With the tightening of the Corona rules, masks are once again coming into focus: FFP2 masks or surgical masks are now mandatory in some cases.
What you need to know.
To further contain the
Corona
* pandemic: In certain areas, medical
masks
are now
mandatory.
When choosing an
FFP2 mask, you
have to pay attention to more than most people think.
A test shows whether the
mask
really protects.
Kassel
masks
have become the norm in public spaces.
With the new
Corona
rules, it was
recently
decided that in some areas only certain medical
masks
may be worn.
But which ones are the right ones, where are the differences and how do I recognize them?
We have summarized what you need to know now.
Corona mask: new obligation in transport and supermarkets
At the federal-state conference on Tuesday (January 19, 2021), the obligation to wear medical
masks
in public transport and supermarkets was decided.
In contrast to the classic everyday masks made of fabric, these ensure better protection against the potentially
corona-
infectious aerosols.
Medical masks are primarily surgical masks and masks with protection class
FFP2
or higher.
We will explain below why these offer better protection and what the difference between the masks is.
Corona masks: type of infection important for choosing the right type
The so-called everyday
masks
made of fabric primarily protect against direct infection with the
corona virus
.
So before that with direct contact, when speaking, coughing or the like.
Here the corona virus can be absorbed through the direct ingestion of aerosols.
Designation: |
FFP2 |
Protective effect: |
At least 95 percent, dry or wet particles |
Application: |
Pandemic control, occupational safety |
What the fabric masks protect less from is the indirect path of infection.
In this case, the infection takes place through an increased viral load in the aerosols within a room.
However,
FFP2 masks
protect against this path
.
Put simply, fabric masks offer less self-protection than medical masks, said Christian Kähler, head of the Institute for Fluid Mechanics and Aerodynamics at the University of the Federal Armed Forces in Munich, opposite the Tagesspiegel.
The so-called surgical masks, however, offer less protection than the FFP2 masks.
It is important that these are worn tightly.
But even then, the protective effect does not come close to that of an FFP2 mask.
The distance of 1.5 meters must be strictly observed when wearing surgical masks.
+
In some federal states, the mask requirement has been tightened.
Medical masks are now partly mandatory.
But how do I recognize a good FFP2 mask?
(Symbol image)
© Fleig / Eibner-Pressefoto / Imago Images
FFP masks: The corona particles are stopped by electrification
FFP masks
come in three classes that filter differently.
The term FFP stands for "filtering face piece", in English "filtering face piece".
To combat the
corona pandemic
, only the top two categories are suitable, i.e. FFP2 and FFP3 masks.
The material of which FFP2 and FFP3 masks are made becomes electrically charged when you breathe in and out.
This causes aerosols to stick to the fabric.
The
masks
offer both a high level of protection for yourself and others.
In other countries the masks are called differently.
This is due to the different legal provisions.
Classes
KN95
and
N95
are comparable to the FFP2 class
.
The designation KN95 represents the Chinese designation, the masks in the United States of America (USA) are identified with N95.
Masks against Corona: FFP2 and Co. - How to recognize good masks
Customers can
see
the quality of
masks
from the certification.
In order to recognize a certified mask, these different criteria must be observed:
Certification mark:
"EN 149" - Indicates the test standard of the filter material.
Protection level:
FFP2 or FFP3 or KN95 or N95.
Safety
mark
:
A CE mark must also be present.
Identification of the institution:
The CE mark must be followed by a four-digit number - this indicates the institute that carried out the test.
Brand:
The manufacturer must also be recognizable on the mask.
Masks against corona: the right fit is crucial - this is how it can be checked
In order for the
mask
to provide the desired protective effect against
corona viruses
, it is important that the air does not come through the edge of the mask when you inhale and exhale.
To make sure that the
FFP2 mask fits
correctly, there is a simple
test
.
This is important in that the masks are available in different designs and shapes.
In order to guarantee a protective effect, the appropriate version must be selected here.
The
mask
must be
put
on to check the air flow
.
Then press the bracket firmly on the nose and the test can begin.
To do this, breathe in and out vigorously deeply.
The mask must contract when you breathe in.
When you breathe out, you should not feel any drafts around the edges of the mask.
If you can feel a draft, check the metal bracket on the nose again.
In some versions, the straps can also be adjusted.
If neither of these things lead to an improvement, a different make or shape must be selected.
With beards, facial hair can also mean that the protective effect against
corona viruses is
no longer given in the mask.
(Lucas Maier)
* hna.de is part of the nationwide Ippen-Digital editors network.
List of rubric lists: © Fleig / Eibner-Pressefoto / Imago Images
