Test Methods and Test Standards Used for Face Mask Testing

From the beginning of 2020, due to the global spread of Corona Virus, face masks become an essential item for our everyday use. We wear face masks to protect ourselves from air pollution and protecting from the inhalation of virus droplets. To ensure the performance of the face masks material, face mask manufacturers and suppliers need to test their products.

The performance test of the face mask materials is done from the approved NABL approved testing labs before selling face masks to the customers. Some of the common test requirements for face mask quality includes breathability resistance test, synthetic blood penetration test, Bacterial Filtration Efficiency Test and Particulate Filtration Efficiency Test.

Note: Following list of test requirement and test methods are for information purpose only. For actual requirement of test methods, follow the face mask buyers’ test requirement and test method to be followed.

Test requirement and Test Methods

#1. Test requirement: Breathability Resistance Test (Differential Pressure)

      Test Method: ASTM F2100:2007 MIL-M-36954 C:∆P

#2. Test requirement: Bacterial Filtration Efficiency Test (BFE)

      Test Method: ASTM F2101

#3. Test requirement: Particulate Filtration Efficiency Test (PFE)

      Test Method: ASTM F2299

#4. Test requirement: Resistance to Penetration by Synthetic blood

      Test Method: ASTM F 1862

#5. Test requirement: Flame Spread (Flammability Test)

      Test Method: 16CFR part 1610

#6. Test requirement: Breath Resistance (inhalation)

      Test Method: NIOSH procedure using DOP

#7. Test requirement: Exhalation Valve leakage test

      Test Method: NIOSH procedure TEB-APR-STP-004

The above test specifications and requirement is shown in the following tables. 

Table: Test Methods and Test Standards