Differences Between FFP1, FFP2, and FFP3 Respirators and Their Applications
The EN 149:2001+A1:2009 classifies respirators into three categories based on filtration efficiency and total inward leakage (TIL):
|
Type |
Filtration Efficiency |
Total Inward Leakage (TIL) |
Application |
|
FFP1 |
≥ 80% |
≤ 22% |
Low-risk environments (dust, pollen, general protection) |
|
FFP2 |
≥ 94% |
≤ 8% |
High-risk environments (healthcare, airborne viruses, PM2.5 protection) |
|
FFP3 |
≥ 99% |
≤ 2% |
Highest-risk environments (toxic particles, asbestos, lead, heavy metals) |
Best Applications:
- FFP1: Suitable for construction work, household dust, and everyday dust protection.
- FFP2: Ideal for healthcare professionals (COVID-19 protection), industrial dust, and air pollution (PM2.5).
- FFP3: Recommended for extremely hazardous conditions like asbestos removal, chemical handling, and virus laboratories.
Comparison of NIOSH and EN 149 Standards
The main differences between NIOSH (US) and EN 149 (EU) respirators lie in testing methods and application focus. The EN 149 standard includes total inward leakage (TIL) testing, while NIOSH mainly tests filter efficiency only.
|
NIOSH (US) |
N95 |
R95 |
P95 |
N99 |
P100 |
|
EN 149 (EU) |
FFP2 |
FFP2 |
FFP2-FFP3 |
FFP3 |
FFP3 |
|
Filtration Efficiency |
≥95%≈94% |
≥ 95% |
≥ 95% |
≥99%≈99% |
≥99.97%≈99% |
|
Oil Resistance |
❌ |
✅A work shift |
✅Long-term |
❌ |
✅A work shift |
Key Differences:
- Filtration Standards:
- NIOSH focuses on filter material efficiency, while EN 149 considers total inward leakage (mask fit and seal effectiveness).
- NIOSH focuses on filter material efficiency, while EN 149 considers total inward leakage (mask fit and seal effectiveness).
- Oil Resistance:
- NIOSH differentiates between N (not oil-resistant), R (limited oil resistance), and P (oil-resistant).
- EN 149 does not separate oil-resistant masks but includes oil mist testing for FFP2/FFP3.
- NIOSH differentiates between N (not oil-resistant), R (limited oil resistance), and P (oil-resistant).
- Application Differences:
- N95 ≈ FFP2, used for healthcare and dust protection.
- FFP3 ≈ P100/N99, offering maximum protection in hazardous environments.
- R95/P95 have no direct equivalent in EN 149, but FFP2 and FFP3 can serve similar functions as they undergo oil mist testing.
- N95 ≈ FFP2, used for healthcare and dust protection.
Conclusion:
- For medical use: Choose N95 (US) or FFP2 (EU).
- For high-risk toxic exposure: Choose P100 (US) or FFP3 (EU).
- For oil-based particles: Choose P95/P100 (US) or FFP2/FFP3 (EU).
- For short-term oil exposure: Use R95 (US), but replace frequently.
The information provided above is non-binding information. The specified protection classes for the various areas of application are minimum requirements and are only for guidance. It is the responsibility of the user to check before use whether the breathing apparatus meets the requirements regarding hazardous substances and concentrations. For the selection of the correct personal protective equipment, an assessment must always be carried out on site by the professional association or comparable institutions. FIDO MASKS CO., LTD. assumes no liability for the information provided.