Disposable face masks, so called medical face masks, are often used to protect the product or process, but also to protect the worker (PPE).
In addition to the most important criterion, filtration efficiency (BFE = Bacterial Filtration Efficiency and PFE = Particle Filtration Efficiency), the wearing comfort properties, such as breathing resistance (= Delta P), fit and skin compatibility, also play very important roles. The protective effect respectively the filtration efficiency depends largely on the choice of materials. Face masks made of materials containing paper/cellulose are not suitable for use in cleanrooms, as the risk of contamination is too high due to the low abrasion resistance and increased inherent particle emission. Experience has shown that synthetic materials such as non-woven fabrics made of polypropylene, polyethylene and polyester filaments are most suitable.
When defining a disposable face mask, its width is also a criterion that should not be neglected. It should cover the entire width of the face and neck, so that skin and beard hairs are completely covered.