Enro’s PM0.1 Filter vs. PM 2.5 Carbon Filter
Just like many other aspects of face mask design including size, fit, and color, there is more than one option when it comes to face mask filters. Similar to the filter in your air conditioner, a face mask’s filter does the essential job of trapping airborne contaminants and “particulate matter” (PM) before they can spread and potentially cause harm. Because of this, the filter is one of the most important aspects in determining a face mask’s effectiveness, and you should be as informed as possible when it comes to choosing the best one.
There are two popular options when it comes to face mask filters — the PM2.5 filter and the PM0.1 filter. But which works better? And which should you look for when searching for the best filtered face mask? When comparing PM0.1 vs. PM2.5, the PM0.1 filter comes out on top. Why? The answer lies in the size of the particles each filter is able to successfully trap.
While many other mask brands incorporate a PM2.5 filter, Enro reusable masks include a built-in PM0.1, because we always go above and beyond to bring you the best possible face mask experience.
What Is a PM0.1 Filter?
The PM0.1 filters included in all Enro reusable face masks act like a fine mesh that traps and blocks particles as small as 0.1 microns — AKA unimaginably tiny stuff. In fact, particles this small are classified as “ultra-fine dust” and are smaller than pollen, mold, and even some bacterias. To truly put the size into perspective, fine beach sand is around 90 microns in diameter, while bacteria averages from 0.3–5 microns in length. Simply put, the PM0.1 filter easily traps particles of these sizes and much smaller.
What is a PM2.5 Carbon Filter?
Like the PM0.1 filter, PM2.5 carbon filters are used to create a barrier that blocks microscopic airborne contaminants as small as 2.5 microns in diameter. This includes many kinds of dust and pollution like vehicle emissions and particles resulting from wildfires. While filtered face masks that incorporate a PM2.5 are certainly more effective than unfiltered face masks, they aren’t able to trap particles smaller than 2.5 microns, meaning they may still let some potentially harmful stuff through.
PM0.1 vs. PM2.5: What’s The Better Filter For a Face Mask?
To explain why the PM0.1 filter is better than the PM2.5, let’s consider your common pasta strainer: A good strainer has holes just big enough to hold the pasta in while still allowing the water to flow through. A strainer with holes that are too big may let some smaller pastas fall out, and nobody likes to lose their pasta. Bringing it back to filters, the PM0.1 is capable of capturing smaller particles than the PM2.5, which means it can capture more particles while still allowing you to breathe comfortably. To further simplify it, the best filtered face masks are the ones that trap the most gunk, which is exactly what the PM0.1 does.
In fact, when tested, masks with PM2.5 filters generally only block around 50% of dust, pollen, and bacteria, and only 10% of viruses. On the other hand, Enro masks with the PM0.1 filter block over 99% of bacteria, viruses, and particles as small as 0.1 microns. That’s a pretty sizable difference — and something you should consider when looking for the best protection for you and your family.
Because PM0.1 filters seem to be the gold standard when it comes to mask filtration, anyone looking for the best filtered face mask should make sure it includes one.
Read more on our lab-test results to see how Enro masks perform with efficiency and effectiveness.
Shop Enro Filtered Face Masks
If you’re looking for the best face mask with a filter, you’re in luck. At Enro, we’ve made sure to use the very best of everything when crafting our innovative face masks. Not only are they reusable, hyper-breathable, and washable up to 100 times, they also include a built in PM0.1 filter to offer you and your family a superior mask experience for all of life’s occasions.
Enro reusable face masks come in a range of sizes (yes, we offer kids' face masks) to fit any face and a multitude of prints and colors to fit any style — so you can find the best face mask with filter to match your lifestyle. Go ahead and treat yourself.
Breathe well and excel — Enro has you covered.
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