Japanese mask for family use and medical use and the detailed theory of Japanese mask

No matter in the USA or in Canada, it is not an easy job for people to find a place to buy plentiful N95 masks. Therefore, we have to turn their eyes to other countries, for example, Germany, the UK and Japan. Today, I will introduce something about Japanese masks to you.

Before we really start what we need to talk today, I prefer to show you the conclusion: medical type > family type. Particularly if you are a medical practitioner, you had better choose the ones with N95 or DS2 approval.

So, let’s come to our major part today! In Japan, there are three major types of masks, which are family type, industrial type and medical type.

Family Type

When picking out Japanese masks for family use, we may see some key diameters on the packaging. They are PM2.5, BFE, VFE and PFE

PM2.5

The masks with a mark PM2.5 refers to the mask can effectively filter at least 2.5 diametrical microns particles in the air, such as second-hand smoke particles and air pollution. Those above particles can easily enter our body through the respiratory system. Generally speaking, the PM2.5 masks are for air pollution and dust protection, and the scientific research shows that such parameter can’t reflect virus filtration efficiency.

BFE

It is called Bacteria Filtration Efficiency. It means the masks can filter 3um particles, block pollen or the virus spread via droplets.

PFE

It is called Particle Filtration Efficiency. It means the masks can filter particles of 1um, influenza, SARS, tuberculosis and other viruses transmitted by air.

VFE

It is called Virus Filtration Efficiency. It means the masks can filter 0.1 to 0.5um particles, block influenza or other viruses spread by droplets.

Generally, the percentage on the package shows different particle filtration rate of the masks. The masks in Japan Effective which need to pass PFE test means they can effectively block most virus. If the mask is labeled with PFE 95%, that is to say the mask can block 95% of particles whose size of 0.1 microns. According to the above three criteria, only the BFE test standard is not able to stop the virus from the droplets. And the labeled PFE or VFE can reach 95% or better.

Some recommendation of family masks in Japan

 

Medical type

There are three major kinds within anti-dust type, which are N95, DS2 and surgical masks.

N95 is quite a familiar word to us, so we will not explain here.

DS2

DS2 is a criterion level for respirators in Japan. And it belongs to Japanese MOL standard made by Japanese Health Ministry, which has three detailed criteria called DS1, DS2 and DS3.

The minimum filtering effect of DS1 is merely 80%.

The minimum filtering effect of DS2 is 95%, which is similar to N95 standard.

The minimum filtering effect of DS3 can even reach 99.9%, quite the same with N100 standard.

Some recommendation of medical masks in Japan

 

Industrial type

This type is also called anti-dust respirators. Generally, N95 and DS2 are the minimum level for industrial use. So if you want to buy industrial type, you can refer to the above information or search for the DS3 level masks.

 

Those above are the main parts of Japanese masks. Through reading the content, you may have a clear overview of Japanese masks. And finally, I will show you the differences among some different areas in the world concerning masks.

                    Comparison among Europe, America and Japan

 

Tips:

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