The EN 14683 standard specifies construction, design, performance requirements, and test methods for medical face masks intended to limit the transmission of infective agents from staff to patients during surgical procedures and other medical settings with similar requirements. A medical face mask with an appropriate microbial barrier can also be effective in reducing the emission of infective agents from the nose and mouth of an asymptomatic carrier or a patient with clinical symptoms. This European Standard is not applicable to masks intended exclusively for the personal protection of staff.

A surgical mask is medical equipment. Produced as per standard EN 14683, it is designed to prevent the wearer from spreading droplets in the vicinity. It also protects the wearer from droplets produced by a person directly in front of them. However, depending on the circumstances, it does not protect from inhaling the very small particles suspended in the air that potentially carry the virus. There are three different types of surgical masks*:

• Type I: bacteria filtering effectiveness > 95%.
• Type II: bacteria filtering effectiveness > 98%.
• Type IIR: bacteria filtering effectiveness > 98% and splash-resistant.