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Where to buy 1st Class masks online in Australia
1st Class masks are the Korean standard for face masks, and they just so happen to be fairly similar to the Australian P2 mask.
Face Masks
Where To Buy...
The World Health Organisation has recently changed its advice on whether or not people should wear masks. The advice now is that masks should be worn in public where social distancing is not possible to help stop the spread of coronavirus.
Under Victorian regulations, it's mandatory for everyone to wear masks or face coverings while out in public. Non-compliance can result in a fine of $200. In NSW, face masks are now encouraged, but not mandatory. More details in Finder's complete guide to face mask rules in Australia.
1st Class is the Korean standard for face masks, and it matches the closest to Australia's P2 standard. They both filter non-oil-based particles such as those from wildfires, volcanic eruptions, etc.
Consumers must consult their local respiratory protection regulations and requirements or check with their local public health authorities for selection guidance.
But what's the difference? Well according to 3M, just some of the differences include the flow-rate amount and the exhalation resistance. You can click here for more information.
At this time, no Australian retailers are selling 1st Class masks, so we recommend going for a P2 mask instead. Keep on scrolling to check out our list of retailers that can deliver one straight to your door.
Sites to buy P2 face masks online
- ThePharmacy
- Bunnings
- Officeworks
1. Amazon
Although Amazon doesn't stock 1st Class masks, the similar P2 masks are available. You can find a wide range of P2 masks, and it's all thanks to the variety of sellers at hand.
- Sign up to Amazon Prime and get free shipping and returns on millions of items
- Trusted online marketplace
- See customer ratings before you make your purchase
2. eBay
eBay is a global online marketplace, and it's where you can find just about anything and everything. While you may not be able to find 1st Class masks, eBay is rarely out of stock of P2 masks.
- Huge selection available
- Trusted online marketplace
- Sign up to eBay Plus and score free shipping and returns on millions of items
3. AliExpress
While you can't find 1st Class masks here, AliExpress is home to all kinds of P2 and N95 masks. The best part? You can buy packs of up to 50 pieces.
- Free shipping available on select products
- Flash deals are always on offer here
- First-purchase coupons available
4. Kogan
Kogan is one of Australia's favourite shopping destinations. This is where you can find face masks from the most popular brands (like 3M) in packs of 20 or more.
- Free shipping on selected products
- 14-day money back guarantee on Kogan-brand products
- Responsive customer service team
5. ThePharmacy
ThePharmacy is an online shopping destination that carries all kinds of pharmacy and medical products. If you need a face mask fast, you should try shopping here.
- Express shipping available
- Earn rewards points on every purchase
- Afterpay is available
6. Bunnings
Australian warehouse giant Bunnings is home to a range of P2 masks. Check out the ones with adjustable nose clips and straps, so you can achieve the best fit possible.
- This retailer stocks leading brands at warehouse prices
- If you can find a competitor's lower price on the same stocked item, Bunnings will beat it by 10%
- Easy-to-use website to help you find exactly what you need
7. Officeworks
If you need a face mask, head on over to Officeworks and browse the most competitive prices. While you won't be able to find a 1st Class mask, you can find a P2 mask.
- Free metro delivery on orders over $55
- Free two-hour click and collect available
- If you find a lower-priced identical stocked item that's in stock with a competitor (even if it's on sale), Officeworks will beat it by 5%
Does your company belong in this list?
Which of these retailers offer free delivery on P2 face masks?
- Kogan: Free shipping on selected products
- Amazon: Sign up to Amazon Prime and get free shipping on millions of items
- eBay: Sign up to eBay Plus and score free shipping on millions of items
- AliExpress: Free shipping available on select products
- Officeworks: Free metro delivery on orders over $55
Where to bulk buy P2 masks online in Australia
Keen to buy a few P2 masks at a time? Here are the stores that allow you to bulk buy:
1. Amazon
Amazon is a one-stop shop for P2 masks. The abundance of sellers means you’ll have a good chance at bulk buying what you need.
- Sign up to Amazon Prime and get free shipping and returns
- See customer ratings before you make your purchase
2. eBay
When you shop at eBay, you can get your hands on a number of P2 masks all in the same order.
- Trusted online marketplace
- Sign up to eBay Plus and score free shipping and returns on millions of items
3. Kogan
Kogan is home to a range of different types of respirator masks available in bulk packs. And, some are eligible for free shipping.
- Free shipping on selected products
- Responsive customer service team
4. Officeworks
Check out the range of P2 masks available at Officeworks. You can bulk buy in packs of 2, 5 or 10.
- Free metro delivery on orders over $55
- Free two-hour click and collect available
- If you find a lower-priced identical stocked item that's in stock with a competitor (even if it's on sale), Officeworks will beat it by 5%
What's the difference between a P2, FFP2, KN95 and N95 face mask?
According to respirator company 3M, P2, FFP2, KN95 and N95 masks are all very similar, though they do vary slightly in performance.
You can check out the differences below:
What's the difference between a P2, FFP2, KN95 and N95 face mask?
Depending on your location, different face mask types are more widely used. For example, in the United States and Canada, N95 are common; in Australia and New Zealand you'll see P2 masks more often; in China, KN95 is the standard. Mask manufacturer 3M, which specialises in filtering facepiece respirators (FFR) masks, offers the following explanation of the main differences between each mask type.| Certification/Class | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Filter performance | ≥ 95% | ≥ 95% | ≥ 95% | ≥ 94% | ≥ 94% | ≥ 95% |
| Test agent | NaCl | NaCl and paraffin oil | NaCl | NaCl | NaCl and paraffin oil | NaCl |
| Flow rate | 85 L/min | 95 L/min | 85 L/min | 95 L/min | 95 L/min | 85 L/min |
| Total inward leakage (TIL) | N/A | ≤ 8% leakage | ≤ 8% leakage | ≤ 8% leakage | ≤ 8% leakage | Inward Leakage measured and included in User Instructions |
| Inhalation resistance | ≤ 343 Pa | ≤ 70 Pa (at 30L/min)≤ 240 Pa (at 95 L/min)≤ 500 Pa (clogging) | ≤ 350 Pa | ≤ 70 Pa (at 30L/min)≤ 240 Pa (at 95L/min) | ≤ 70 Pa (at 30L/min)≤ 240 Pa (at 95L/min) | ≤ 70 Pa (w/valve)≤ 50 Pa (no valve) |
| Flow rate | 85L/min | Varied – seeabove | 85L/min | Varied – seeabove | Varied – seeabove | 40L/min |
| Exhalation resistance | ≤ 245 Pa | ≤ 300 Pa | ≤ 250 Pa | ≤ 120 Pa | ≤ 300 Pa | ≤ 70 Pa (w/valve) ≤ 50 Pa (no valve) |
| Flow rate | 85L/min | 160L/min | 85L/min | 85L/min | 160L/min | 40L/min |
| Exhalation valve leakage requirement | Leak rate ≤ 30mL/min | N/A | Depressurization to 0 Pa ≥ 20 sec | Leak rate ≤ 30mL/min | Visual inspection after 300L /min for 30 sec | Depressurization to 0 Pa ≥ 15sec |
| Force applied | -245 Pa | N/A | -1180 Pa | -250 Pa | N/A | -1,470 Pa |
| CO2 clearance requirement | N/A | ≤ 1% | ≤ 1% | ≤ 1% | ≤ 1% | ≤ 1% |
Each mask is also subject to various regulatory standards around the world which means that, depending on where you live, one particular type of mask will be the most common. In Australia and New Zealand, for instance, the P2 mask is the most common, while in Korea it is the 1st Class mask.
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