The coronavirus, or n-Cov 19, has been on everyone’s lips for weeks.
Since the first deaths in Europe at the latest, fear has been great, and the Robert Koch Institute now believes that a worldwide pandemic is possible.
But you should not spread panic and inform yourself about the disease.
Surely you know that standard mouthguards are not sufficient to prevent the infection.
Instead, you should buy breathing masks that are as impermeable as possible and can filter out the smallest particles, bacteria and viruses in the air.
In the following article we will introduce you to the best FFP 3 respirators and answer any questions that may be on your mind.
Buying Guide: Buying the right coronavirus respirator
Properties of a FFP respirator
FFP respirators are divided into three different classes, which have different characteristics in terms of maximum air permeability and particle filtering.
FFP 1: The FFP 1 respirator is the first of three classes of FFP respirators.
Each FFP 1 respirator has a maximum permeability of 22 percent. They also filter 80 percent of all particles in the air with a minimum size of 0.6 micrometers.
In terms of price, FFP 1 respirators are the most affordable.
FFP 2: FFP 2 respirators have a maximum permeability of 11 percent and must filter 94 percent of airborne particles larger than 0.6 microns.
This means that the air permeability is significantly lower compared to the FFP 1 respirator, but still significantly higher compared to the FFP 3 respirator.
Reading tip: Do FFP 2 respirators help against coronavirus?
FFP 3: The FFP 3 respirators filter, with 99.5 percent of all particles with a size of 0.6 micrometers and larger, most particles of all FFP respirators.
There are also FFP 3 respirators that filter even viruses and bacteria as small as 0.001 microns.
FFP 3 respirators are the best protection against corona virus, but the risk of getting infected despite wearing a mask is never zero.
In addition, the total leakage must not exceed 5 percent, so the air permeability of the FFP 3 respirator is the lowest.
This is also reflected in the price, because FFP 3 respirators are anything but cheap.
Correct wearing of the FFP 3 respirator
A respirator only reaches its maximum potential when it is worn correctly. The FFP 3 respirator must fit as close as possible to the face to minimize air permeability and prevent viruses and bacteria from getting inside the respirator. You should remove any facial hair before wearing the FFP 3 respirator as it may get in the way and interfere with the close fit.
You should also be careful to wash and disinfect your hands to prevent bacteria and viruses from accidentally getting onto the mask. Once you have done this, place the mask in the palm of your hand and pull it over your mouth, and don’t forget to cover your nose with the FFP 3 respirator, many FFP 3 respirators have nosebands to help provide additional sealing.
Incorrect wearing of the FFP 3 respirator can dramatically increase the chance of infection.
FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions about respirators against coronavirus answered
Is it worthwhile wearing an FFP 3 respirator?
If you want to be on the safe side, it is worth buying an FFP 3 respirator.
The FFP 3 respirator filters 99.5% of all particles in the air with a minimum size of 0.6 micrometers. Furthermore, there are also FFP 3 respirators that filter even particles as small as 0.001 micrometers.
The maximum permeability of just 5% is another argument why FFP 3 respirators are better than FFP 1 or FFP 2 respirators.
By wearing the FFP 3 respirator, you prevent not only coronavirus infection but also the uptake of other viruses and bacteria in the air.
However, the risk of getting infected despite wearing a respirator is never zero. Unfortunately, there is always a residual risk, regardless of the type of respirator.
If you decide to buy a respirator, FFP 3 respirators and N95 respirators are the best protection against coronavirus.
Reading tip: Do N95 respirators help against the coronavirus?
What is the acute coronavirus situation in Germany?
The first infected patients in Germany have already been discharged healthy. The two people from Bavaria no longer show any symptoms and are considered clinically healthy.
The other infected patients are on the way to recovery. Nevertheless you should be careful and pay more attention to your hand hygiene.
The Robert Koch Institute now believes that a worldwide pandemic is possible, at least since the increase in new infections in Europe.
Therefore, inform yourself a lot about the acute situation of the corona virus, but do not spread panic.
What symptoms does an infected person have?
By now it is already known that the virus can be transmitted from person to person. An already infected person can transmit the coronavirus even without symptoms.
If you should show any of the following symptoms, we advise you to consult a doctor as soon as possible and have yourself checked:
- Fever
- Pneumonia
- Sore throat
- Respiratory problems
- Headache
Contact your doctor as soon as possible so that the spread can be stopped quickly in the event of infection. After all, you certainly do not want your loved ones in your immediate vicinity to be infected.
How long is the incubation period of the coronavirus?
Experts and estimates say that the incubation period of the coronavirus is about 2 to 14 days.
Some virologists, but also specialists estimate the incubation period higher, but this has not been confirmed yet.
How is the coronavirus spread?
It is now known that the coronavirus spreads by droplet infection from person to person in the respiratory tract.
Even a person who has no symptoms can infect other people in the immediate vicinity.
Thus, a 10-minute conversation in a closed room with an infected person is sufficient to become infected.
Are other transmission paths known?
Apart from a droplet infection, no other transmission paths of the coronavirus are known so far.
Should I avoid goods from China?
Since packages and goods from China almost always take more than three hours to reach Europe, you should not worry.
The coronavirus survives without a host on surfaces for about three hours and is not dangerous after that.
If you are currently in China, you should consider accepting parcels or goods, as delivery times are much shorter there.
Should I be afraid of my favourite Chinese?
Many Chinese restaurants in Germany report sales losses of up to 50%.
The concern of the Germans is still very high. But still, you don’t have to avoid a Chinese restaurant because the probability of getting infected there is as high as almost everywhere in Germany.
With the increased controls at airports and train stations, people who may be infected are detected early and treated directly.
Therefore you should be able to eat at your favourite Chinese restaurant without hesitation.
How else can I protect myself against the coronavirus?
If you buy a respirator mask, you may consider wearing protective goggles and a protection suits be fully protected in your enviroment.