BFE: the headline filtration number
Bacterial filtration efficiency (BFE) measures the percentage of bacteria-sized particles the mask filters out of the air. A mask with 98% BFE filters 98% of those particles. BFE is the number most buyers quote first, but it is only one part of the protection story — a high BFE does not guarantee fluid resistance or a good fit. Treat BFE as the baseline, then check the other numbers before you compare suppliers.
- BFE measures bacteria-sized particle filtration
- 98% BFE filters 98% of those particles
- High BFE does not guarantee fluid resistance or fit



