Respiratory Standards Explained: - What do the numbers on my mask mean?

Respiratory protective equipment is covered by a number of standards. Separate European (EN) standards give requirements specific to certain product types, such as disposable respirators and full face masks, whereas standards for other regions give requirements for a wide range of respirator types in one document.

Performance and classifications vary by product type and region, and it is important to understand the differences in requirements. Introductions to some of the main RPE standards are given below.

EN Standards

EN 149 – Respiratory protective devices. Filtering half masks to protect against particles. Requirements, testing, marking.

This standard covers particle filtering half masks, commonly called disposable dust masks, and sets out requirements for materials, field of vision, performance, markings, and user information. The respirator must be tested both on laboratory equipment and on real people performing work simulation tests in a laboratory environment. Testing covers breathing resistance, penetration, clogging, and carbon dioxide of the air, as well as strength of connections and valves.

Masks are divided into three classes:

FFP1 – Low filter performance (80% minimum efficiency)

FFP2 – Medium filter performance (94% minimum efficiency)

FFP3 – High filter performance (99% minimum efficiency)

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