Each offer different types of protection and to different levels.

Disposable respirators filter inhaled air to protect the wearer against airborne particles. They create a tight seal with the wearer’s face to prevent inward leakage. These respirators are classed as personal protective equipment (PPE) and meet the requirements of EN 149 or an equivalent standard.

Medical and surgical masks capture droplets exhaled by the wearer, to protect the working environment, and can also provide splash protection to the wearer against liquids that may contact the mask. These products meet the requirements of EN 14683 or an equivalent standard, for medical masks, and the HSE state they are not classed as PPE when worn outside of healthcare settings.

Face coverings are intended to capture droplets exhaled by the wearer in order to protect those around them. They are not intended to protect the wearer and do not provide a tight seal. Face coverings are not considered PPE and there is currently no need for them to conform to EN or ISO standards.

The HSE provide guidance on face coverings and face masks:

https://www.hse.gov.uk/coronavirus/ppe-face-masks/face-coverings-and-face-masks.htm