Gloves & Masks

The Gloves & Masks category covers examination and surgical gloves as well as medical face masks and filtering half masks for use in clinics, medical practices, care facilities and aesthetic centres. It is aimed at medical professionals and professional B2B procurement in the DACH region and brings together consumables for hygiene and personal protection in one overview.

What to consider when choosing

Examination gloves are available as single-use gloves in nitrile, latex or vinyl, typically powder-free and latex-free for areas of use with latex sensitivity. Relevant selection criteria are material, size, tactile sensitivity, wearing time and the sterile or non-sterile version. Medical single-use gloves are tested to EN 455; for handling chemicals and microorganisms, EN ISO 374 is additionally relevant, supplemented by the stated AQL level.

For masks, the intended purpose is decisive: medical face masks (surgical masks) of types I, II and IIR are tested to EN 14683 and are classed as medical devices. Filtering half masks (FFP2/FFP3) to EN 149, by contrast, are personal protective equipment (PPE). Pay attention to fit, wearing comfort and CE/MDR-compliant labelling. The relevant packaging unit (VE) is shown on the supplier's product page.

Frequently asked questions

How do surgical masks and FFP masks differ?

Medical face masks (surgical masks, type I/II/IIR to EN 14683) are medical devices and are used primarily to protect the surrounding environment from particles emitted by the wearer. Filtering half masks (FFP2/FFP3 to EN 149) are personal protective equipment and are designed to retain airborne particles. The choice depends on the intended application and the respective risk assessment of the facility.

Which glove materials are available?

Common options are nitrile, latex and vinyl. Nitrile gloves are latex-free and are often chosen in cases of latex sensitivity. Latex gloves offer high elasticity, while vinyl gloves are suitable for short tasks with low demands. Material and properties should be selected based on the task, wearing time and the tested standards (EN 455, and where applicable EN ISO 374).

Are the products CE/MDR-compliant?

Medical gloves and surgical masks are CE-marked as medical devices and are subject to the MDR (EU 2017/745); FFP masks, as PPE, carry the CE marking in accordance with the PPE Regulation. The specific conformity details, standards and the packaging unit can be found in the respective supplier's information on the product page.