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ASTM F3502 requires masks be designed to fit snugly to the face, covering both the mouth and nose, and reducing gaps. Fitįor masks designs that are not focused on creating a tight seal/fit to the face (e.g., pleated medical masks), air can leak around the edges of the mask, carrying unfiltered particles in and out. Achieving a balance of these four factors is key to good mask design. Unfortunately, the materials that most effectively block droplets and particles typically have poorer breathability, fit, and usability. Assessment of fit, filtration, and breathability both before AND after maximum number washing/laundering cyclesĪs described in our “Big Four: Criteria for Fabric Mask Materials” post, breathability and filtration are both key factors in face mask design and materials selection.Filtration: NaCl Aerosol Filtration at 0.3um.Fit: Design analysis and leakage assessment.To ensure that barrier face coverings provide these functions, ASTM F3502 establishes design and performance criteria in three general areas: 1) protection, 2) comfort, and 3) reusability. Three Design and Performance Criteria for ASTM F3502 To help protect the user by providing “a degree of particulate filtration to reduce the amount of inhaled particulate matter”.To provide source control by containing the user’s respiratory secretions and “reducing the number of expelled droplets and aerosols from the wearer’s nose and mouth into the air”.
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Part B: Overview of Barrier Face Coverings: ASTM F3502 What are Barrier Face Coverings?īarrier Face Coverings that meet the ASTM F3502 requirements are designed to be used by the general public to cover both the mouth and nose with two primary functions: Ideally should be discarded after each patient encounter If reusable, laundering instructions must be provided and performance criteria must be met both before and after specified number of laundering cycles. When properly fitted and donned, minimal leakage occurs around edges of the respirator when user inhales Leakage occurs around the edge of the mask when user inhales Leakage around the edge of the face covering when the user exhales is reduced as shown by an analysis of the product design. Reduces wearer’s exposure to particles including small particle aerosols and large droplets (only non-oil aerosols)įilters out at least 20% of airborne particles including large and small particlesĭoes NOT provide the wearer with a reliable level of protection from inhaling smaller airborne particles and is not considered respiratory protectionįilters out at least 95% of airborne particles including large and small particles Also provides a degree of particulate filtration to reduce the amount of inhaled particulate matterįluid resistant and provides the wearer protection against large droplets, splashes, or sprays of bodily or other hazardous fluids.
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Primarily provides source control to contain the wearer’s respiratory secretions and to potentially reduce exhaled particulates. Although all of these masks are designed to cover both the mouth and nose, important differences between the mask types exist in terms of intended use, face seal fit, filtration, leakage, and reuse (see table below click on image or expand text box for details). The following table is adapted from the CDC’s comparison of medical masks and respirators and adds information about barrier face coverings that comply with ASTM F3502 to provide a quick comparison of the three types of masks addressed by standards in the US. However, not all masks are created equal. Part A: Different Masks for Different TasksĪccording to the CDC, masks can be used to protect yourself and to protect others. Note: Numbers in square brackets throughout the text refer to the ASTM F3502 section numbers being referenced.