FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT FFP1, FFP2 AND FFP3 RESPIRATORS

FFP stands for “Filtering Facepiece”. The number 1 to 3 describes the protection level of the respiratory mask. The higher the number, the more efficiently the mask filters particles such as dust or airborne liquid particles from the air.. For this reason, FFP3 respiratory masks may be used against more harmful substances and at higher concentrations than FFP1 and FFP2 respiratory masks.

Detailed information about FFP protection levels can be found here. 

FFP1, FFP2 and FFP3 masks protect from fine airborne pollutants such as dust and aerosols or - in the case of FFP3 masks – also viruses. These masks are made of high-quality filter material and fit closely to the face in order to achieve the high filter performance necessary. Certified FFP masks are considered personal protective equipment (PPE) and meet the requirements of the European Standard for FFP’s EN 149. Masks without an exhalation valve can also prevent the wearer from spreading exhaled droplets and saliva. Some FFP masks without a valve are therefore additionally tested and approved as medical products according to EN 14683.

Surgical masks primarily prevent the wearer from spreading droplets and saliva when exhaling. The masks themselves offer protection against liquid splashes such as blood, but not from fine aerosols. The medical products, also known as surgical masks, are tested and approved according to EN 14683.

The UK Government and NHS leaders recommends FFP3 respirators for the treatment and care of patients with a coronavirus SARS-CoV-2 infection.

The Health & Safety Executive (HSE) offers guidance and advice on the use of Respiratory Protective Equipment (RPE) in the workplace.

You can find further information about respiratory protection against the Coronavirus here.

Moldex does not offer direct sales. Our products can be bought in specialist shops.

The European safety standard EN 149 provides for two types of FFP respirators:

• FFP masks labelled "NR" (non reusable) are intended for single use for an 8-hour shift.
• FFP masks labelled "R" (reusable) can be reused. They have a sealing lip that can be cleaned and disinfected.

Important: When handling radioactive and airborne biological agents (including the Coronavirus SARS-CoV-2), FFP respiratory masks may only be used once or for a maximum of one work shift, irrespective of the labelling.
The UK Government do not recommend the use of FFP masks or surgical masks within the workplace. More information on working safely during Coronavirus can be found here(external link).

Moldex FFP respirators have a shelf life of 5 years from the date of production. This applies to unused products in their original packaging that have been stored in accordance with our specifications for humidity and temperature. This information and the use by date can be found on the product packaging.

If the long shelf life of our high-performance filters has been exceeded, the FFP respirators must no longer be used, as the filter performance can deteriorate over time.

The price for our high quality FFP respirators, which are all manufactured in Europe, depends on factors such as design, protection level and order quantity.

The retail price for our FFP2 basic model with valve, the classic 2405, should not exceed £5.

We distance ourselves from retailers who sell FFP respirators at greatly inflated prices due to the coronavirus pandemic.

For FFP respirators to work effectively,  they must be put on and used in accordance with the enclosed user instructions. When putting FFP masks on, it is important, among other things, that the straps are in the correct position and that the respirator fits securely against the face.

All Moldex FFP masks have been designed so that application is simple and largely self-explanatory. The flexible 3D design automatically adapts to the shape of the face, so a metal nose clip is not necessary.

You can find additional product information films on the  MoldexEurope YouTube Channel (external link).

Moldex FFP masks feature an anatomical ActivForm^® 3D design that flexibly adapts to facial contours and movements. This enables a comfortable seal without the need to manually adjusting a metal nosepiece.
These easy to use masks minimise user errors. The 100% metal-free design allows for trouble-free handling of medical equipment such as X-ray or CT/MRI.

An Exhalation valve allow the warm and humid exhaled air to escape directly from the respirator. This ensures a more pleasant climate inside the mask. The valve remains tightly closed during inhalation. Since an exhalation valve releases the exhaled air of the wearer into the environment unfiltered, masks with a valve only protect the wearer themselves and not their surroundings.

FFP1, FFP2 and FFP3 respirators must meet the test requirements of the European Standard (EN) 149:2001+A1:2009. If all test criteria, such as filter performance and the fit of the mask are met, the respirator can be certified in accordance with EU Regulation (EU)2016/425.

The following points are to be met by certified FFP1, FFP2 and FFP3 respirators:   

• The following information is printed on the product: the CE mark with the four-digit identification number of the certification body, the FFP protection level, the EN standard, the manufacturer's name and the product number
• The product packaging contains a declaration of conformity by the manufacturer or a link to a corresponding online version.
• The manufacturer can present an EU type examination certificate on request.

Unlike most other manufacturers, Moldex develops and produces all FFP respirators at its own locations in Europe. This allows us to quickly turn ideas into new products which has a direct influence on the quality of our products.

Advantages of Moldex FFP masks:

• Reliable tight fit thanks to flexible 3D design
• Easy breathing due to Moldex high-performance filter
• Various features for a comfortable fit
• Fair price performance ratio
• Easy and safe to use

Learn more about the quality features of FFP respirators.