nose, tied tight and placed snugly on the face and chin.

All masks and respirators are usually disposable unless otherwise specified by the manufacturer. They cannot be disinfected, washed or reused. This increases the risk of virus contamination as cleaning operations destroy the filter layers.

When to change masks: According to the manufacturer's instructions and when wet. It is recommended to shoot from the back without touching the front. Disposable, after removal, are carefully placed in a sealed bag and discarded. Reusable are disinfected, tips and rules on how to proceed are always present on the package or in the insert.

Masks and respirators are effective only in combination with other preventive measures: hand washing, distancing, handling objects, etc.

Against coronavirus

Recommendations are changing rapidly, depending on the current epidemiological situation and the level of research into the behavior of the virus. At first, the prevailing opinion was that masks are only for those who are sick, in order to avoid the spread of infection into the environment. Then the directive changed: masks are needed, everyone should wear them when they can. Where is the truth? What are the best masks against COVID-19? Do they all protect themselves and others equally?

As described above, not all masks are created equal. Surgical ones are certainly useful for blocking the virus suspended in the air from droplets of saliva thrown out with sneezing and coughing, but they are not enough to guarantee complete safety for those who want or need to protect themselves from the coronavirus. Unfortunately, in case of an epidemic, it is necessary to wear more expensive masks, class FFP2 or FFP3. Only they guarantee safety for themselves and others, when used correctly. But any other model, even one made by yourself, can reduce the risk of infection. These are the professional views for April 2020. At the same time, according to doctors, valve masks are not recommended for sick patients, since they do not stop the spread of infection.

The best respirators and medical masks for viruses for 2020 without protection classes

SAFETY with charcoal filter

Procedural masks-respirators, consisting of six layers, disposable, non-sterile. The box contains 25 pieces individually wrapped. Protect against infections, dust, suspended particles. Innovative solutions: carbon filter, ultrasonic welding of components, latest generation technological materials with high barrier properties spunbond and meltblown. The design of the nose section and the elastic bands make it suitable for most male and female sizes and all face shapes.

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Saraya

Thin classic disposable treatment masks, three-layer. Packed in 30 and 50 pieces. It is important to change such simple models often, every couple of hours, strictly observing the rules of use. Modern spandbond fabric not only saves from viruses and bacteria, but also eliminates allergic reactions. Despite the presence of a nose clip, some users still have gaps in their cheeks. This reduces the protective properties, but it must be understood that masks are used for different purposes, the model creates a minimum barrier. In addition, the delicate fabric does not irritate and is not felt on the face.

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Barrier reef

The design of the model is similar to the previous one: it is not suitable for everyone, a loose fit is possible, despite the fact that it is positioned as anatomical. The size from the bridge of the nose to the chin is 14 cm. The shape is classic, with a nose fixture. Equipped with a valve. Spunbond polymer material is suitable for the most sensitive skin. The box contains three pieces, each of three layers, disposable, non-sterile. The manufacturer indicates that these are new items, their strong point is the extended wear period, the efficiency is up to 8 hours.

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Masks and respirators marked with protection class

FFP1-class

DEXX 11101

The model is suitable for industrial use, and also helps out in everyday life. Non-sterile, disposable. The first class of protection is the lowest, but even this is enough to safely be in an environment with a fourfold excess of harmful substances. The respirator blocks 80% of hazardous impurities that enter the body through breathing. The shape is flat, folds easily. The cut provides a dart for the nose, due to which the respirator "sits" tightly on the face. Sold by the piece.

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STAYER 11112

The respirator is designed for workers in production, for household repairs and other work. Perfectly adapts to the face, effectively filters dust, protects the respiratory system. Retains harmful solids and liquids in accordance with the declared first class of protection. Lightweight, soft, wearable piece. Disposable, non-sterile, one piece per package.

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Sibrtech 89246

Practical gray half mask with breather valve. Easy to use, filtering correctly. Protects against harmful impurities up to the fourth MAC level, which meets the requirements for class FFP1. The cut is adapted to prevent contaminated air from entering. The ties do not press on the ears. Disposable, however, there are reviews on the Internet that it does not deform during washing and does not lose filtering characteristics, so it can be used a second time. Such a violation of the rules is permissible as a last resort.

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FFP2-class

3M 8122

The manufacturer's description classifies the respirator as personal protective equipment for the respiratory system during construction and repair.The class assigned to the model prevents the negative impact of harmful substances with a concentration within 12 MPC, and also prevents infection with all viruses known today, including working against coronavirus. The popularity of 3M brand models is due to the convenient shape. The nose clip is elastic, guarantees a snug but comfortable fit, it is convenient to work with glasses. Disposable items, non-sterile, last up to 8 hours, 10 pieces in a box.

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ZUBR Expert 11162

The respirator is made in strict accordance with the requirements of GOST. Protects from aerosols and dust, from small particles of various origins, from viruses and bacteria, including COVID-19. It is applicable in all industries where protection at the FFP2 level is required, like another popular Bison Master model. According to buyers, the strong side of the brand is the ribbons, they are securely attached to the base, conveniently adjust the fit, do not put pressure on the head. The nose clip also contributes to a comfortable wearing for several hours. Non-sterile, dressable once, sold per piece.

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REMIX 6172

Disposable respiratory protection. Allows you to safely be in an environment with an excess of harmful substances twelve times. The model is equipped with a breathing valve and a filter. Reduces the risk of inhaling gas, aerosols, odors, pollen, smoke, dust and other particles. Protects against coronavirus. Suitable for hospitals, schools, travel, cleaning, painting, construction work and many other activities. Convenient cup cut. Excellent permeability and soft texture are suitable for comfortable wearing. Cover your nose and mouth securely. A choice of practical colors: black and white. Sold in sets of 15.

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FFP3-class

3M Aura 9332+

Powerful filtering half mask. Protects health as much as possible, FFP3 is not afraid of even strong pollution, up to fifty times the limits of permissible harmful concentrations. It is also effective to protect against coronavirus. Retains 99% of substances hazardous to breathing, while breathing is easy thanks to the valve. Glasses do not fog up. The cut of the upper part also contributes to this. Head straps and nose clips are adjustable to fit your face. It is embarrassing that the ties are attached to the base with a stationery stapler, but since the respirator is designed for a single use, the ribbons withstand.

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YULIA 319

Easy to use respirator, with adequate filtration, upper third class. Protects against aerosols, dust, pollen, polluted air, viruses and bacteria, including COVID-19. Made from moisture resistant, non-toxic, non-irritating modern material. A single use is recommended, up to eight hours. Distributed piece by piece. Customer reviews are very good: soft, breathable, comfortable to wear. The ties are adjustable in length, it is easy to choose a comfortable fit, when it does not press, but also leaves no gaps. Sold by the piece.

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Reusable masks and respirators

ISTOK 400 (RU-60M) A1V1R1 with filters

The product passport contains a guarantee of protection in the range of 15-20 MPC, which means that it will prevent the penetration of most types of harmful agents into the respiratory system, including coronavirus. The base hermetically seals the nose, mouth and chin, and is securely fixed on the head.Filter life depends on a number of factors, such as the type and concentration of air pollutants, the user's breathing rate, ambient temperature and humidity.

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3M 6300

This model is not equipped with filters. The base mask is used many times. It is possible to purchase filters corresponding to any protection class. FFP2 or FFP3 are attached depending on personal needs. According to reviews, many brands of filters are suitable. Consumers also like the size gradation. The review shows that not all mask manufacturers share their products according to the size of their faces, although this greatly facilitates the choice and increases the effectiveness of protection.

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Conclusion

Not all masks and respirators are created equal. There are different types with characteristics suitable for respiratory protection against a variety of chemical and biological threats.

However, no mask serves to stop harmful effects if worn incorrectly, because it becomes useless. Therefore, it is important to follow the manufacturer's instructions.

If you have experience using the models included in the TOP, share your opinion in the comments. As well as links where to buy or order online. In a pandemic situation, many will be grateful for the information.