Box for Omnitex branded FFP2 NR face masks (20pcs) containing two masks, two plastic mask extenders and an instruction card, manufactured by Honnes Health and Industrial Products Inc., Turkey, 2022. Disposable 5-layer filtration earloop masks with adjustable nose clip.

The variety of face coverings available to the general public has exploded since the COVID-19 virus first emerged. Subject to severe shortages during the early months of the pandemic, filtering facepiece (FFP) masks rose in popularity as availability increased and the price fell.

These Omnitex branded examples are FFP2s, the class of filtering respirator that offers the second highest level of protection against dangerous particles according to European safety standards (equivalent to the US-certified N95).

When appropriately fitted and worn correctly, they reduce exposure to airborne particles by a factor of 10, and thus protect the wearer as well as those around them. Their effectiveness led some European countries – including Austria and Germany – to make them mandatory on public transport in January 2021. The World Health Organisation, however, continues to recommend that FFP2s be reserved for healthcare workers, people over 60 or those at greater risk from COVID-19.