Mask requirement: The most important information

and Christiane Fux, medical editor and Florian Tiefenböck, doctor Updated on

Lisa Vogel studied departmental journalism with a focus on medicine and biosciences at Ansbach University and deepened her journalistic knowledge in the master's degree in multimedia information and communication. This was followed by a traineeship in the editorial team. Since September 2020 she has been writing as a freelance journalist for

What types of masks are there?

There are different coverings of the mouth and nose. But only some of them actually fulfill a medical protective function according to European standards. However, any mask is better than none.

Medical face masks

Medical face masks - mouth and nose protection (MNS), surgical or operating room masks - are single-use products. They are usually used in everyday clinical practice or in doctor's offices. They consist of several layers of special plastics. These are laid in folds so that they can adapt well to the shape of the face.

The outside is usually colored, the inside white. The masks are equipped with ear loops and a wire nosepiece so that the mask does not stick out over the nose.

Respiratory protection masks (FFP masks)

Experts in the medical field describe FFP masks as respiratory masks. FFP is English and stands for "filtering face piece". It is also called a half mask.

FFP2 masks can intercept at least 94 percent of the aerosols, FFP3 masks even at least 99 percent. Both types of masks prevent virus-containing particles from entering the environment with the air we breathe, when speaking or coughing, or from being inhaled.

FFP masks consist of several plastic layers with standardized filter properties. Among other things, they are equipped with a special filter fleece ("meltblown fleece") that is embedded between two layers of other material.

If the mask has an exhalation valve, then it protects the wearer more, but hardly the people around them. Because the exhaled air is no longer filtered here. At most, the valve brakes some of the exhaled tiny droplets by swirling them.

Everyday masks

Everyday masks, also known as community masks, mouth and nose covers or makeshift masks, are widely used. At the beginning of the mask requirement, they were often sewn themselves. Depending on the design, they protect more or less well - there is no fixed standard for the protective effect here.

If used correctly, simple everyday masks can also help the novel coronavirus to spread more slowly. They reduce the release of virus-containing respiratory droplets and thus protect the environment of the wearer - at least partially.

For the most part, however, there is now a stricter mask requirement. Simple coverings, conventional mouth and nose masks or other auxiliary means are no longer sufficient.

Can I use the masks more than once?

It depends on the type of mask. You can reuse an everyday mask made of fabric - as long as it is cleaned thoroughly after each use.

It is different with thin disposable masks, for example from the pharmacy. These are not suitable for repeated wearing. The longer they are worn, the less protection the thin fabric barrier offers.

According to the manufacturer, FFP2 masks are also single-use products. However, they are only available to a limited extent and are also more expensive than simpler masks. In private use, many owners therefore wear an FFP2 mask several times.

A research project at the Münster University of Applied Sciences and the Westfälische Wilhelms-Universität Münster is now scientifically evaluating private multiple use. The Federal Office for Drugs and Medical Devices is funding the project.

Reuse in the private sector makes sense

According to the researcher's findings so far, "the reuse of FFP2 masks for private use can represent a useful addition," the experts said. Especially since fewer pathogens reached the mask in normal everyday life than, for example, when it was used in medical facilities.

Change mask daily!

However, they point out that the FFP2 mask should not be worn on consecutive days. Initial studies have shown that the number of contagious corona viruses on the mask only decreases after several days. The recommendation of the researchers is therefore: Use an FFP2 mask again on the seventh day at the earliest. So it's best to have your own mask ready for each day of the week.

How do you clean FFP2 masks?

Unlike everyday masks, FFP masks cannot be cleaned easily. Washing can impair the filter function of the fabric. The same applies to heating in the microwave or wetting with disinfectants. UV light, on the other hand, does not penetrate sufficiently into the deeper mask layers.

For this purpose, researchers from the Münster University of Applied Sciences and the Westfälische Wilhelms-Universität Münster investigated "disinfection processes" in a funded project. Two methods are therefore suitable:

Seven days of drying in room air: The number of contagious coronaviruses on the mask decreases the longer it dries. According to researchers, it is therefore justifiable to wear the mask again from the seventh day at the earliest. You recommend a weekly cycle: each day has its own mask, which can then dry out the other days of the week. Throw away the mask, however, if it is defective or if you coughed or sneezed on directly.

Warming up in the oven: first let the mask dry for a day in room air. The next day, preheat your oven to 80 ° Celsius top and bottom heat. To do this, slide the mask on a grid with baking paper in the oven, where the FFP2 mask remains for 60 minutes. Keep an eye on the mask. Then turn off the oven, let the mask cool down and reuse. In addition, use the "oven method" a maximum of five times and then discard the mask.

It is important that the oven adheres to the target temperature as precisely as possible. Sars-CoV-2 pathogens are killed at a temperature of 80 degrees Celsius. Temperatures below 70 degrees Celsius are not sufficient for this, and temperatures above 105 degrees impair the filter function of the mask. If your oven is not entirely reliable, you can also check the temperature with a roasting thermometer.

Also important: do not choose a recirculation mode! According to the researchers, it is not known whether "with circulating air / hot air, pathogens can detach themselves from the mask".

The method is unsuitable for dimensionally stable FFP2 masks (cups) and for masks with valves. In addition, the straps may lose traction.

How do I recognize defective FFP masks?

There are currently many defective masks in circulation. According to the Federal Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, pay attention to the following points:

Tested and safe FFP masks always have a CE mark and the four-digit number of a test center. It can be found either directly on the mask or on the packaging. You can check the number using the European Commission's NANDO database (English language website).
A "real" FFP mask always contains the mask class, for example FFP2. It shows the degree of the filter function.
EN 149: 2001 should also include the number and year of publication of the standard.
The manufacturer's name and trademark can also be found on secure FFP masks.
Different standards such as CE and KN95 or GB2626 do not belong on a single mask at the same time.
Do not use FFP masks that have been relabeled.
Inconsistent information on the mask or packaging is also a warning signal.

Does it help to wear a mask?

Yes. Masks with the categories FFP2 and FFP3 not only protect the environment, but also the wearer himself from infection. When worn correctly, they filter at least 94 percent of viruses from the air we breathe in or out.

Everyday masks and surgical masks provide the wearer with little protection against infection. However, they prevent the coronavirus from spreading further if the wearer is infected: The mask catches the fine droplets that the person releases into the environment when they cough, sneeze or speak. This is especially important if someone is infected with the virus but has no symptoms and is therefore unlikely to be aware of their infection.

Wearing a mouth and nose cover is only one building block to curb the spread of Sars-CoV-2. In addition, observe the hygiene and distance rules for your own protection.

You can usually find out which regulations apply at your place of residence via the web portal or Corona hotlines in your municipality, city or state. The local press usually also provides all the necessary information about the mask requirement on site.

How do I wear the mask correctly?

Various rules apply to the safe wearing of masks:

When worn, the masks should fit snugly against the face so that no unfiltered air can enter and exit the edges. With an FFP-2 mask, you will notice that it is correctly fitted because it is difficult to breathe and no noticeable breath of air escapes from the side edges.
If possible, put the masks on and off with thoroughly washed or disinfected hands.
Try to hold your face or the mask as little as possible while wearing the mask, for example to straighten it.
Do not take off the mask while you are wearing it in public places - even if you think you feel protected. Because the following applies: With every grip without washing your hands beforehand, you increase the risk of carrying viruses towards your mouth and nose.
Moist masks lose their filter function. Therefore, let the mask dry well in the air between uses and use several masks alternately - for example one per day of the week.
It is recommended to use FFP2 masks a maximum of five times. At the latest when they start to smell, they should be disposed of.

How do I put the mask on and off correctly?

Always wash your hands before putting on and taking off the mask - with warm water and soap, preferably for 20 to 30 seconds. This is how you prevent a smear infection. The following also applies: Despite washing your hands, try not to touch your face in order to avoid the transmission of possible pathogens to the mucous membranes of the mouth, nose and eyes.

In particular, do not touch the inside or outside of the protective device. And: wash your hands even after taking off the mask. After all, virus-containing particles that were previously on the fabric of the mask can now stick to your hands.

How often do I have to change my mask?

It depends on the type of mouth and nose covering. If you still have disposable masks from earlier times, we recommend changing them after two hours at the latest. They can wear textile barriers made of cotton for around four hours.

For FFP2 masks without an exhalation valve, the professional association for health and welfare services specifies a maximum wearing time of 75 minutes. The same applies to FFP3 masks. The experts recommend that you then take a breather for 30 minutes before using the FFP mask again.

But first and foremost, moisture penetration is crucial: If the mask is clammy with sweat and saliva, it should be changed quickly. The filter effect of the mask decreases with increasing humidity. Especially when it is completely moistened, when sneezing or coughing, droplets can more easily detach from the mask and get into the surrounding air.

Can CO2 accumulate under masks?

No. This also applies to well-filtering FFP masks. According to the Federal Environment Agency, carbon dioxide molecules (CO2) can escape unhindered - just as oxygen molecules can flow through the mask. The transfer of larger virus-containing particles (> 5 µm), on the other hand, is effectively prevented. Smaller particles (<5 µm) are at least partially kept away.

Do children also have to wear a mask?

As a rule, children from the age of six must wear masks in certain situations. Often, however, an everyday mask is sufficient - an FFP2 mask is usually not necessary. The regulations, for example also regarding the mask requirement in school, differ from state to state. It is best to find out more about the websites or Corona hotlines in your state.

Wearing a mask is not dangerous for children: As explained above, CO2 cannot accumulate under a mask. You can read more about this in the expert interview.

Do the masks also protect bearded people?

The use of FFP2 masks may be less effective on men who have a beard. Because, depending on the shape of the beard, the masks can often not fit tightly enough with the face: A mustache shouldn't be a problem, but a currently particularly trendy full beard certainly does. Even a large three-day beard could be a problem.

Which mask is suitable for people who wear glasses?

Many people who wear glasses have a problem with the face masks. Because when you breathe out, your glasses fog up and take away your vision. The following applies: the looser the mask, the easier it is for the warm air to flow to the glasses.

Make sure that the mask fits snugly around your nose and cheeks. A wire clip on the upper edge of the mask, which you can adapt to the shape of your nose, helps in particular. How the glasses don't fog up despite the mask? One tip is: Simply put the visual aid on the face mask. This means that the air flow at the edge of the mask is further away from the lenses.

Wearers of glasses should be particularly careful when driving. Fogged glasses can quickly become dangerous here. Therefore, if possible, avoid wearing the face mask when driving.

How do I store the mask correctly?

Store cleaned masks in a dry and clean place in the open air, because liquids can accumulate in a closed container for a long time. For example, a boiled and dried container or sealable fresh-keeping bag is suitable for transport.

Dirt and moisture are ideal breeding grounds for pathogens. It is best to keep masks that have not yet been cleaned in an airtight container.

How do I properly dispose of masks?

According to the Federal Association of German Waste Management, Water and Raw Materials Management, disposable masks and FFP2 masks belong in the residual waste - and not in the yellow bin.

Can I wear a mask in the car?

Do you drive your car to go shopping and want to put on the mask for hygienic reasons at home? In principle, this is possible. Make sure, however, that essential facial features remain recognizable despite the mask. In other words: the authorities must also be able to clearly identify you with the mouth and nose covering.

If the police cannot recognize you in a speed camera photo, you can be obliged to keep a logbook.

By the way: These regulations also apply if you wear the mask for health reasons. Although some officials then refrain from prosecution, it is at their discretion and can be handled differently from case to case.

When driving a car, make sure that the mask does not obstruct your view. Wearers of glasses in particular have to be careful here - the glasses fog up easily with a mask (see above).

Can I also use a plastic visor?

According to the Federal Office for Risk Assessment, mouth and nose masks can reduce the airflow. This can also reduce the expulsion of droplets that may contain coronaviruses. There is scientific evidence for this.

According to experts, visors, on the other hand, can usually only intercept droplets that hit the visor disc directly. A close concern, as recommended for everyday masks, is not possible with visors. Comprehensive interception of the droplets on all sides of the carrier is therefore not possible.

According to the Robert Koch Institute (RKI), previous studies have also shown that visors hold back exhaled droplets much more poorly. The RKI therefore points out that visors are not an equivalent alternative to mouth and nose covers.

Please also note that in many places wearing plastic visors is not enough to comply with the mask requirement. It is best to find out more from the responsible local authorities, for example via their website.

This does not apply to visors in conjunction with mouth and nose protection. This combination is mainly used in health care. The combination of a face visor and mask is particularly advisable where there is an increased risk of coming into contact with droplets and aerosols containing pathogens.

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