Masks vs. face coverings

What's the difference?

There are many different types of mouthguards, but not all protect the wearer from contaminants. Mouthguards that provide respiratory protection are known as self-filtering masks.

Of a thickness not exceeding 1 mmThe following:Its purpose is to help protect the working environment from substances emitted by the user.

Self-filtering masksThe following: Its purpose is to help protect the user from substances (airborne particles) in the work environment.

Types of devices: mouthguards, masks, masks and motorised

	Manufacture from materials of any heading	The procedure mask	Surgical mask	Self-filtering masks	Manufacture from materials of any heading	Motorised breathing apparatus with helmet, hood or mask
Also known as	Reusable nozzles	Disposable mask	Medical mask	Disposable mask	Reusable mask, half mask or full mask, half mask, full mask, elastomer mask	PAPR, turbo
Adjustment	Loose	Loose	Loose	Adjusted	Adjusted	Loose / tight
Description of	A cloth mask used to cover the mouth and nose.	Disposable procedure mask used to cover the nose and mouth.	A surgical procedure mask used to cover the nose and mouth. It also provides a fluid barrier.	Disposable mask used to cover the nose and mouth.	Reusable mask used with replaceable filters. Options to cover nose and mouth or whole face (including eyes)	Motorised turbo unit used with a helmet or hood for: provide air filtered the the user.
Certified	None of them	None of them	Medical device	CE marking	CE marking	CE marking
Intended use	It can help contain saliva or phlegm expelled by the user, such as covering yourself when coughing or sneezing with a handkerchief	Designed to help reduce liquid droplets that are ejected by the user	Designed to help reduce liquid droplets that are expelled by the user. The fluid barrier of the surgical mask is designed to help protect the wearer from body fluid splashes.	Designed to help protect the user from potential aerial hazards when properly selected and used.	Designed to help protect the user from potential aerial hazards when properly selected and used.	Designed to help protect the user from potential aerial hazards when properly selected and used.
It will help reduce user exposure to airborne particulate hazards when properly selected and used	No, not at all	No, not at all	No, not at all	Yes, EC-approved FFP2 have at least 94% efficiency in particulate filtering according to EN149:2001+A1: 2009	Yes, EC-approved P2 filters have at least 94% efficiency in particulate filtering according to EN140 and EN143. Different filters help to provide protection against different types of pollutants.	Yes, EC approved motorised breathing equipment equipped with efficient particulate filters according to EN12941 or EN12942.