What are N95 and FFP2 face masks and do you really need them?

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With the winter settling in and the Omicron variant of the Covid-19 coronavirus becoming more and more prevalent, interest in FFP2/N95 face masks is rising once again. Some health officials are reporting the fast spreading variant is, indeed, more transmissible than what's gone before–such as the Delta variant. However, the World Health Organisation (WHO) is yet to commit to this distinction–stating that epidemiology studies in areas of South Africa affected by Omicron are ongoing. Nevertheless, it does note the number of positive cases has risen in these locations. In places like London, UK you may have witnessed the growing popularity of FFP2 face masks, with these protective coverings being worn more and more in busy scenarios, like on the TfL Tube network. But what extra protection do they provide, to yourself and others, compared to cloth masks and, crucially, should you buy one? Here's what you need to know.

What are N95 and FFP2 face masks?

N95 and FFP2 are similar kinds of respiratory masks. These masks supposedly protect both the wearer and people around them. The World Health Organisation cites studies which show the filtration systems of FFP2 and N95 masks are 94 and 95 per cent effective respectively. Their enhanced effectiveness has led to countries such as Austria and Germany making them a requirement on public transport. FFP3 masks are the most effective, followed by FFP2/N95, then surgical masks and, finally, cloth masks.

What is in N95 and FFP2 face masks?

So what makes these respiratory masks so good at filtration compared to surgical or cloth masks? FFP2 masks are defined as being composed of three layers of synthetic non-woven materials, available in different thicknesses, with the inclusion of filtration layers between.

It’s this combination of factors that lead to those strong results. But, 94 to 95 per cent of what? This figure is achieved by testing masks using NaCl (sodium chloride) particles and paraffin oil – this is only for FFP2 testing, with the N95 certification process only testing using NaCl. While standard medical masks only filter three micrometre droplets, FFP2 respirator masks filter down to 0.075 micrometre solid particles. The masks are then tested by seeing what percentage of these small particles make it through and, in the case of getting FFP2 certification, only six per cent or less can do so.

Amazon's Face Mask Store

If you aren’t set on an FFP2 mask then Amazon has a wide range of other face masks – from reusable cloth masks to general use disposables and medical masks. The Amazon Face Mask Store is also handy when it comes to multipacks. You can pick up huge packs with upwards of 50 masks or smaller packs that feature less than 10 with lots of choice of styles, price points and brands.

Can I buy N95 and FFP2 face masks?

In the case of N95 masks, you can. But you shouldn’t, even during the Covid-19 pandemic. N95 masks receive this CDCertification in the US and, as such, are not certified in Europe.

There are equivalents around the globe including a standard that is certified in Europe and available in the UK–the FFP2 mask. FFP simply stands for “filtering facepiece”, with the number at the end indicating the level of protection. Some filtering facepiece respirators also come with “NR” at the end of their name, and this means “not reusable”.

FFP2 and N95 face masks are not exactly the same, but studies show that there is no material difference between their effectiveness.