FFP3 Face Mask

What are FFP3 Face Masks?

FFP3 face masks, also known as N99 masks, are form of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), which filter up to 99% of particles from the air. They provide protection to the wearer from viruses, bacteria and other harmful particles in the air. FFP3 masks provide the same amount of protection as each other, but have different names depending on where they have been made. These masks are commonly used by those working in the healthcare industry and are now being used by the general public to provide a higher level of protection than other masks. The “N” in N99 stands for “not resistant to oil”, and “FFP” stands for “Filtering Face Piece”. These PPE face masks are resistant to fluid and have been approved by the World Health Organisation for preventing the transmission of COVID-19.

Click here to see reviews of our FFP3 masks. 

What is the FFP3 mask protection level?

FFP3 masks have a filtration rate of up to 99% and have 5 layers of protection. They are more effective than other respirators such as N95, FFP2, FFP1 and surgical masks. Whilst many healthcare professionals use FFP3 masks, our masks are not intended for use by medical professionals. 

How do I use an FFP3 face mask?

FFP3 respirators cover the mouth and nose area. They have two elastic headbands which go over the head, or the ears to keep the mask securely in place. They are fitted with a metal strip which can be adjusted to secure a tight fit around the bridge of the nose, preventing air from entering through the sides of the mask. Please contact us if you require a specific type of mask.

Are FFP3 masks reusable?

FFP3 masks are not usually reusable and should be disposed of after one-time use. Most respirators will be marked with the letters “NR”, which stands for “Not Reusable”. This is because infectious particles are not visible to the naked eye, and it is not possible to tell if your respirator is contaminated. If you wish to reuse your face mask, you should look to purchase reusable face masks.

If you wish to reuse your face mask, there are a few points to consider:

• Whether the mask has been contaminated
• Whether you have made close contact with anyone who may be infected with a contagious disease whilst wearing your mask
• Used face masks should be hung in a specified storage area, or kept in a breathable container between uses, such as a paper bag
• Clean your hands with soap and water, or an alcohol-based sanitiser before and after touching your mask
• You should not make contact with the inside of the respirator. If this accidentally happens, dispose of the mask safely and wash your hands with soap and water or an alcohol-based sanitiser
• Use a clean pair of gloves to put on and secure your face mask. Once you have put it on and it is comfortable, safely dispose of the gloves

Are FFP3 masks washable?

FFP3 masks are not washable. High heat and certain liquids can destroy the structure of the mask, making them ineffective. If your respirator becomes infected, you should discard it and use a new one.

How do FFP3 face masks work?

FFP3 respirators are made of fine tangled fibres, creating a difficult path for small particles to travel through. This structure leads to particles being caught by the fibres, so they are unable to reach the mouth and nose. For a face masks to be effective, these pathways cannot be too small as they would make it difficult to breathe. At the same time, they cannot be too big, as this would allow all particles to pass through. These masks also exhibit electrostatic absorption, which is where electrostatic charges attract very small particles to the fibres of the mask. FFP3 masks are also fluid resistant, so fluid will not absorb through the mask, offering a high level of protection. FFP3 masks are designed in a way to allow the user to breathe, whilst providing a high level of protection from airborne viruses, such as coronavirus.

Do FFP3 masks protect against Coronavirus?

FFP3 masks offer a high level of protection against bacteria and viruses. These masks can filter particles as small as 0.3 microns. Although some virus particles are small than 0.3 microns, FFP3 respirators are still able to protect the user. This is because the particles are so small, that they pinball against other particles in the air. This makes it easy for the filters on the mask to capture smaller sized particles. It is also very rare for naked virus particles to be present in the air. They are usually attached to liquid from coughs and sneezes, which is easy for FFP3 masks to capture. 

How long can you use an FFP3 Mask for?

You can use these respirators for up to 8 hours. However, if you remove your mask or suspect that it has become contaminated, you should discard the respirator and use a new one.

What is an FFP3 mask with a valve?

FFP3 masks with a valve contain a small plastic structure, which allows small amounts of air to be released, without allowing any air into the mask. These masks provide protection to the user but offer limited protection to those around them. These masks are predominantly for use by those with breathing difficulties, such as asthma, COPD and cystic fibrosis.

What is the difference between N95 / FFP2 masks and N99 / FFP3 masks?

There is no difference between N99 and FFP3 masks, as they both offer the same level of protection. The difference in name is due to different codes depending on the country in which the masks were manufactured. N99 equates to FFP3 in the same way the N95 equates to FFP2. The difference between FFP1, FFP2 (N95) and FFP3 (N99) respirators are the number of particles which they filter. N99 respirators filter up to 99% of particles, providing the highest level of protection, followed by N95 or FFP2 masks, which filter up to 95% of airborne particles, and FFP1 masks, which filter around 80% of particles.

To find out more information, you can read our article about the difference between FFP3 (N99) masks and FFP2 (N95) masks.

Can children wear these masks?

These masks are not designed to fit the face of a child. If you wish to purchase a face mask for a child, you should look for specific children's face masks.

Should I use a mask with a headband, or an ear loop?

Masks with headbands generally provide a tighter and more secure fit. They form a seal around the face, minimising the chances of your mouth and noses from coming into contact with airborne particles.

What is a duckbill FFP3 mask?

A duckbill FFP3 or N99 mask resembles the shape of a duck’s beak. They offer the same level of protection as the standard flat folded mask; except they cover a wider surface area of the face. These masks offer a good fit for those with a larger face size.

FFP3 face mask fitting

To ensure maximum protection, you should ensure that you wear the FFP3 respirator correctly. This is to avoid cross contamination, and to ensure that there are minimal gaps to reduce the risk of infection. You can see “how to wear an FFP3 mask” under our instructions tab.

What are the NHS guidelines on FFP3 masks?

UK Guidelines state that FFP3 masks are the recommended masks for use by NHS professionals, who are at medium to high risk. These respirators are predominantly used by staff who work in hospitals, such as nurses and doctors. This is because they offer the highest level of protection to the wearer. Research suggest that if worn correctly, FFP3’s can provide up to 100% protection.

Where can I buy FFP3 face masks from?

To ensure maximum protection, you should ensure that you wear the FFP3 respirator correctly. This is to avoid cross contamination, and to ensure that there are minimal gaps to reduce the risk of infection. You can see “how to wear an FFP3 mask” under our instructions tab. If you are an organisation, you may wish to train staff on the correct face mask fitting method.