The use of masks is crucial to prevent transmission and provide maximum protection in the COVID-19 pandemic (WHO, 2020). The following summarizes and presents the information on mask use in the World Health Organization (WHO) Recommendations for Mask Use Guide:
 Whatever the type of mask, the need for appropriate manufacture, use and disposal with regard to the avoidance of contamination,
 Before putting on the mask and after removing it, hand hygiene in particular should be carried out with soap and water,
 The need to use the mask correctly (putting it on carefully, covering the mouth and nose, Putting on the bridge of the nose and tightening so that there is as little space between the mask and the face as possible and removing without touching the front),
 No reuse of disposable masks, replacing a moistened mask with a new and dry one.[1]

Although FFP2 and FFP3 masks are the masks that offer the greatest protection and therefore reduce the risk of infection the most, they are manufactured for specific target groups in terms of the user, the duration of use and the environments used.[1]< /p>

Healthcare workers are one of the riskiest groups right now as the global COVID-19 pandemic is still ongoing and countries are taking strict measures to protect themselves from infection. Protecting healthcare workers from infection is an extremely important issue for both their own health and that of their patients, colleagues and families. The most important step in the fight against disease is, of course, primary prevention. Primary prevention includes all measures to avoid the disease; However, the fact that the vaccine against COVID-19 is currently under development requires attention to the use of personal protective equipment and the implementation of protective behavioral measures. Proper and appropriate use of personal protective equipment (PPE) is important for healthcare professionals. There are materials such as gloves, masks, visors, goggles, aprons in the PPE. Especially those who work with patients at risk of infection should use high protection masks[2].
FFP (Filtering Facepiece Respirators) filtered face masks are used to prevent or minimize the transmission of pathogens in the air we breathe. Particles with the most pervasive particle size of 0.3 mm (microns) under test conditions; It offers filtering at FFP1 (80%), FFP2 (94%) and FFP3 (99%)[2].

A prerequisite for both FFP masks and medical masks (surgical masks) in order to offer the prescribed level of protection and reduce the risk of infection is standard-compliant production. Failure to do so can result in unforeseen increases in infection[1].

For masks to offer the declared protection, they must be manufactured in compliance with the technical regulations (technical legislation, ISO, EN, TS standards) to which they are subject[1].

Surgical (medical) masks, intended and recommended for wide use, reduce the risk of infection and offer maximum protection provided that they are manufactured according to the TS EN 14683 standard, respecting maximum hand hygiene and physical distance during the process of use[1 ].

Masks manufactured and used according to the standards have been observed to provide protection against COVID-19 and reduce the risk of infection. However, the level of protection varies depending on the type of mask and the material used in its manufacture[1].

Half masks with filters of the FFP2 classification are currently the most commonly used items of personal protective equipment (PPE) in the medical field. They aim to protect the wearer from particles, droplets and aerosols, but can also prevent the spread of aerosol-borne viruses if the wearer becomes infected [3].

With our Safetouch brand, we produce FFP2-FFP3 masks according to TS EN 149, TYPE IIR - Surgical Masks and Laminated Coveralls, Gowns according to TS EN 14683 standard. Used in the manufacturing of all our medical products in our factory ; Sponbond and meltblown nonwovens are produced.

The Safetouch quality control laboratory req