In doctors' surgeries and medical facilities, small things make a big difference. Everyday face masks are one of the most important tools for ensuring hygiene and infection protection in sensitive environments. Rely on a professional provider of medical practice supplies and protect yourself and your patients.
The type 2R medical face mask
The medical mask with the best protection is the type 2R face mask. This is a three-stage disposable product made of special plastic layers, which can adapt to the shape of the face thanks to its flexible shape and a metal nose clip.
The inside is made of antibacterial and skin-friendly material as it lies directly against the face. The water-repellent fleece on the outside prevents droplets from entering the mask. In between lies the microfiltration layer. This allows the type 2R face mask to filter 98% of bacterial pathogens from your own breathing air and provides effective protection for others against the risk of infection. For example, it prevents droplets from getting into a patient's open wounds or being inhaled by the patient when the doctor exhales.
The type 2R face mask also offers the wearer a certain degree of self-protection against direct contact with pathogens from the other person, but cannot completely prevent unfiltered breathing air from entering via the edges.
Type 2R face mask vs type 1 and type 2 face mask
Type 1 face masks also have medical approval in accordance with European standards. However, it offers less protection for use by medical staff in operating theatres or environments with similarly high hygiene requirements, for example. However, type 1 or 2 face masks can be worn by patients, for example, to increase protection against infection in the facility. The bacterial filtration efficiency of a type 1 face mask is 95%. It is safer to use a type 2 mask, which already guarantees 98% bacterial filter protection.
The difference between type 2 face masks and type 2R face masks is the higher splash resistance of type 2R. Its resistance to liquids must be effective up to a pressure of 16 kPa. The type 2R face mask therefore provides more effective protection against droplets, aerosols and other external liquids and pathogens. Due to the more impermeable outer layer, a higher limit value for breathing resistance applies to type 2R. This must be below 40 Pa/cm² for types 1 and 2, and must not reach the limit of 60 Pa/cm² for type 2R face masks. The masks of all three quality levels must fulfil the EN 14683:2019-6 standard and also have a CE marking. All types are designed for single use and are primarily used to protect others.
Areas of application for the type 2R face mask
A type 2R face mask is a tested medical device. It is usually used in hospitals, doctors' surgeries and other medical facilities. Type 2R face masks are also standard in care homes and nursing homes. In the private sector, many people also use this so-called "surgical mask" to reduce the risk of infection from the SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus. When regulations on infection protection refer to "medical face masks", they are referring to type 2 (non-water-repellent) or type 2R (water-repellent) face masks. These masks are now also available in a children's size.
What should I bear in mind when wearing them?
A type 2R protective mask must be stored in a sterile environment and worn correctly to effectively reduce the risk of infection. The type 2R face mask consists of three different layers. The microfiltration layer, which filters pathogens from the air we breathe, is located in the centre. The white side of the mask protects the skin of the face with a skin-friendly and antibacterial fabric. It must not be touched with the fingers. In particular, contact with unwashed and non-disinfected hands must be avoided at all costs. This side must be on the inside when worn and must cover the nose as well as the mouth. The classic blue side, but also available in other colours depending on the model, is made of a non-woven fabric with water-repellent properties and is worn so that it is visible from the outside.
The face mask 2R is worn correctly when the integrated wire on the inside is at the top. This allows the mask to be moulded to the contours of the face and nose so that there is no airflow between the cheeks and nose. The face mask 2R has elasticated straps to attach it to the ears for wearing. When putting on and taking off the mask, it should only be touched by the straps. It should be used as a disposable product and should be changed regularly for longer periods of use. As soon as the face mask is soaked through, it must be replaced. After taking it off, it is important to wash your hands thoroughly and in accordance with general hygiene rules.
Product selection and range for the type 2R face mask
As a supplier of professional practice supplies, we offer you the equipment you need: Lightweight, comfortable and reliable. In our online shop, you can buy type 2R face masks cheaply and safely. We offer you a particularly large selection with many different models. In addition to the classic blue surgical masks, you can also choose between various popular colours for a visual eye-catcher. All our products are certified in accordance with medical standards: You buy quality from us. You can buy the type 2R face mask in different quantities, and the masks are always sterile-packed. Order from us and we will deliver from our Swiss warehouse within 24 hours.
