FFP2/KN95 Face Masks

Buy KN95 face masks online

You can purchase KN95 face masks (equivalent to FFP2) online from Prescription Doctor. We offer valved and unvalved variants of our disposable KN95 masks. We offer a next-day discreet delivery service on orders.

Respirator masks are a form of personal protective equipment (PPE) used to provide adequate protection against particulate matter in the air, such as dust, pollen, vapours, and aerosol droplets.

FFP (Filtering Facepiece) and N95 (N) are types of protective ratings that indicate the effectiveness of a face mask against airborne particles.

The three typical types of face masks are:

FFP2/KN95 face masks can be fitted with or without a valve. The valved masks allow air to be exhaled from the mask, making them more breathable, while reducing the risk of infection. The unvalved masks have filters built into the fabric of the face mask, making them lightweight and more comfortable to wear.

What are FFP2/KN95 face masks for?

KN95 face masks protect your airways from harmful particles. They act as a barrier, filtering out the harmful particles in the air and stopping them from entering your respiratory tract through your nose and mouth.

KN95 respirators provide protection against the following particles:

• Wood dust
• Brick, cement, plaster and tile dust
• Glass and mineral fibres (asbestos)
• Metallic dust from grinding or milling
• Particles from the sorting and disposal of general waste
• Pollen, pet hair, house dust and other allergens
• Liquid aerosols

FFP3 masks provide enhanced protection against airborne bacteria and viruses, including SARS, MERS, and COVID-19. Currently, the World Health Organisation (WHO) recommends wearing an FFP3 face mask to protect yourself and others from coronavirus. Unfortunately, we do not currently offer FFP3 face masks through our online service.

It's essential to understand the ratings to determine which mask rating you require. FFP2/KN95 face masks filter out 95% of potentially harmful particles in the air.

Where can I buy FFP2/KN95 face masks in the UK?

You can buy KN95 face masks online from Prescription Doctor's UK-based online pharmacy. We offer both valved and unvalved KN95 respirator masks, as well as standard surgical masks.

Why should I wear an FFP2/N95 respirator face mask?

In certain industrial environments, such as construction, manufacturing and healthcare, PPE is required to keep people safe from particles which can enter the respiratory tract and cause infection.

Hazardous materials, such as smoke from soldering and welding, dust from dry materials like bricks, cement, metal, and wood, as well as fibrous glass and minerals (like asbestos), radioactive dust, and fine aerosol particles, can cause damage to the airways and lungs when inhaled. In some cases, these materials can pose a significant health risk.

Public Health England (PHE) and the World Health Organisation (WHO) have recommended using FFP3 face masks for protection during outbreaks, such as MERS, SARS, and currently, COVID-19. The NHS has also recommended using FFP3 face masks when caring for patients across various care environments and hospitals.

Before entering an environment which contains harmful particulate matter, it is important to wear adequate protection to prevent inhalation of dangerous particles.

What do FFP2/KN95 face masks look like?

KN95 face masks are pieces of fabric which cover the nose and mouth. They are attached to the face with an elastic which loops around the back of the ear or the back of the head.

Valved masks have a small circle on the side that lets exhaled air escape but prevents harmful particles from being inhaled.

How do FFP2/KN95 face masks work?

FFP2/KN95 face masks are made from a tightly woven fabric which blocks out substances such as germs, dust, pollen and other microscopic particles. The amount of protection the mask provides depends on the rating, with FFP3 face masks offering the highest amount of protection.

The mask covers the nostrils and mouth, which are the two primary points of entry for airborne particles.

On masks with a valve, a small circular filter is built into the front of the mask, preventing particles from entering when breathing in through the nose and mouth, while allowing you to breathe out air easily. These filters need to be replaced periodically to maintain the mask's protective properties.

For masks that do not feature a valve, the filter is built into the mask's material.

How do I wear an FFP2/KN95 face mask?

Anyone can wear the KN95 face mask by simply holding the mask over your nose and mouth, then pulling both elastic headbands over your head and adjusting them until they fit comfortably. The face mask should create a tight seal around your nose and mouth to prevent particles from getting between the mask and your skin.

You should wear a face mask before entering any area where there is a risk of exposure to airborne particles.

It is recommended to wear a KN95 face mask while out in public, especially if you will be travelling via public transport. Face masks not only protect you from breathing in harmful particles but also protect others from breathing in germs when you cough or sneeze.

You should change your respirator regularly, with the common recommendation being every 8 to 10 hours, regardless of whether it is visibly dirty. Tiny particles can accumulate in the filter of the mask, potentially impacting your ability to breathe while wearing it.

It is important to be cautious when removing your face mask. Do not touch the front of the face mask, as this is where contaminants will be located. Instead, remove the face mask by pulling away the elastic which holds the mask to your face. Discard the mask in a bin or in accordance with your local or workplace guidelines.

Do not discard your face mask on the street. If you are wearing a face mask to protect yourself from the coronavirus while out in public, you should continue wearing it until you are home. Not only will this protect the environment, but it will also protect you and others during your commute home.

You should always wash your hands before putting on and after taking off a face mask. Failing to wash your hands can increase the risk of contaminating your face mask.

Can I wash my FFP2/KN95 face mask and use it again?

While it may sound like a good idea, washing your mask can compromise its structural integrity and damage the material.

We understand that there are guides online on how to wash your mask and reuse it, although we strongly advise against this, as the effect of washing on the mask's protection is unknown.

Once you have worn your mask and are away from the hazardous material, discard it appropriately.

Frequently asked questions

What's the difference between valved and unvalved respirator masks?

While the valve doesn't offer any benefits in terms of protection, it can make the mask more comfortable to wear.

As you continue to wear the mask, the exhaled air can make the mask feel stuffy and uncomfortable. The exhalation valve helps to vent some of this warm air from the mask.

This can make it easier to breathe and prevent warm air from escaping through the top of the mask and into the eyes. This can be particularly nuisance for those who wear glasses, as the warm air can build up as condensation on the lenses, impairing vision.

Can FFP2/KN95 face masks be used more than once?

Face masks are manufactured for single use only. They should be replaced every 8 hours as the front of the mask becomes gradually more infected with particles, which can affect your breathing.

According to OSHA (Occupational Safety and Health Administration), you can continue to use a face mask as long as its structural integrity remains intact and there is no visible damage or deterioration, which may compromise the mask's safety.

In environments where you may be exposed to bacteria or viruses, it is essential to dispose of your used mask and wash your hands.

Will an FFP3 mask protect me against COVID-19?

FFP3 face masks have been tested and recommended by the NHS and WHO for protection against bacteria and viruses, such as SARS and COVID-19.

FFP2/N95/KN95 masks are not as effective at blocking out bacteria and viruses as FFP3/N99 face masks. However, they still offer adequate protection against pollen, dust and some chemical vapours, making them suitable for industrial applications.

When should I wear an FFP2/KN95 face mask?

You should wear a face mask if you are at risk of exposure to bacteria, viruses, fine aerosol particles, radioactive dust, asbestos, and smoke particles from welding or soldering.

The guidance on wearing a face mask during the coronavirus pandemic currently only applies to individuals in households with suspected or confirmed cases of COVID-19, or when providing care to someone with a suspected or confirmed case of COVID-19.

Are FFP2 masks the same as KN95 masks?

FFP and NIOSH ratings are arbitrary scales which determine the level of protection a mask provides.

FFP is the European standard which denotes the level of protection as 1, 2 and 3, where 1 is the minimum amount of protection the respirator provides. You may see the FFP ratings abbreviated further to just P1, P2 and P3 masks.

NIOSH (National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health) is the standard for the United States of America. The number in their rating system relates to the percentage. For example, KN95 respirators filter out 95% of airborne particulates while N99 filter out 99% of airborne particulates.

Simply put, an FFP2 mask is equivalent to a KN95 mask, while an FFP3 mask is equivalent to an N99 mask in terms of how effective they are at blocking out particles.

While it's easy to compare the two ratings, it's essential to recognise that the ratings used in America and China differ from those used in the United Kingdom, as they are evaluated based on distinct sets of criteria.

Likewise, KN95 offer the same protection as KN95 but is manufactured in accordance with Chinese guidelines.

Essentially, FFP2, KN95, and N95 masks offer the same level of protection, blocking out 95% of particles.

Where can I buy KN95 face masks online?

You can buy KN95 face masks online from Prescription Doctor to protect yourself from dust, pollen and other particulate matter. All of our face masks are dispatched from a UK-regulated pharmacy via a next-day delivery service, provided your order is approved by 3pm Monday to Friday.