Surgical Masks

Surgical masks, also known as medical face masks, are classified under EN 14683 as Type I, Type II and Type IIR. They are three-ply, have a mouldable nose wire and are worn with ear loops or tie strings. Their main purpose is to hold back droplets from the wearer’s mouth and nose; Type IIR is additionally splash-resistant.

The range includes blue Type IIR masks with a bacterial filtration efficiency (BFE) of at least 98%, green Type II masks also at 98% BFE or more, white Type I masks at 95% BFE or more, a Type IIR mask with integrated anti-fog visor, and a Type IIR mask with tie strings. All are listed as medical, CE-marked and latex-free.

Typical applications

• Operating theatres and procedure rooms
• GP and dental practices
• Care homes, community care and hospital wards
• Laboratories and sample reception
• Hygiene areas in food and pharmaceutical production

What to look for when buying

Match the type to the task: Type I for general use in care and practices, Type II for the operating theatre, and Type IIR wherever splashes of blood or body fluids are also expected. If eye protection is needed too, the mask with visor saves a step.

For long procedures, tie strings take the pressure off the ears. Most models come 50 to a box, the visor mask 25 to a box. Minimum orders are 40 boxes for the standard models and 25 boxes for the visor mask; the basic Type IIR surgical mask is available from 50 pieces.

Frequently asked questions