Disposable face masks

With a few marked exceptions, our face masks are neither medical face masks certified according to DIN EN 14683:2019-10 nor face masks that have been tested by a Notified Body according to Regulation (EU) 2016/425 on personal protective equipment. 

Reason: The sole purpose of these face masks is to limit the transfer of particulate and microbiological contaminants, which are emitted by the wearer, in cleanrooms/rooms of technical cleanliness, in such a way that primarily the product, but also its production environment, is not contaminated. This also explains the very high particle filtration efficiency (PFE) such as bacterial filtration efficiency (BFE) required by the cleanroom industry for these face masks.

A disposable face mask with acceptable filtration efficiency consists of three plies (layers), usually made of polyethylene non-woven fabrics,  whereby the middle layer is decisive for the filtration efficiency. The layer facing the skin should be soft and comfortable to wear. The outer layer should mainly protect the filter medium from damage. A common feature of all face masks is the flexible, shapeable embedded nose clip at the upper edge, which, when handled correctly, should help to ensure that as little unfiltered air as possible can escape upwards, past the side of the nose wings.