Are Valved FFP Masks Dangerous? 5 Myths Busted

FFP masks can offer us some of the best protection against COVID-19, dust, pollen, asbestos and more. When they are narrowed down the choice of which mask is best for you seems easy. That is until you are faced with the dreaded question, “valved or non-valved”? Recently there has been a bit of a bad reputation spread about valved masks. Let’s delve into some of the myths and filter out the facts. MYTH 1:The NHS has banned valved masks. In 2021 the NHS changed their rules concerning the use of valved masks in some hospital areas. The main take away from this should be the word ‘some’. In the new guidelines valved FFP masks are not permitted in surgical settings. This is because valved masks enable the wearer to exhale some unfiltered air through the valve which could contain harmful droplets. Hospital staff who work in sterile environments and settings where there is a risk of blood/body fluids splashing have been advised to wear non-valved masks instead. However, it is important to note that they are allowed to wear valved FFP masks in other spaces where staff are wearing RPE (Respiratory Protective Equipment). MYTH 2: Valved masks let in unfiltered air. The valve on FFP masks does not let in unfiltered air. These valves work with a pressure gradient that only permits air that is exhaled to pass through the valve. The air that is breathed in by the wearer is always filtered through the layers of the mask. When wearing an FFP valved mask you (the wearer) will be sufficiently protected. MYTH 3: All valved masks let out unfiltered air. Yes, some valved FFP masks to allow unfiltered air to escape. This helps to reduce moisture build up within the mask and makes it much more comfortable to wear over an extended period. For this reason, FFP valved masks are particularly brilliant for those working in construction, painting, engineering. Th valved FFP masks can keep them safe from dangerous particles whilst preventing the wearer from overheating and becoming uncomfortable in the mask. It is also possible to purchase valved masks that have additional layers which filter the outgoing air. MYTH 4:Surgical masks and cloth face coverings offer better protection against COVID-19 than valved masks. Surgical masks and cloth/fabric face covering are brilliant options to protect against COVID-19. They are best suited for those who: Wear them for a short period of time. Practice efficient hygiene (hand washing/sanitising). Dispose of their single use masks. Wash re-usable masks at an effective temperature. Don/doff the mask safely. Choosing a mask that fits snugly to their face shape. In other situations, e.g. on airplanes, in medical settings, small/packed spaces, an FFP mask is the safer option. In a study by CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in America) they assessed 13 different valved FFP masks. They discovered that the level of protection from valved FFP masks is significantly higher than surgical and fabric masks. The above-mentioned study can be found in our sources section. MYTH 5:You can wear any valved mask. This is a false claim. When wearing a FFP mask it is vital to be fit tested and obtain and mask that fits close to the face. FFP masks are usually sized for an average adult male, therefore those with other shaped faces such as women, children, older people may struggle to find a good fit. If an FFP mask does not properly fit, it can become useless as gaps can allow dangerous/harmful aerosols to enter the respiratory tract. In Murray & Nadel's Textbook of Respiratory Medicine they state, “there should be a tight seal between the face mask and the face” (2021: 176). This is why workers should have a fit test carried out by a professional prior to long term use of any FFP face mask. Valved FFP masks breakdown: Negatives Positives Not fluid resistant Use in multiple industries: construction, engineering, plumbing, painting, gardening. Can’t be used in surgical settings Provides exemplary protection compared to surgical and fabric masks Unfiltered air can be exhaled Comfortable to wear for extended periods, less hot/humid. Rounding Up: Valved FFP masks may not be the perfect choice for everyone that is why we offer so many FFP mask options! But for workers in hot and humid conditions, who work long hours and require protection from dust, aerosols, pollen, wood shavings etc. the valved FFP mask is a great choice. They do provide protection against COVID-19 for the wearer. However, mindfulness of the settings in which they are worn is key.

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