Disposable Surgical Masks

A disposable face mask is designed to protect the wearer from external contaminants and/or to protect others from the wearer's own fluids or pathogens.

These are single-use masks and should be discarded after each use. Reuse is not recommended, nor should they be worn beyond the time indicated by the manufacturer. If the mask becomes damp or damaged, it should be replaced immediately.

Using Disposable Face Masks: General Recommendations

Following the global emergency declared by the World Health Organization (WHO) regarding COVID-19, the Spanish Ministry of Health has issued guidelines on the different types of masks available:

Hygienic Masks

• Recommended for healthy individuals as a complement to distancing and hygiene measures.
• Mostly made from textile material.
• May be reusable or not.
• Available in physical stores and online. Masks that comply with UNE 0064 or 0065 have a Bacterial Filtration Efficiency (BFE) ≥90% or ≥95% depending on reusability.
• Not considered PPE or medical devices.

Surgical Masks

• Recommended for individuals with symptoms of COVID-19 or other airborne-transmissible diseases.
• Filter the air exhaled by the wearer.
• Protect others from droplets released when coughing, sneezing, or speaking.
• Common in clinical settings.
• Should have proper fit around the nose, mouth, and chin.
• BFE rating defines them as Type I or Type II.
• Must have CE marking and comply with standard UNE EN 14683.

PPE Masks (FFP1, FFP2, FFP3)

• These are Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), recommended for healthcare professionals or medically indicated risk groups.
• Filter the inhaled air to protect the wearer.
• According to European standards: FFP1, FFP2, FFP3. Also known as KN95 (Chinese standard).
• The Spanish Ministry of Health recommends FFP2 masks for COVID-19 protection.
• Check before purchase: a) CE marking, b) UNE EN-149 standard, c) reusability (R/NR), d) mask type.

Regardless of their classification, masks can be either disposable or reusable. Most are disposable and must be discarded after use. Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions.

COVID-19 Protective Measures

Wearing a mask is a complementary protection measure. It should be combined with other protective actions such as social distancing and hand hygiene.

Disposable masks are especially recommended in public spaces with high crowd density (e.g. supermarkets, public transport) or where it’s difficult to maintain safe distance.