The question of whether a P2 mask is the same as an N95 respirator arises from the existence of different global standards for respiratory protection. While the names and certifying organizations are distinct, both the N95 and P2 designations represent a comparable level of filter performance for airborne particles. The primary difference lies in the regulatory environments and specific testing protocols used in the United States versus other regions like Europe, Australia, and New Zealand.
Understanding the N95 Standard
The N95 designation is a specific certification issued by the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), the regulatory body in the United States. The “N” stands for “Not resistant to oil,” and the number “95” signifies a minimum of 95% filtration efficiency against airborne particles during testing. This testing is conducted with particles of approximately 0.3 micrometers, the most penetrating particle size for the filter media. The N95 standard is widely adopted in the US and Canada for industrial and healthcare settings. Respirators meeting this standard are also classified based on oil resistance (R for resistant, P for oil proof), with corresponding filtration levels of 95, 99, or 100.
Understanding the P2 and FFP2 Standard
The P2 standard is primarily used in Australia and New Zealand, governed by the AS/NZS 1716 standard for respiratory protective devices. P2 respirators are functionally equivalent to the European FFP2 standard, which is regulated by the European Committee for Standardization (CEN) under the EN 149 standard. Both the P2 and FFP2 classifications require the respirator to achieve a minimum filtration efficiency of 94% against airborne particles. This level of protection covers fine dust, mists, and biohazard particles.
Performance Equivalence and Filtration Metrics
The core difference between the N95 and P2/FFP2 lies in their minimum required filtration efficiency: 95% for the N95 compared to 94% for the P2/FFP2. This single percentage point difference is considered negligible in real-world use, which is why health authorities often treat these standards as functionally equivalent. Both standards test filtration efficiency using a specific particle size, typically around 0.3 micrometers. While the N95 is tested with non-oily sodium chloride aerosol, the European FFP2 standard additionally requires testing against an oily aerosol, such as paraffin oil. Despite these minor variations in the testing agent and flow rates, both the N95 and P2/FFP2 respirators provide a similar high level of protection against non-oil-based particulate matter.
Practical Use and Regulatory Differences
For the average user, the most noticeable differences between the N95 and P2/FFP2 are the labeling and the regulatory oversight governing their use. All certified respirators, regardless of standard, require a fit test to ensure a proper seal to the face, as high-filtration material cannot provide protection if air leaks around the edges. In Europe, FFP2 masks carry specific markings that are not uniformly required on N95 respirators.
European FFP2 Markings
These European markings include “NR” for non-reusable, meaning the mask is limited to a single shift, and “R” for reusable, indicating it can be used for more than one shift. An additional marking, “D,” shows that the respirator has passed an optional dolomite clogging test, confirming it maintains low breathing resistance even after exposure to dust. Ultimately, the choice between an N95 or a P2/FFP2 often depends on the specific country’s regulatory requirements for personal protective equipment, not a significant difference in protective capability.