Some sellers will charge prices far above the average, also known as "price gouging". We encourage consumers to be vigilant about unusually high prices, and compare your options before making a purchasing decision.
Face masks are still strongly recommended in many public settings. Because COVID-19 continues to evolve with highly transmissible variants, a reusable face mask may not provide a sufficient level of protection.
The Australian standard for a respiratory protection mask is a P2 mask. It promises to filter out 95% of particles, while keeping a secure fit on your face and preventing air leakage. The Australian P2 standard is similar to the American N95 standard and the Chinese KN95 standard.
Although Amazon doesn't stock first-class masks, similar P2 masks are available. You can find a wide range of P2 masks thanks to the variety of sellers at hand.
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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
N95
FFP2
KN95
P2
Korea 1st Class
DS
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)
As of 9 September 2022, it is no longer mandatory to wear a face mask on domestic flights. This is in line with earlier changes making it optional to wear a mask in airports. Face masks are strongly recommended on public transport, including taxi and rideshare services.
Frequently asked questions about N95, KN95 and P2 face masks
Face masks were mandatory in many parts of Australia during COVID lockdowns. Wearing a face mask is no longer required by law, but they remain recommended on public transport and in indoor, non residential settings.
Face masks can cost anywhere from $15-$20 to upwards of $150. The average price for a face mask in Australia is $22.47. If you're buying for the whole family, you can save money by purchasing multi-packs in a variety of colours.
Yes. If you need to use a mask multiple times, most of the sites listed above will sell multi-packs. Alternatively, you can check out where to bulk buy P2 and N95 masks in the list above if you're in need of multiple masks, say for an essential workplace. 3M also makes masks with replaceable filters.
Generally, a P2 mask works for about 8-10 hours before needing to be replaced as it will become less effective. According to the World Health Organization you should also replace any single-use mask once it gets damp.
N95/P2 masks are designed for optimum blocking of particles and protection with a seal around the nose and mouth. They block at least 95% of very small (0.3 micron) airborne particles. Surgical masks are loose fitting. They are designed to protect against large-particle droplets, splashes and sprays.
No. Even if it is your partner or child and you live in the same household, sharing the same face mask isn't advisable unless it has been thoroughly washed. You can easily assign a specific face mask to each family member by buying different colours. You can check out where to bulk buy P2 and N95 masks in the list above if you're in need of multiple masks, say for an essential workplace. 3M also makes masks with replaceable filters.
According to the Australian Department of Health and the World Health Organisation, the people who will benefit the most from use of a face mask are those who are already sick and healthcare workers who have close contact with sick people.
While a face mask will not make you immune to COVID-19, it can stop particles that are released when you cough or sneeze from travelling too far in the air. Face masks also serve as a reminder to stop touching your face, which the World Health Organization has said is important in preventing the transfer of the virus from surfaces to your nose, eyes or mouth.
Masks are most effective when used in combination with frequent hand washing or use of an alcohol-based hand sanitiser. You can find out more information on when and how to use masks here on the World Health Organisation's site.
Angus Kidman is the international editor-at-large at Finder. He's an award-winning journalist who has reported on technology, travel, finance and other topics for over 25 years. Angus appears regularly on Sunrise, Today, The Project, Seven News and other TV and radio shows.
If you're looking to buy industry-standard KN95 masks, we've rounded up the retailers shipping them right to your door.
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