To deal with the very contagious Omicron variant, some have decided to turn to the FFP2 mask, which is more filtering than surgical masks.
As France faces a strong spread of the Omicron variant of the coronavirus, several people find it more useful to wear FFP2 masks, deemed to be more effective than surgical masks, in order to protect themselves. The High Council of Public Health is currently looking into the question of the generalization of this mask in the country, while Italy, Austria or even some German Länder now require it in certain situations. Asked about the generalization of this mask, Gabriel Attal, the government spokesperson, said he was waiting for the opinion of the High Council, specifying that the country had sufficient stocks of FFP2. But precisely, what is their effectiveness? And their price? We take stock.
More filtering masks
First, the FFP2 is a mask that does not yawn on the sides, unlike the surgical mask, which is therefore less adjusted. Above all, the FFP2 mask has better filtration capacity, since it protects not only against inhalation of droplets, but also against airborne particles. As stated by the National Research and Security Institute (INRS), “FFP2 masks filter at least 94% of average 0.6 micron aerosols“. This is not its only advantage: the FFP2 mask also has a longer life than the surgical mask. It can indeed be worn for 8 hours in a row, while the surgical mask loses its its effectiveness after 4 hours on the face. And how can you check that the mask is correctly installed on your face? You just have to check that it is pressed against the face when you take a breath. that it will not be waterproof enough. Be careful, however, Afnor (the French Association for Standardization) has underlined that this wearing is more restrictive than that of a surgical mask because of a “thermal discomfort“or”respiratory resistance“.
A higher price
What about the places where it is more useful to wear it? Philippe Amouyel, epidemiologist and professor of public health at Lille University Hospital, told franceinfo that the FFP2 mask was more useful “when there is really a high risk of contagion, for example in poorly ventilated or unventilated transport or in closed places“. However, it is not essential.”when we walk in the streetAs a reminder, this mask is more frequently used by nursing staff in hospitals.
If you then wish to reuse your FFP2 mask, know that according to the UFC-Que Choisir, their effectiveness persists even after ten washing cycles at 60 ° C, followed by systematic drying in the machine. Rather reassuring news when we see the price of these protections. They are indeed more expensive than surgical masks: on average two to six times more expensive, according to franceinfo. It is thus necessary to count on approximately 50 to 60 cents the FFP2 mask for an individual, against 30 to 40 cents for the wholesale orders operated by health professionals.