Bought A Cheap Mask? Maybe Think Twice.. Our Guide To Good Face Masks
We are here to distinguish the difference between authentic products and cheap imitations. There are many counterfeit products online, and not all masks are created equal. There are good face masks, and then there are ones which leave a lot to be desired!
To the naked eye, all respirator masks pretty much all look the same. Some might be black, white, or have different strap formations, but for the uninitiated, they all appear to do the same basic function with slight aesthetic differences, right?
The differences between masks vary a lot more widely than simple aesthetics though! The true difference between good face masks and basic masks is the level of protection they offer - are you being suitably protected or highly protected? The only real way to determine how well your respirator is going to protect you from workplace hazards is to have it fit tested.
A fit test is a validated procedure used to ensure that a respirator forms a proper seal with the wearer’s face. The test involves wearing the respirator connected to a testing unit while performing a series of physical movements.
Once mask fit tested, your end score - known as a 'fit factor’ - will reflect the level of protection you should expect to receive from that respirator when worn correctly. Put simply, it will indicate if the mask you are using will give you adequate protection!
Understanding Your Fit Test Fit Factor (FF)
Using specialised equipment, the TSI PortaCount counts particles in the air from outside the respirator vs the particles in the air detected inside the respirator. The equipment takes both these samples of air in unison for the duration of the test, it’s the ratio of these two samples that equates to the fit factor at the end. The final fit factor score will always vary, although the higher the score, the better the ‘fit’ (seal) to the wearer. Different industries and workplaces will have different score requirements - for instance, those working in extremely hazardous environments need a higher fit factor score.
The less your respirator leaks around the seal, the more effectively you pull air through the filters, boosting your level of protection - and the higher your fit factor!
So is there a Difference Between ‘Good’ Face Masks and Imitation Masks?
Even the most visually identical face masks can have widely different results when fit tested! There are quality, brand name masks, and then there are the cheaper imitations - and when we perform a fit test, we can see the difference in their quality even if they visually look the same.
Below are the results from two different respirators that we fit tested at Fit Test Australia. Both respirators were elastomeric half-face, both identical in appearance, identical in size although one was an authentic brand, and the other an imitation to the original.
Seeing The Fit Factor Difference Between An Authentic Vs Imitation Respirator
Imitation Respirator Fit Factor
This is an acceptable pass as only a fit factor of 100 is required. Results for a half face respirator should score much higher with fit factors being anywhere from a few hundred to a few thousand if it fits well if tested correctly and above all else, if it is a quality product.
Authentic Respirator Fit Factor
You can see that this fit factor is quite high and well into the thousands, this indicates the effectiveness of this specific respirator’s fit to the wearer’s face as well as a direct result of that respirator's quality. This is a fit factor one would hope to receive when fit testing their respiratory protective equipment.
Knowing your fit factor can help you make a more informed decision about your respiratory protection.
Reasons For Poor Fit Factors and Fails
Below are some likely causes for a fit test to achieve either poor fit factors or fails:
The mask is the wrong size, make or model for the wearer
The mask is a poor quality respirator if brand new
The mask is not properly adjusted to the wearer face or has poor strap tension
A worn respirator may have minor defects that have been overlooked or undetected
An incompetent fit test operator equating to poor scores or even unnecessary fails
Although there may be varying causes for low fit factors and even fails, the two tests conducted in our examples were done back-to-back on the same person by the same operator, and the results are very different. This brings us back to the importance of quality, authentic vs imitation know your fit factor - the results speak for themselves.
Which Masks are “Good Face Masks”?
It is wise to only purchase respirators that are compliant with the AS/NZS 1716:2012 standards. These masks adhere to stringent regulations and will be the best quality fit to Australian and New Zealand standards.
Fit Test Australia also sell quality masks to suit your personal circumstances and workplace guidelines. Our team can provide you with the most up-to-date advice and assist you in choosing a mask that will provide you with a fit factor that aligns with your requirements.
You can view our range of good quality face masks in our shop.
Should You Choose P2 or N95 Masks?
With all the different types of masks available, it’s easy to get confused about which mask would be best. We often get asked about the differences between P2 and N95 masks and which type of mask is best.
The P2 and N95 respirators are both intended to offer effective protection against airborne particles. However, their standards and certifications vary depending on the country of origin. We recommend that regardless of the mask you choose, you undergo a fit test to be certain that the mask is truly the best option for you and your circumstances
At Fit Test Australia Pty Ltd we are passionate about workers' health and safety, authentic vs imitation, know your fit test fit factor because as we like to say, every breath you take matters. Breathe easy.
Your health and safety is our priority
Call: 0403 064 064
Email: info@fta.net.au
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