When choosing a mask, what are the main points you look at? Is it the availability in bulk, or is it the price? One of the most important points when choosing a face mask is to ensure that you are getting the right type of mask for your application. Otherwise, you cannot ensure the highest level of protection and safety.

The disposable surgical face masks of the highest quality are usually graded through ASTM. But some masks are not graded and are usually made by manufacturers which are not so reputable. That’s why it is important to ensure that you buy an appropriate level of face mask to ensure that there is minimal risk and maximum level of protection at your workplace. 

What do Face Mask Levels mean?

After careful evaluation of a number of different standards, the masks are rated using numbers such as 1, 2, and 3. Each number represents the level of performance and protection you can expect from the mask.

Here are the exact meaning of different numbers for the face masks:

Level 1: The level 1 mask offers a minimum level of protection. It cannot be used for protection against fluids, sprays, or aerosols. You can only use the level 1 masks for general use.

Level 2: The level 2 mask offers a moderate level of protection against fluids, aerosols, and sprays. The protection level offered by level 2 is slightly better than level 1, but it still doesn’t offer complete protection.

Level 3: The level 3 face masks provide the maximum level of protection and can handle a high risk of fluids, sprays, and aerosols. If you are looking to get the best possible protection, then choose the level 3 face masks.

How are Face Mask Levels evaluated?

A number of tests are conducted on the masks to evaluate their respective levels. Some of the tests include breathability, fluid resistance, bacterial filtration, and so on.

Breathability 

What’s the point of a face mask if you can’t even breathe properly? That’s why the face masks that offer a minimum level of resistance against breathing are given a high rating level because it provides a better comfort level for the users.

Bacterial Filtration

A higher level is assigned to a mask if it can effectively filter bacteria larger than the 3 microns size. If a mask fails to filter the bacteria, it will receive a low level.

Fluid Resistance 

In this test, 2 ml of fluid (usually synthetic blood) is targetted against the mask at a high velocity. Then the resistance of the disposable mask is checked to see if the fluid managed to pass through the mask or not. Since the results can be seen by the naked eye, only visual evidence is enough. A higher level of fluid resistance is considered to be better.

Particle Filtration

Different particles which are larger than one micron are tested against the masks. A high level is assigned if the mask manages to filter out these particles, but if it fails, a lower level or even no level is assigned.
The Covid Delta variant is spreading from person to person twice as easily compared to the earlier strains. Masks help to protect the wearer, and prevent particles such as aerosols that contain the virus from spreading. A good mask filters the particles and droplets out of the air to protect the wearer. Don’t wait to supply your loved ones and employees with the protection they need in these trying times. Whether you need protection at the workplace, in travel, or in public, PPE Supplies Australia makes it easy. Check out our bulk face mask supplies now.