Want protection? Get a FFP3 Mask!

[Me2AsWell]

This seems to me to be really important news for CLLers ... an option to get out of our self-enforced jails?

Are these substantially different to NP95 masks ?

bbc.com/news/health-57636360

[bennevisplace]

FFP3 and FFP2 respirators (technical term for a mask designed to protect the wearer) are the European standard equivalents of the US standard N99 and N95 respectively. See cdc.gov/niosh/npptl/topics/.... FFPs may be easier to obtain in the UK. While FFP3 is theoretically better than FFP2, the most important thing is the fit. I'm currently using a disposable FFP2 made in Germany by HARD GmbH, sold in packs of 20 online, which will adjust to the contours of most faces.

If the right size and worn correctly, these masks are substantially better than "surgical" masks at protecting the wearer from inhaling airborne virus particles. Which is exactly what has been going on in buildings everywhere, as the BBC report indicates. On several hospital visits since the pandemic I only ever saw staff wearing the flimsy "surgical" masks, which to me is like going into battle wearing a suit of armour made of paper mache. C*ap for carers (insert your preferred consonant).

[ChristyAnne_UK in reply to bennevisplace]

On the rare occasion I venture into situations where I’d need one, I have been working my way through a pack of 5 x FFP2s from Boots, but they’re single use and £10/pack, so I’d be interested in the packs you’re buying. Care to share details? Please. 😊

[bennevisplace in reply to ChristyAnne_UK]

Here's where I bought them smile.amazon.co.uk/HARD-FFP... although I bought the slightly more expensive individually wrapped version, no longer sold on Zon. These are the same mask. I suggest enclosing each in a re-sealable sandwich/ freezer bag before taking it on tour.

BTW this mask is lightweight and very breathable.

[ChristyAnne_UK in reply to bennevisplace]

I will take a look! Thank you. I like the resealable sandwich/freezer bag suggestion.

[Psmithuk in reply to bennevisplace]

When I looked earlier I couldn’t see any reusable ones, and I hate using single use plastic if it can be avoided. Do you know of any (reasonably priced) FFP 2/3 reusable masks?Cx

[bennevisplace in reply to Psmithuk]

argoindustries.co.uk/produc...

In practice you can reuse disposable masks a few times if like me you only wear them occasionally and carefully and for short periods. You can recondition them, hand wash, air dry, and make sure the straps are still elastic.

[mrsjsmith in reply to bennevisplace]

Just had a look at your link and I am afraid I have several different types of masks bought over the last year and I found the ones with the adjustable loops and toggle difficult to wear and uncomfortable. Current favourite is from Lloyd’s Pharmacy. I found the ones from Boots had a strange smell. Sadly I don’t think wearing them is doing the bags under the eyes much good 🙄

Colette

[bennevisplace in reply to mrsjsmith]

Oh dear sorry. Well, carry on googling 😏

[Psmithuk in reply to bennevisplace]

Thank you very much for the link - ordering some!Chrisx

[mrsjsmith]

Yes they are far more expensive. The Cambridge test was to see how it stopped nursing staff on covid wards from catching it. I am using the FFP2 and they are a good fit. Colette

[lankisterguy Volunteer]

I agree with bennevisplace and mrsjsmith - that getting a good fit is the most important factor for protecting me from other people's exhaled droplets & dried particles. -

In thinking about which mask to use, I suggest we all consider who we are protecting. If wearing masks is primarily to protect other people from our exhaled droplets then a surgical mask is doing what it was designed to do (protect the surgical patient from bacteria exhaled by the surgical team). Fit is poor, but it probably catches most droplets by impact - absorbing them.

-

If I am wearing a mask to protect me, I want at least an N95 / FFP2 that fits tightly. Masks with head bands and a cup under the chin - to hold the mask in place, fit my face better than anything that folds and has ear loops.

-

If no one else is wearing a mask, and I expect to be wearing mine for an hour or more, then I want a well fitted mask with an exhaust valve like this UK version: amazon.co.uk/3M-Aura-Dispos...

Or the US version: smile.amazon.com/gp/product...

-

Len

[Bar68 in reply to lankisterguy]

Thanks, Len!

[cllady01 Former Volunteer]

I am wearing a K-N95 mask with no valves. The fit is like the N95, cups the chin and I have a smaller face that other masks just do not fit tightly around.

See the following CDC site about masks:

cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-nc...

[Jonquiljo]

I just know what to get in the USA and where to get it. An n95 is good enough and real ones are not cheap anyway. KN95's are to a Chinese standard and not close to the US N95 standard.

The best mask with the best fit is the 3M 9205+ "Aura". They come individually wrapped and are generally not counterfeited. It's best to get them now before governments realize they need to reverse masking requirements (boy - are they dumb!)

The best place to get them is eBay (at least in USA). Find a seller with lots of sales. If % of feedback is high (97% or higher) they tend to be safe). I've seen 20 masks for about $40-45 USD. Masks are plentiful - especially 9205+ Auras. They can be re-used like other N95's.

Do not get the valved masks as the exhalation valve will not protect those around you. It only makes it easier for you to breathe. Many places that require masks will throw you out if you have a valved mask on.

Good luck and get them while you can. I think masks are going to come back by the end of summer. When they do - they will cost a fortune and be impossible to find.

[Phil4-13 in reply to Jonquiljo]

🙁 I, too, believe masks will come back to some degree. I am grateful we have the masks and the medical research at this time. Can you imagine the horror if we didn’t? It’s been horrific to read the sadness happening around the world. No complaining from me, only hope in the future because of all the people working to beat this virus. 🙂 Sandra

[DanNordholm]

This, according to one of the leading industrial hygienists and PPE experts in the US, Kristen Meghan:

“FFP3s have higher Protection/Fit factors, but still are not capable of handling aerosols. Respirators that seal are how to protect. Also requires fit test, med approval, and clean shaved. Leaks happen not just through the filtering layers, but the non sealed areas.”