Masks

Choose based on what's in the air

For dust and particles, work with the FFP classes according to EN 149: FFP1 blocks about 80 percent and is intended for coarse, non-toxic dust; FFP2 about 94 percent, suitable for wood and metal dust; FFP3 about 99 percent, needed for silica dust and other harmful substances. Not sure whether you need FFP2 or FFP3? Read the full comparison in our article FFP2 vs FFP3. If it involves solvents, paint fumes or gases, a dust mask won't help and you need a half-mask with the right gas filter, identifiable by the letter and color code on the filter.

Fit matters more than class

An FFP3 mask that leaks along your cheek protects less than a well-sealed FFP2 mask. Bend the nose clip properly, check the seal with the palm test, and keep in mind that a beard or stubble makes a proper seal impossible. If you combine the mask with safety glasses, choose a version with anti-fog coating, since exhaled air escaping past the mask fogs up the glasses.

Frequently asked questions

Which dust mask do I need?

That depends on the substance. FFP1 is intended for coarse, non-toxic dust, FFP2 for wood and metal dust, and FFP3 for harmful substances such as silica dust. For gases and vapors, a dust mask won't help and you need a half-mask with the right gas filter.

How long can I use a disposable mask?

An FFP mask is intended for a single work shift and is discarded afterward. Replace it sooner as soon as breathing becomes harder, the mask is damp or deformed, or you've taken it off in a contaminated environment. A mask with an exhalation valve breathes more comfortably but doesn't protect others from your exhaled air.

Does respiratory protection work with a beard?

Barely. Hair growth where the mask edge seals lets air past the filter, and then the filter class no longer matters. Anyone with a beard who still needs protection can switch to a powered system with a hood or helmet, which doesn't need to seal against the skin.

What do NR, R and D mean on an FFP mask?

NR means non-reusable: the mask is intended for a maximum of one work shift. R stands for reusable, so you can use the mask again after cleaning. A D indicates that the mask has passed the dolomite clogging test according to EN 149. Such a mask remains comfortable to breathe through for longer in a very dusty environment, because the filter clogs up less quickly.

When should you replace the filter of a half mask?

Replace a gas filter immediately if you smell or taste the substance through the mask, as the filter is then saturated. Replace a particle filter as soon as breathing becomes noticeably harder or the filter is damaged. In addition, observe the maximum use time after opening stated by the manufacturer on the packaging, and store opened filters airtight between uses.

Is your question not listed? Ask our specialists.

Choose based on what's in the air

Fit matters more than class

Frequently asked questions

Welcome