P2 and N95 get used almost interchangeably, and for filtering particles they are close. But they come from two different testing standards, and one difference matters for workplaces in Australia. This guide compares them using the standards' own requirements, 3M's published comparison and guidance from Australian regulators.
Is a P2 mask the same as an N95?
Nearly, but not identical. P2 is the Australian and New Zealand particulate filter class under AS/NZS 1716:2012 and must filter at least 94% of test particles. N95 is the US class under NIOSH and must filter at least 95%. 3M's comparison treats them as equivalent for non-oil particles, but Australian workplaces should use respirators marked AS/NZS 1716.
How do P2, N95, FFP2 and KN95 compare?
| P2 | N95 | FFP2 | KN95 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Standard | AS/NZS 1716:2012 | NIOSH 42 CFR 84 | EN 149 | GB 2626 |
| Where it is used | Australia and New Zealand | United States | Europe | China |
| Minimum filter efficiency | 94% | 95% | 94% | 95% |
| Filter test flow rate | 95 L/min | 85 L/min | 95 L/min | 85 L/min |
| Leakage test on people | Yes: each person and the average 8% or less | None required | Yes: average 8% or less | Yes: average 8% or less |
Figures from 3M's comparison of P2, FFP2, KN95 and N95 (3M Australia, 2020).
What is the real difference between P2 and N95?
The 94% and 95% figures are minimums measured at different test flow rates (95 and 85 litres a minute), so the one-point gap is not a like-for-like difference. Both classes are designed for the same job: filtering non-oil-based particles.
The bigger difference is the leakage test. AS/NZS 1716 requires a total inward leakage test on people, who wear the respirator and do a series of exercises in a test chamber. For a P2, each person's result and the average must be 8% or less. According to 3M's comparison, the NIOSH N95 standard has no equivalent requirement.
That is a test of the respirator design during certification. It does not replace the fit test your workplace does for each wearer, covered below.
Can I use an N95 at work in Australia?
Regulators point to AS/NZS 1716. WorkSafe Queensland says respirators used at work should comply with it, and that the number is usually shown on the respirator or its packaging. For work with crystalline silica substances, Safe Work Australia says respiratory protective equipment must comply with AS/NZS 1716:2012 and AS/NZS 1715:2009.
SafeWork NSW lists P2/N95 as examples of disposable close-fitting respirators, but an N95 certified only to NIOSH has not been through AS/NZS 1716 certification. If you are buying for an Australian workplace, choose a respirator marked P2 and AS/NZS 1716, and check with your safety adviser if you are unsure.
Do P2 masks need fit testing?
Yes. SafeWork NSW says fit testing is required for all close-fitting half and full facepiece respirators, and WorkSafe Queensland says it matters for disposable respirators too. It is a separate step from certification, done for each wearer:
- A fit test is either qualitative (a pass or fail test, where you report tasting or smelling a test agent) or quantitative (equipment measures how much air leaks in). It is done before first use, whenever a new make or model is issued, when the wearer's face changes, and at least once a year.
- A fit check is a quick seal check every time you put the respirator on: cover the respirator, breathe out or in, and make sure no air escapes or enters around the edges.
- Facial hair between the respirator and the skin, including stubble, stops it sealing. SafeWork NSW says workers who are not clean shaven where the respirator seals must not be provided with close-fitting respirators.
Our guide to getting a proper respirator fit covers the steps in more detail.
Which P2 respirator should I buy?
A disposable P2 respirator suits airborne dust up to 10 times the workplace exposure standard, which is the protection factor 3M lists on its 8822 and 9542V pages. Above that, the AS/NZS 1715 selection table points to full-face or powered respirators. Disposable P2 options whose listings state AS/NZS 1716:2012 include:
- 3M 8822 cupped P2 respirator, valved
- 3M 9542V flat fold P2 respirator, valved, with nuisance level organic vapour relief
- Maxisafe P2 valved 3-panel flat fold respirator
- Skytec 3030V disposable P2 cupped respirator
For higher exposures or reusable half-face and full-face respirators, see our P2 and P3 respirator guide. Faces differ, so choose a make and model that passes your own fit test.
Browse our full P2 masks and respirators range, or contact our team if you need help matching a respirator to your site.
Sources: 3M Australia: Comparison of P2, FFP2, KN95 and N95 (2020); SafeWork NSW: Respiratory protective equipment and requirements for fit testing workers; WorkSafe Queensland: Respiratory protective equipment (RPE); Safe Work Australia: Working with crystalline silica substances (July 2024). The standards are AS/NZS 1716:2012 and AS/NZS 1715:2009. This guide summarises these sources in our own words. It is general information, not legal advice.
1st Safety is based in Auburn, NSW, and supplies AS/NZS-compliant PPE to trades, construction, and industrial businesses across Australia.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a P2 mask the same as N95?
Nearly, but not identical. P2 is the Australian and New Zealand filter class under AS/NZS 1716:2012 (at least 94% filtration) and N95 is the US class under NIOSH (at least 95%). 3M's comparison treats them as equivalent for non-oil particles. For Australian workplaces, use respirators marked AS/NZS 1716.
Is P2 better than N95?
They are designed for the same job. The one-point filtering gap is measured at different test flow rates, and AS/NZS 1716 adds a leakage test on people that the NIOSH N95 standard does not. Regulators point to AS/NZS 1716 for work in Australia, so choose P2.
Can I use an N95 mask at work in Australia?
WorkSafe Queensland says respirators used at work should comply with AS/NZS 1716, and Safe Work Australia requires it for silica work. An N95 certified only to NIOSH has not been through that certification, so choose a respirator marked P2 and AS/NZS 1716, and check with your safety adviser.
What does P2 mean on a mask?
P2 is one of three particulate filter classes (P1, P2 and P3) under AS/NZS 1716:2012, with P3 the highest. A P2 filter must remove at least 94% of test particles. Particulate filters protect against solid and liquid particles, not gases or vapours.
How does P2 compare with FFP2 and KN95?
In 3M's comparison table, P2 and FFP2 both require at least 94% filtration, and KN95 and N95 at least 95%. P2, FFP2 and KN95 all include a leakage test on people (8% or less); the NIOSH N95 standard does not.
Does a P2 mask protect against silica dust?
A P2 disposable or half-face respirator is in the AS/NZS 1715 selection table for exposure up to 10 times the workplace exposure standard. Higher exposures need a full-face or powered respirator, with P3 filters at the top end. Safe Work Australia says respirators for silica work must comply with AS/NZS 1716:2012 and AS/NZS 1715:2009.
Do P2 masks need fit testing?
Yes. SafeWork NSW says fit testing is required for all close-fitting half and full facepiece respirators, and WorkSafe Queensland says it matters for disposable respirators too. Test before first use, when a new make or model is issued, when the wearer's face changes and at least annually, then fit check each time you put it on.
Do I need to be clean-shaven to wear a P2 mask?
For a tight-fitting respirator, yes. Facial hair, including stubble, between the mask and skin stops it sealing. SafeWork NSW says workers who are not clean shaven where the respirator seals must not be provided with close-fitting respirators.
How long does a disposable P2 mask last?
WorkSafe Queensland says disposable respirators are for single use and should be thrown away after use. Replace one sooner if it is damaged, dirty or hard to breathe through, and follow the manufacturer's instructions.