Mask Picking? BFE, PFE, VFE, ASTM and Children's Mask Selection Guide

To state the conclusion first:When choosing a mask, don't just look at the "highest filtration rate" or the letters on the packaging. You also need to consider the occasion, the mask standard, the fit to your face, breathability, comfort, and whether you can wear it correctly and consistently. For daily commutes, crowded places, or when you have respiratory symptoms, a properly sized and comfortable medical mask is usually a practical choice. If you need a higher level of inhalation protection, then consider a properly sized N95, KN95, or other approved protective mask.

Choose a mask based on the occasion, and don't just go for the highest number of masks.

Application scenarios	Types to consider	The most important checkpoint
Daily commute, shopping, going to school	Well-fitting and comfortable medical/surgical masks	Minimal air leakage around the bridge of the nose and cheeks, ensuring consistent and correct wear.
Crowded and poorly ventilated indoor spaces	Medical masks with good fit; protective masks based on individual risk considerations.	The mask should completely cover the nose, mouth, and chin, and should be used in conjunction with ventilation and minimizing the time spent in contact with the face.
Caring for patients with respiratory infections	Medical masks or suitable close-fitting respirators	Consider the wearer's face shape, beard, glasses, and breathing comfort; seek professional help if necessary.
Use by children	Children's face masks that fit their age and face shape	It should not be too large or cover the eyes; children should wear and remove it under adult supervision.
Dust, pollen, or air pollution protection	Choose the appropriate protective mask or respirator according to the type of pollutant.	Medical masks are not universal gas masks and cannot filter all gases or chemical vapors.

What do BFE, PFE, and VFE stand for? First, clarify the test items.

 

The BFE, PFE, and VFE commonly found on mask packaging are all laboratory test indicators, but the test methods, airflow, and particulate or bioaerosol conditions may differ, so these three percentages cannot be directly compared as the same standard.

• BFE (Bacterial Filtration Efficiency):This reflects the mask's performance in filtering bacterial aerosols under specified test conditions.
• PFE (particulate filtration efficiency):The filtration performance reflected under specified particle size and test conditions does not represent the same result for all particle sizes.
• VFE (Virus Filtration Efficiency):These are the results of viral aerosol filtration under specific testing methods; if different brands use different testing methods, the numbers may not be directly comparable.

The most easily overlooked point:Most of the above tests are filtration tests conducted on materials or products under laboratory conditions, and may not equate to the overall protection a mask provides when worn on a real face. Air leaks at the edges, incorrect sizing, or insufficient fit around the nose can all allow air to bypass the filter material. Therefore, when choosing a mask, it's essential to consider the standards, filtration performance, and actual fit.

What are the differences between ASTM, EN 14683, N95 and KN95?

ASTM F2100: Performance Standard for Medical Face Masks

ASTM F2100 is a common performance standard for medical face masks in the United States, covering bacterial and particulate filtration, pressure differential/breathability, and different levels of liquid penetration resistance. Level 1, Level 2, and Level 3 are different performance levels within the standard and should not be simplified to "Level 3 is always the most suitable in all situations." The choice should still consider the intended use, comfort, and whether the mask fits snugly against the face.

EN 14683: European standard for medical face masks

EN 14683 commonly classifies products into Type I, Type II, and Type IIR, taking into account bacterial filtration, air pressure differential, and the resistance to liquid splashes for Type IIR. When you see EN 14683, you should still check the complete type on the product packaging or test documents, and not make a judgment based on just a single BFE number.

N95 and KN95: These are types of close-fitting respiratory protective masks.

N95 and KN95 are usually certification/standard names for respiratory protective masks. They are designed to fit more snugly against the face than regular loose-fitting medical masks. The key features, besides the filter material, include the degree of seal when worn. N95, KN95, and medical surgical masks are not the same type of product; "high filtration rate of medical masks" does not mean that they will provide the same level of inhalation protection as close-fitting respirators.

If you choose a tight-fitting respirator, you should perform a simple seal check after each use, such as feeling for leaks around the bridge of your nose, cheeks, and chin. Beard, mask shape, nose bridge height, and movement while speaking can all affect the seal.

How to choose a medical mask for adults?

1. First, let's look at the complete standard:Make sure the packaging lists standards such as ASTM F2100 or EN 14683, instead of just saying "high efficiency", "medical grade" or "99% protection".
2. Next, let's look at the dimensions:Adult masks should not cover the eyes, nor should they leave obvious gaps on the sides of the nose and cheeks.
3. Examine the bridge of the nose strip:After putting it on, press the bridge of your nose to make the mask fit snugly along the shape of your nose; if your glasses fog up frequently, it may mean that there is air leakage at the bridge of your nose.
4. Consider breathability:When wearing a mask for an extended period of time, excessive heat can cause the wearer to pull the mask down repeatedly, which can actually reduce its effectiveness.
5. View the save and expiration dates:Masks should be stored according to the packaging requirements. Do not use masks if the outer box is damaged, the mask is damp, or the packaging has been opened for too long.

If family members have different face shapes, compare adult, women's, or different sizes separately; do not assume that the same mask will fit everyone's face the same way just because the same filter number is used.

How to choose a children's face mask? Size and fit are more important than fancy designs.

When choosing a children's mask, first check the size, ear loop length, nose bridge fit, and whether the child can breathe comfortably. A mask that's too large will leak air from the sides, while one that's too small may press against the nose and mouth or make the child unwilling to wear it. Children should also not put on, remove, or play with masks for extended periods without an adult's knowledge.

Product page Huimin ASTM Level 3 Medical Masks for ChildrenThe dimensions are listed as 14.5 × 9.5 cm, along with ASTM F2100 Level 3, three-layer design, and BFE/PFE/VFE test data. Before purchasing, you should still check the latest packaging and product page according to your child's face shape, and not rely solely on age or the words "children's" to determine if it will fit.

Before putting a mask on your child, teach them not to touch the front of the mask; remove it by the ear loops, and then wash their hands. If your child experiences difficulty breathing, dizziness, bluish lips, or other obvious discomfort, remove the mask immediately and seek medical attention.

Correct way to wear a mask: Wash your hands first, then check for leaks.

 

1. Clean your hands before putting on a mask and after taking it off.
2. Make sure the mask is not damaged, damp, or deformed, and distinguish the inside and outside and the top and bottom.
3. Make sure the mask completely covers your nose, mouth, and chin, and press it against the bridge of your nose to ensure a proper fit.
4. Use both hands to check along the edges of the mask, and pay attention to whether there is any leakage on both sides when you speak and breathe.
5. Avoid touching the front of the mask while wearing it; if adjustments are needed, clean your hands again afterward.
6. Replace your mask when it gets wet, soiled, damaged, or when breathing resistance increases significantly; disposable masks should not be washed and reused.
7. When removing the mask, take only the ear loops or straps, put the disposable mask in a covered trash can, and then wash your hands.

Examples of products in Gogo Herbs' "Personal Care" category

The following product examples are all from Gogo Herbs.Personal CareCategory. The product page currently lists ASTM Level 3 and related filtration test data, but product names, packaging, expiration dates, prices, and stock may be updated; please refer to the latest product page and physical packaging before purchasing.

Adult Daily Use: Huimin ASTM Level 3 Adult Medical Mask

See white for reference Huimin ASTM Level 3 Adult Medical Maskor blue Huimin ASTM Level 3 Adult Medical MaskThe product page indicates an adult size of 17.5 × 9.5 cm, a three-layer design, and ASTM F2100 Level 3. White and blue are primarily cosmetic options; the actual choice should be based on size, fit, and wearing comfort.

Children's Use: Huimin ASTM Level 3 Children's Medical Mask

Huimin ASTM Level 3 Medical Masks for ChildrenThe product page indicates a size of 14.5 × 9.5 cm, which is suitable for parents to refer to when comparing children's mask sizes. Before ordering, parents should measure their child's actual face shape and check whether the mask covers the eyes, whether the ear loops are too tight, and whether there are obvious gaps on both sides when the child wears it for the first time.

Women's Size: Huimin ASTM Level 3 Women's Medical Mask

If an adult has a narrow face, comparison can be made. Huimin ASTM Level 3 Women's Medical MaskOr blue version Huimin ASTM Level 3 Women's Medical MaskSizes labeled as women's do not guarantee a perfect fit for every woman; the actual fit and breathability should be judged based on comfort.

remind:The products mentioned above are examples of face masks and are not a guarantee of treatment or prevention for influenza, COVID-19, or other diseases. No face mask can replace vaccines, ventilation, hand hygiene, staying home to rest, or necessary medical treatment.

Common questions about choosing a face mask

Is ASTM Level 3 always better than Level 1?

Level 3 has higher requirements in some performance aspects and liquid penetration resistance, but "best" depends on the usage scenario. For daily use, factors such as fit, breathability, and whether it can be worn correctly should also be considered; if the mask is too large and leaks air, then looking at Level 3 alone is meaningless.

Which is better, BFE 99% or VFE 99.9%?

You cannot directly judge which is "better" based on two numbers, because the testing objects and methods for BFE and VFE are different. You should check the complete standard, testing conditions, product quality, and mask fit.

Can medical masks and N95/KN95 masks be substituted for each other?

They should not be considered the same product. Medical masks are generally looser and primarily provide protection against droplets and reduce outward transmission; N95 and KN95 respiratory protective masks are designed to fit snugly against the face, focusing on reducing exposure to inhaled particles. The choice of which type to use depends on the risk, the occasion, and whether the individual can wear it correctly.

What should I do if my glasses keep fogging up when I wear a mask?

This usually indicates a leak at the bridge of the nose. Readjust the nose bridge strip, check the mask size and ear loop tightness, and make sure the top edge of the mask is not folded; if it still leaks, you can try a size that fits your face better.

Can children wear adult masks directly?

It is not recommended to let children use adult masks for extended periods of time simply because they are readily available. Adult masks may be too large, causing air to leak from the sides, or they may obstruct vision or cause discomfort; children's sizes should be selected according to the child's face shape, and adults should guide them in wearing them.

References

• Hong Kong Centre for Health Protection: Proper Use of Mask
• CDC: Masks and Respiratory Viruses Prevention
• CDC/NIOSH: Respirators and Mask Types and Performance
• CDC/NIOSH: Respirator Selection and Use

This article provides general information on mask selection and public health only and does not constitute medical advice. Product standards, testing data, prices, inventory, packaging, and expiration dates may be updated; please refer to the latest Gogo Herbs product page and physical packaging for the most accurate information.

 

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