To help our companies get through this health crisis with peace of mind, we are proposing a special offer for professionals: sale at cost price for orders of 100 respiratory protection masks or more (use discount code VR9CBLPF).
To protect against theCOVID-19 epidemic, barrier measures are highly effective. The French Ministry of Health recommends regular hand-washing, coughing or sneezing into your elbow or a single-use handkerchief (and throwing it away), as well as non-handshaking greetings and avoiding hugs. To limit the spread of the Coronavirus virus, the French government has also decided to place the population under confinement, and to advise people to wear a category 1 or 2 UNS respirator in public spaces and transport.
What are the indications for the AFNOR S76-001 standardized Barrier Mask Device for children and adults?
The DGA has validated these masks as Category 1, with over 90% particle filtration. They are very comfortable to wear, whether for children (from 8 - 10 years) or adults. Ideal for children who need to wear masks when they go back to school.
The "barrier mask" device is designed to complement the barrier gestures and social distancing rules of adults and schoolchildren. It is intended for the general public, and in particular for anyone who is healthy or asymptomatic. The barrier mask in no way exonerates the user from the systematic application of barrier gestures, which are essential, as well as the rules of social distancing aimed at combating viral infections such as influenza or coronavirus. This device is not intended for use by healthcare professionals in contact with patients. FFP2 filtering masks and masks for medical (or surgical) use are intended for use by healthcare personnel only.
As a reminder, Category 1 masks are individual respiratory protection masks for use by professionals in contact with the public, filtering out at least 90% of 3-micron particles. They can therefore be worn for up to 4 hours at work or school.
Advice on use of Covid-19 masks for children & adults
Virus protection masks for children and adults must be washed systematically once removed, and for at least 30 minutes at 60 degrees to be sure of destroying contaminating influenza or coronavirus viral agents. This barrier mask is pleasant to wear, with optimal breathability thanks to itsduckbill shape and special design.
PROTECTIVE MASK Stop covid Category 1 to be worn for 4 consecutive hours and reusable 10 times after washing (test in progress for 20 washes).
ANSM-recommended treatment protocol for reusable fabric protective masks
The following complete treatment cycle must be carried out consecutively in its entirety, to guarantee elimination of coronavirus viruses of the COVID-19 type, as well as other potentially pathogenic microorganisms (influenza virus, enterovirus...).
- Machine wash with a detergent suitable for the fabric, including a minimum 30-minute cycle at 60°C.
- Mechanical drying
- Ironing at 120/130°C.
Masks treated in this way must be stored in such a way as to preserve their microbiological cleanliness at the end of treatment (e.g., wrapped in plastic film).
Masks certified by the Direction Générale de l'Armement for Category 1 and 2 use: prevents the spread of influenza or coronavirus (COVID-19).
TheWorld Health Organization (WHO) considers that the schoolchild mask is only suitable for people caring for infected patients, or for people who cough and sneeze. It notes that "the mask should be removed without touching the front". Hands should be cleaned before and after handling the mask with a hydroalcoholic solution or soap and water, and the mask should be worn so that the nose and mouth are covered. The WHO stresses that it does not have sufficient information on its effectiveness.
Give your opinion on the advice for use and dosage of Dispositif Masque Barrière normé AFNOR S76-001 with our partner Verified opinions after your purchase in our online pharmacy.
Published on March 27, 2020, the first version of the AFNOR Spec - Barrier Masks specifications is the fruit of collective work by volunteer experts whom AFNOR brought together in seven days, at the height of the coronavirus pandemic. Members of standards committees on personal protective equipment (PPE) or textiles, they all made a decisive contribution to this project of general interest, under the leadership of Ewa Messaoudi (Honeywell), chair of the AFNOR S76A "Respiratory protective devices" committee, supported by Matthis Roussel (AFNOR Normalisation).
A few tips on how to wear a mask properly: How do I use and wear a barrier mask?
What is its composition?
Synthetic fabric selected for its filtration performance.
Composition: 100% non-woven polypropylene
Level of filtration and air permeability :
In accordance with the interministerial information note of 29/03/2020 relating to new mask categories reserved for non-health uses, the mask material (test N° RP/20-2354/DGA MNRBC/2000305/NP carried out́ on 15/04/2020 by the DGA) presents an air permeability as well as performance in aerosol protection efficiency of 3 microns, compatible with a Category 1 mask type use (individual mask for use by professionals in contact with the public).
This mask complies with the French AFNOR S76-001 specification, Category 1 reusable 10 washes, and can be found in the compliance report issued by the Direction générale des armées.
Precautions for use
Barrier masks do not have the performance of FFP2. Companies will need to assess on a case-by-case basis whether these respiratory protection masks for children and adults are suitable for the risks involved in each type of workstation. These masks must be fitted over the nose and under the chin, and the same hygiene measures must be observed as for other masks.
For washable and reusable masks:
- Washing: at least 30 minutes at 60°C
- Drying: if possible, use a tumble dryer; clean tumble dryer filters before and after drying.
- Disposal: in a closed plastic bag, if possible double the packaging.
Presentation - Packaging
Masks available individually or in bags of 20 respiratory protection masks for adults and teenagers at a reduced price, special price for families at pharmacies.
Children's "barrier mask" masks complying with AFNOR Standard S76-001 dated March 27, 2020. These masks are not affected by the requirements of Decree 2020-247 of March 13, 2020.
Download the 
leaflet for these Category 1 child and adult barrier masks.
Our advice and opinions from natural health experts
Is there an equivalent level of protection between barrier masks and FFP2/surgical masks?
No, they are different masks. An FFP respirator is a piece of respiratory protective equipment (standard NF EN 149). It is designed to protect the wearer against both inhalation of droplets and airborne particles, which may contain infectious agents. Wearing this type of mask is more restrictive (thermal discomfort, respiratory resistance) than wearing a surgical mask.
There are three categories of FFP masks, according to their effectiveness (estimated on the basis of filter efficiency and leakage to the face). We distinguish between :
- FFP1 masks filtering at least 80% of aerosols (total inward leakage < 22%).
- FFP2 masks filtering at least 94% of aerosols (total inward leakage < 8%).
- FFP3 masks filtering at least 99% of aerosols (total inward leakage < 2%).
A surgical mask is a medical device (standard NF EN 14683). It is designed to prevent droplets emitted by the wearer from being projected into the environment. It also protects the wearer from droplets emitted by a person opposite. However, they do not protect against the inhalation of very small airborne particles. There are three types of mask:
- Type I: bacterial filtration efficiency > 95%.
- Type II: bacterial filtration efficiency > 98%.
- Type IIR: bacterial filtration efficiency > 98% and splash-resistant.
Are S76 UNS masks compliant with standards?
These masks comply with AFNOR SPEC S76-001:2020 standards dated March 27, 2020. They are described as "barrier mask devices". They are shipped individually or in bags of 20, with an explanatory leaflet including the recommendations for use laid down by the AFNOR standard.
Where are they manufactured? Are they washable and reusable?
They are marketed by a French company, L'essentiel.
They are washable at 60°, so can be reused 10 times after washing.
