Frequently Asked Questions

What is a Surgical Mask?

Surgical mask (blue) ​ A surgical mask is a disposable medical device that reduces transmission of infectious agents in exhaled droplets. These droplets can be droplets of saliva or secretions from the upper respiratory tract when the wearer exhales. These masks should not be worn for more than 4 hours. A surgical mask can also protect the wearer from the risk of splashes of biological fluids. Hive offers Medical Spec Surgical masks;

  1. Type IIR Surgical Masks - Medical grade, its what we wear in the pharmacy.



What Are the Official Face Mask Standards?

Respirators are tested in the direction of inspiration (from outside to inside). The tests take into account the efficiency of the filter and leakage to the face. Europe In Europe, they must meet the European standard EN 149: 2001 which has three classes of disposable particulate respirators called Filtering Face Piece, FFP (FFP1, FFP2 and FFP3).

  • FFP1 refers to the least filtering of the three masks with an aerosol filtration of at least 80% and leakage to the inside of maximum 22%. This mask is mainly used as a dust mask (home renovations and various types of work).
  • FFP2 masks have filtration percentage 94%-98% and maximum 8% leakage to the inside. They are mainly used in construction, agriculture, and by healthcare professionals against viruses. They are currently used for protection against the coronavirus. These are N95 equivalent.
  • FFP3 masks are the most filtering mask of the FFPs. With a minimum filtration percentage of 99% and maximum 2% leakage to the inside, they protect against very fine particles such as asbestos. These are N99 equivalent.
Unitied States In the United States, the face mask standards are different.
  • N99 masks offer a minimum filtration percentage of 99% and maximum 2% leakage to the inside, they protect against very fine particles. Equivalent to FFP3.
  • N95 masks minimum filtration percentage of 95%. Regarded as equivalent to FFP2.
Asia
  • KN95 masks minimum filtration percentage of 95%. The Health Safety Executive, HSE in the UK advise to avoid KN95 due to the volume of fakes worldwide. Wearing a fake mask will be very dangerous.



Which face mask should I wear?

Medical Grade Masks - most protection
Infections are spread by droplets which become aerosolised as they travel through the air. A medical mask has a very fine weave as its job is to protect the wearer from these tiny aerosolised particles. Examples of this mask are

  • FFP3 - the best protection
  • FFP2 - very good protection
  • Type IIR Surgical - moderate protection
Reusable Aviro Face Mask with GT Filter - very good protection This option is sustainable, and now offering very high filtration with the GT filter. A popular protection product. Reusable Face Mask with Filter - moderate protection This option is very popular. This is a reusable cotton face mask that has a slot for a filter. The job of the filer is to offer more protection from airborne particles than a standard reusable face mask.



What is a medical grade face mask?

Medical Grade Face Masks UK A medical grade face mask is one that has been tested and certified to meet medical level antiviral protection. These are available to the general public through Hive Pharmacy. Hive pharmacy is a UK based pharmacy, we have sourced medical grade face masks that are recommended worldwide by the World Health Organisation for over 60 year olds. We have 3 medical grade products: FFP2 masks, FFP3 masks, and Type IIR masks are all medical grade masks that are sourced in the UK and are certified within Europe by BSI. Medical grade masks such as FFP3, FFP2, N95 and Type IIR surgical masks are not reusable.



Why Choose Hive Pharmacy?

With over 2 million masks supplied during the COVID pandemic, Hive is a one of the UKs largest PPE suppliers. Customers include the Ministry of Defence, various Embasies in London, Dental Practices, Air Ambulance, Film Studios, 1000's of businesses and many more besides, rest assured you can trust us to provide the best service possible. Our aim is to post your parcels within 24hrs of receiving your order using Tracked 24 - thats 24hr post!



Addenbrookes Hospital cut COVID cases 100% with FFP3 masks

Wearing an FFP3 (not SSP3 !) facemask from the standard "surgical" design reduced hospital Covid infections by 100 per cent. Staff working on Covid wards at Addenbrooke's Hospital in Cambridge who were issued with filtering face piece 3 (FFP3) respirators had a lower infection rate than people in the wider community.The masks, designed to prevent the transmission of aerosols – tiny disease-carrying particles that can float in the air – are currently only issued to a minority of NHS staff performing tasks deemed to pose the highest risk of infection.By contrast, standard issue surgical masks, although fluid-resistant, are looser-fitting, allowing airflow from the sides.s issued with filtering face piece 3 masks had lower case rate than people in wider community, study shows.