When I first arrived in Spain, I got sick and went to the hospital, where I noticed that the pharmacies sold a wide variety of mask brands, completely different from what I was used to. With the change of seasons bringing on some minor allergies, I thought I’d put together a guide to share with everyone, just in case you ever need to buy some and want to know what to look for.
Common Pharmacy Mask Brands
The most common brand you’ll find is definitely Indas. Almost every pharmacy stocks them, usually in blue or green boxes. Their masks are the standard surgical type, and I find them to be quite decent. They offer enough protection for daily use, like visiting a clinic or going grocery shopping. The price is also very reasonable, making it a go-to brand for many.
Another brand is Mas-k Spain, and as the name suggests, it’s locally produced in Spain. I’m personally quite a fan of this brand, especially their FFP2 series. Although they are a bit more expensive than regular surgical masks, the fit and seal are noticeably better, and the nose bridge fits more snugly. If you’re concerned about [medical mask prices] but need to go to a high-risk environment like a hospital, or if you have a weaker immune system, choosing an FFP2 mask will give you more peace of mind. Their surgical masks are also high quality and feel slightly thicker than the ones from Indas.
Other Brands and Buying Tips
Besides the two mentioned above, brands like Leboo are also widely available and offer reliable quality. Honestly, when you’re shopping for masks, you don’t need to get too hung up on a specific brand. The most important thing is to check the packaging for the CE certification mark and the corresponding standard, such as EN 14683 for surgical masks or EN 149:2001+A1:2009 for FFP2 masks. Any mask with these certifications meets EU safety standards and can be purchased with confidence.
I’ve put together a simple table below to compare the features of different mask types for your reference:
| Mask Type | Standard | Applicable Scenarios | Personal Feel |
|---|
| Surgical Mask | EN 14683 | Daily protection, prevents droplet transmission | Lightweight and breathable, suitable for long-term wear |
| FFP2 Mask | EN 149 | Hospitals, enclosed spaces, high-risk environments | High protection level, good seal, can feel a bit stuffy |
| FFP3 Mask | EN 149 | Professional medical use, special industrial environments | Highest protection, unnecessary for most situations |
For everyday use, having a box of Indas or a similar brand of surgical masks is sufficient. If you plan to visit someone in the hospital or enter crowded indoor places, consider switching to an FFP2. I hope these tips are helpful, and feel free to share any other great brands you’ve used!
