FFP2 masks are designed to protect the wearer and people in the immediate vicinity from infection. While the masks for adults sometimes achieve very good results, a study by Stiftung Warentest shows that you should better keep your hands off children’s FFP2 masks. You’ll find more about it here.
The FFP2 masks are colorfully packed and tailored to the size of small heads. Nevertheless, FFP2 masks for children are not a good choice for the offspring. The Stiftung Warentest came to this conclusion after examining 15 models that indicated suitability for children.
Sobering conclusion: None of these masks are suitable for children – the product testers had 6 to 12 year olds in mind. The reason is their excessive breathing resistance. Surgical masks are the better choice, especially for continuous use at school, writes the foundation in the magazine “test” (issue 01/22).
Not enough oxygen: Children’s FFP2 masks are not convincing
Since there are no standardized values for the maximum breathing resistance of the mask for children, the values for adults were used as a reference for the study. The children’s masks should only show values that are about half as high as the maximum values permitted according to the standard for adult models, the foundation determined. Because six to twelve-year-old children usually breathe less vigorously than healthy adults and their lung volume is about half as large.
However, all of the mini-format masks tested failed to meet the breathing resistance requirement: none of them even came close to these lower values, and many did not even comply with the adult limit values. The high breathing resistance was already a knockout criterion, according to the Stiftung Warentest. Aspects such as the filter effect and fit were therefore no longer checked at all.
FFP2 masks for children: Better to go for the adult test winner
The problem is also: If children find it difficult to breathe, they use it
Mask may not open properly, according to Stiftung Warentest. This allows air to flow in and out relatively freely.
If you want to protect your child particularly well for a short time in a crowded train, for example, you should use the adult mask instead 3M Aura 9320+ (to Amazon) set, advises the Stiftung Warentest. She was already the test winner when testing adult models. Their breathing comfort is okay for children, their filter effect is high and they also fit small heads.
For permanent wear, however, surgical masks for children are the better choice. Yes, they offer little self-protection. But: They protect others, that is their main purpose. If all children in the classroom wear these masks, this, in combination with other measures such as regular ventilation, reduces the risk of infection considerably.
FFP2 masks in the test: Winner of the Stiftung Warentest (July 2021)
Source: 3M 3M Aura respirator 9320+ (20 pieces)
100% suitable according to Stiftung Warentest. High effectiveness against aerosols, high wearing comfort.
around 45 euros
To the shop (Amazon)
Source: Lindenpartner Lindenpartner FFP2 particle filtering half mask NR LP2
100% suitable according to Stiftung Warentest. High effectiveness against aerosols, high wearing comfort.
around 10 euros
To the shop (Amazon)
Source: Moldex Moldex FFP2 NR D 2400+ Classic
100% suitable according to Stiftung Warentest. High effectiveness against aerosols, high wearing comfort.
around 40 euros
To the shop (Voelkner)