P2 Mask vs N95 Mask: Which Is Better?
As the world grapples with the ongoing pandemic, the use of masks has become increasingly common. Whilst early guidance from health authorities suggested that only those who were sick should wear masks, it is now recommended that everyone uses a mask when in public spaces. Still, these rules change as we go. Cases in different countries rise and fall exponentially, and COVID-19 develops several variants that put everyone in an unsafe environment.
Whether it is a requirement to wear a mask or not, it is important to know what type of mask is effective. There are different types of masks available against the spread of coronavirus.
Do you know which to choose?
Why the Need to Use the Right Mask?
Face masks provide a physical barrier so that any virus and pathogens cannot be inhaled by the person wearing them. The fit and material matter on what level of protection the person wants to receive.
Face masks work by providing filtration that can capture coronavirus and other pathogens before they enter the body through the nose or mouth. An ill-fitted face mask has a low level of protection because both sides of the face are exposed to the air outside the mask. Not only does it deceive you into thinking that buying cheap kinds saves you money; it also robs you of the certainty of being safe.
Due to these actions, you might become asymptomatic. An asymptomatic person is a carrier of the virus without showing any symptoms of COVID-19. Because the person is oblivious of being infected, it is also likely that he/she is unaware of infecting other people, allowing a greater risk of infection in those with a weaker immune system.
Face masks work by trapping droplets that may contain Covid and other pathogens. When an infected person coughs or sneezes, droplets that may contain the COVID virus are released into the air. Masks help to prevent these droplets from spreading by trapping them before they have a chance to travel far from the mouth or nose.
Moreover, masks like the N95 face masks are equipped with filters that can effectively remove COVID and other particulates from the air, providing an additional layer of protection.
P2 mask is designed to filter out particulate matter, such as dust and smoke. It does this by trapping particles in a web of tiny fibres, preventing them from being inhaled.
By understanding how masks work, we can effectively protect ourselves and others from COVID-19 and other diseases.
The Competition Amongst Mask
Retailers are now on the move to market what mask is good against COVID-19. Several brands promote the best mask that has the most benefit. But what does it say about the health of the people in need of protection from any airborne virus related to COVID-19 against marketing schemes?
Health experts define the differences in types of face masks to use so that there will be a line between everyday use and medical-grade masks that should be reserved for health workers and frontline responders.
It is best to trust providers with a high level of expertise in supplying the right mask, such as the P2 mask and the N95 face mask, for you.
Why Do P2 and N95 Rise Above All Masks?
There is a 1% difference between the P2 mask and N95 face mask. And it makes it hard to choose between the two.
But, do you know that P2 and N95 masks are almost the same? In fact, the P2 respirator is equivalent to the USA standard N95 and endorsed by the Australian government for public use during the coronavirus pandemic. Yet, there is a slight margin of difference aside from the name.
To get enlightened, let’s take the description of these masks separately.
P2 Mask
P2 mask is used in Australian and New Zealand standards. It almost looks identical to the N95 in terms of design. However, P2 masks have a higher exhalation resistance. This means that it is more convenient to breathe out air. It is designed to prevent the buildup of carbon dioxide inside. As we know, humans exhale carbon dioxide and inhale oxygen. If CO2 stays prolonged near our airways, it would be dangerous.
N95 mask
The N95 mask, in contrast to the P2 mask, does not require CO2 resistance. People wearing N95 masks should no longer worry that they will have shortage of oxygen once CO2 builds up whilst wearing the mask. In fact, N95 masks are proven danger-free even for those doing exercise and pregnant women. So, it is safe to wear an N95 mask even under strenuous activities.
Dexcon | Leading Medical PPE Supplier in Australia
P2 and N95 masks are the gold standards in masks when it comes to protecting against the COVID-19 pandemic. For quality masks, check out our products at Dexcon. Our premium medical devices and masks will safeguard your health against diseases and COVID-19. Contact us today.