What is the Difference Between Face Masks

11/01/2021 Restock

Choosing the right type of face mask protection has never been more important. All the different standards, and certifications make it confusing. It is difficult to know which face mask will provide you the required level of protection without being overspecced, therefore avoiding unnecessary costs.

3 Important things to look for:

The level of fluid resistance (ASTM Level 1, 2 or 3)
Other Australian or Internationally Recognised Certifications such as Australian Standard (AS) 4381: 2015 or TGA (Therapeutic Goods Australia)
A reputable supplier who has experience in sourcing genuine certified and tested products.

Protectaware Level 3 Surgical masks are graded through ASTM (American Society for Testing and Materials), who publish technical standards for products, materials, and systems.

Furthermore, the Protectaware face masks are registered with TGA (Therapeutic Goods Australia) which is the regulatory body for therapeutic goods in Australia. It is a Division of the Australian Department of Health established under the Therapeutic Goods Act 1989.

If you are procuring for Frontline Healthcare workers or workers in areas of high-risk fluid exposure, look for masks which have the ASTM level printed on the box. It is also recommended that you source products that are approved by TGA like the Protectaware Face Masks. Look for the ARTG (Australian Therapeutic Goods Register) number and check the ARTG Register to check validity.

Level 1 - for low risk of fluid exposure
Level 2 - for moderate risk of fluid exposure
Level 3 - for high risk of fluid exposure

Testing Metrics:

(AS) 4381: 2015 Single use face masks - Characteristics of Level 1, Level 2 & Level 3 Face Masks
Levels	Level 1	Level 2	Level 3
Characteristics	Low Barrier Protection	Moderate Barrier Protection	Maximum Barrier Protection
Definition	Low barrier protection. general use for short procedures and exams that do not involve aerosols, sprays, or fluids. Materials evaluated for resistance to penetration by synthetic blood at minimum velocity	Moderate barrier protection: for low to moderate levels of aerosols, sprays and/or fluids. Materials evaluated for resistance to penetration by synthetic blood at the middle velocity.	Maximum barrier protection: for heavy levels of aerosols, sprays and/or fluids. Materials evaluated for resistance to penetration by synthetic blood at the maximum velocity.
Application	For general purpose medical procedures, where the wearer is not at risk of blood or bodily fluid splash or to protect staff and/or patient from droplet exposure to microorganisms (e.g., patient with upper respiratory tract infection visits General Practitioners	For use in emergency departments, dentistry, changing dressings on small wounds or healing wounds where minimal blood droplet exposure may possibly occur (e.g., endoscopy procedures)	For all surgical procedures, major trauma first aid or in any area where the healthcare worker is at risk of blood or body fluid splash (e.g., orthopaedic, cardiovascular procedures).
Bacterial Filtration Efficiency (BFE) %	≥ 95%	≥ 98%	≥ 98%
Differential Pressure (Delta P) Differential Pressure mm H2O/cm2	<4.0	<5.0	<5.0
Resistance to penetration by synthetic blood, minimum pressure in mmHg for pass result	80 mmHg	120 mmHg	120 mmHg
Source: Standard AS 4381:2015

Further important info:

Unacceptable practices:

Using one mask for more than one person.
Using one mask for more than 2 hours.
Resterilising masks. Steam sterilising would alter the charge on the microfibers that are responsible for particle filtration, cause degradation of the mask straps, render the splash protection useless, and cause parts of the mask to disintegrate or melt, and release some toxic vapours.
Using a cloth (e.g., cotton or gauze) mask. These have poor filtration (no bacterial filtration or particle filtration), no splash protection and no resistance to fluids from the user coming through.
Using a face-shield with no mask.

Face Masks, Surgical Masks

What is the Difference Between Face Masks

3 Important things to look for:

Testing Metrics:

Unacceptable practices:

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