"P2" and "N95" get used almost interchangeably, and in practice they're close enough that most workers never need to think about the difference. But they come from two different countries' testing systems, and there are a couple of real distinctions worth knowing.
They're Not the Same Standard
P2 is the Australian/New Zealand rating, tested under AS/NZS 1716. N95 is the equivalent US rating, tested under NIOSH standards. They're designed to do the same job — filter airborne particles — but they're certified through separate processes.
The Filtration Difference Is Small
A P2 respirator must filter at least 94% of airborne test particles. An N95 must filter at least 95%. That one-percentage-point gap is the headline difference, and in real-world use it rarely matters — both are designed for the same category of airborne hazard.
The Difference That Actually Matters: Fit Testing
The more meaningful distinction is in how each is certified. P2 masks require fit testing on real people as part of certification; N95 masks don't carry that same human fit-testing requirement. That's a certification-process difference, not a guarantee that every P2 mask fits every face — our guide to respirator fit covers why checking your own seal still matters regardless of which rating is on the box.
The Short Version
If you're working in Australia, look for P2 — it's the rating actually certified and recognised here. If a product is only labelled N95, it may still offer comparable protection, but it hasn't gone through the AS/NZS 1716 certification process. When in doubt, buy P2.
Browse our Respiratory Protection range for AS/NZS 1716 compliant P2 masks and respirators.
1st Safety is based in Auburn, NSW, and supplies AS/NZS-compliant PPE to trades, construction, and industrial businesses across Australia.