Face Masks for Adults and Children for Sale Online
A medical-grade face mask is a simple, low-cost, effective tool to curb the spread of pathogens. Since the coronavirus pandemic began, the usually light blue or white masks are being worn not only by medical staff but increasingly by private individuals as well. Our online shop offers high-quality, certified protective face masks for adults and children.
Face masks: features and function
Face masks (also called protective masks or surgical masks) are disposable face masks, usually made of three-layer polypropylene (PP) non-woven fibre. An elastic band fits around the ears to keep the mask in place. Many models feature a flexible metal nose clip so the mask can be further customised for a better fit. This is important to ensure as little exhaled air as possible escapes through the sides.
Face masks, including medical-grade face masks, primarily serve to protect other people from infectious droplets the wearer releases when talking, sneezing or coughing. To a limited extent, face masks also protect wearers themselves. The right quality face mask will retain splashes of bodily fluids that hit the mask from outside. But because face masks do not form a tight seal on the sides, they do not protect against aerosols in the air we breathe.
There are different kinds of face masks available:
- Community masks: they also protect others. Unlike disposable masks, they are largely made of cotton fabric, are washable and reusable.
- FFP protective masks (particle filtering half masks): these masks create a tight seal and protect the wearer from pathogens or harmful substances in the air we breathe.
Community masks for adults and children and FFP protective masks are all available in our online shop.
Legal requirements for face masks
Medical-grade face masks are subject to the EU Medical Devices Directive (93/42/EEC) and must comply with the EN 14683 European standard to be permitted on the market. Certified products are labelled with the CE mark. According to EN 14683, there are three categories of face mask, depending on their filtration capacity:
- Type I filters at least 95 per cent of bacteria.
- Type II filters at least 98 per cent of bacteria.
- Type IIR also filters at least 98 per cent of bacteria. In addition, the product must protect against splashes up to a spray pressure of 16 kPa (kilopascals).
Please note: Filtration capacity refers only to the product’s non-woven fibre material. But because masks do not form a completely tight seal, particulate matter can still pass around the sides and be inhaled.
What kind of face mask is best?
Face masks for private individuals
Face masks in public spaces are an effective tool to protect others from droplets containing pathogens. Experts are currently recommending they be worn anywhere people gather in enclosed spaces, especially indoors, such as public transport, schools and offices. It may also make sense to wear a face mask outdoors when people gather in a crowd. EN 14683 Type I masks are sufficient. Alternatively, reusable community masks can also be worn. These are also available for purchase in our online shop.
Medical-grade face masks
In public health, a face mask is considered a medical product as well as part of personal protective equipment (PPE). Type II or IIR protective masks in conformity with EN 14683 are generally suitable. Face masks primarily serve to protect patients against infectious droplets exhaled by staff. This is especially important during surgical operations and when treating wounds. To a limited extent, face masks also protect wearers themselves by catching splashes of blood and other bodily fluids. A Type IIR mask is best for these kinds of applications.
Simple surgical masks are not sufficient, however, if there is an increased risk of infection. When treating infectious patients, an FFP protective mask (particle filtering half mask) is required as personal protective equipment (PPE). We stock certified protective class 2 and 3 FFP face masks in our online shop.
What to bear in mind when wearing a face mask
Face masks only do their job when worn properly.
- Tight fit: the face mask should cover the nose and mouth well and fit tightly on the face to prevent as little respiratory air from leaking at the edges as possible. This is also important for those who wear glasses to ensure they do not fog up so easily.
- Face masks for children: because conventional products are only suitable for adults due to their size, we offer smaller masks designed specially for children.
- Do not touch masks with your fingers: our hands often have a lot of germs on them. As such, you should only touch your face mask by its straps if possible. If wearers touch the inside of the mask, they may inhale pathogens themselves. If they touch the outside of the mask, germs are distributed into the air around them, putting others at risk.
- Change out damp masks for fresh ones: surgical masks are disposable products. Face masks should be changed out for fresh ones at the latest when they become damp from breathing. At that point, they no longer offer sufficient protection.
Order affordable face masks for adults and children online
Our online shop offers medical-grade face masks for adults and children, all EN 14683 and CE certified. You can also find community masks and personal protective equipment (PPE) for medical staff. We’re happy to advise you on new products, services and other offers. Simply register on our portal to receive our newsletter straight to your inbox.