RE: RMS14 Dec 2020 15:56
Type I, and Type I R face masks have a BFE (bacterial filtration efficiency) of 95%, whereas Type II and Type II R face masks have a BFE of 98%. The breathing resistance, and splash resistance for Type I R and Type II R masks, are exactly the same.
Type I, I R, II and II R face masks are medical masks tested in the direction of exhalation (inside to outside) and take into account the efficiency of bacterial filtration. Surgical masks of this type stop the wearer from infecting the surrounding environment. They are not effective at protecting the wearer from airbourne diseases such as coronavirus.
What is a Type II Face Mask?
Type II face masks (EN14683) are medical face masks made up of a protective 3 ply construction that prevents large particles from reaching the patient or working surfaces, however they are not effective when blood or bodily fluids are present.
Characteristics of Type II face masks include:
Pleat style with ear loops or ties
Protective three-layer construction
Available in a variety of colours and styles.
What is a Type IIR Face Mask?
Type IIR face masks EN14683 are medical face masks made up of a 4 ply construction that prevents large particles from reaching the patient or working surfaces. Type IIR Face masks include a splash resistant layer to protect against blood and other bodily fluids. Type IIR face masks are tested in the direction of exhalation (inside to outside) and take into account the efficiency of bacterial filtration.
Characteristics of Type IIR face masks include:
Pleat style with ear loops or ties
Protective four-layer construction
Available in a variety of colours and styles
Splash resistant layer against bodily fluids.
Type I, Type IR, Type II and Type IIR masks are for use in protecting others from the wearer transmitting infection.
Surgical masks are tested in an outgoing direction only because they don't form a seal to the face, given that normal surgical 3 ply masks are 98% efficient at what they do, what difference is this anti-viral layer going to make?
Nobody on here wants to talk about these specifics because they know it all starts to look like snake-oil sales.
The technology may be interesting the implementation is rushed and unfortunately I see the machine on order as a bit of a waste of time.