These are the important features that determine filtering efficiency in a well-fitted face mask:
Comfortable:
Suitable constituent materials safe for respirators (including textiles, filter media, inks and dyes, packaging) [see attached design diagrams]
Designed to facilitate correct positioning on the user and remain in place
Adequate adjustment options such as no charge wrong size replacement, head strap accessory and noseband
No restriction of the user's field of vision
Easy breathing established by inhalation and exhalation resistance tests
Comfort as important factor in compliance
Attractiveness:
Aesthetics of product appearance on face (see attached photo)
Several designs and colors
Encourages compliance in mask wearingEncourages mask use in all environments
Efficient:Manufacturer to supply correct donning, doffing, and noseband instructionsProduct support to ensure correct sizePractical performance testing on test subjects to determine leakage under normal activities
3rd Party Testing on all design and engineering changes
NaCl Particle Filtering Efficiency at mean diameter .3-micronsContinuous flow rate at 85 L/minQuality plan in manufacturing to include Quality Checkpoints and Inbound Quality InspectionClear communications for consumer on reason for various particle size testing (most penetrating particle size)Relationship of filtering efficiency to breathing resistance
