Where to bulk buy N95, P2 and FFP3 face masks

Many health experts agree that N95 masks are the most effective type of face covering for preventing viral particles from entering or exiting the wearer’s mouth. According to a recent CNN report, a number of experts claim that widespread use of N95 masks in public could actually end the COVID-19 pandemic.

The World Health Organization (WHO) has been encouraging governments to ask people to wear face masks when out in public. People who are sick or caring for someone who’s sick are strongly advised to wear masks. Depending on where you live in Canada, you may actually be required by law to wear a face mask when out in public.

Retail availability of these masks is growing as manufacturers step up production to meet increased demand. We’ve rounded up a list of online retailers that sell N95 face masks in bulk. We’ve also listed which ones offer free shipping deals, so you can save while getting the products you need.

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Which of these retailers offer free delivery?

• Alibaba: Free shipping is offered on many products
• The Home Depot: Free shipping on orders that reach or exceed a certain amount
• Réno-Dépôt: Free delivery promotions occasionally available on specific items
• 72hours.ca: Free shipping on purchases over a certain amount

What are the benefits of bulk buying N95, P2 and FFP3 masks?

If you’re buying masks for a group of people (for example, a team of staff in an essential services workplace) who are expected to wear a mask, in the long run, you may want to bulk buy. Buying in bulk is generally much cheaper when you consider the cost per item. It also means you don’t have to order masks as frequently and can minimize your shopping trips.

The WHO recommends wearing a face mask when out in public or if you’re sick or caring for someone who’s sick. (The WHO further states that fabric masks may suffice when out in public if you’re not sick and don’t have access to higher-quality masks.) Since most industry-standard masks are not re-usable, you may find that you’ll go through quite a few.

Should I bulk buy N95 or any other face masks?

Not unless you need a large quantity of masks. Unless you’re caring for someone who is sick or are sick yourself, you should save the limited supply for those who are in need.

What's the difference between a P2, FFP2, KN95 and N95 face mask?

Depending on your location, different face mask types are more widely used. For example, in the United States and Canada, N95 are common; in Australia and New Zealand you'll see P2 masks more often; in China, KN95 is the standard. Mask manufacturer 3M, which specialises in filtering facepiece respirators (FFR) masks, offers the following explanation of the main differences between each mask type.

Certification/Class	N95	FFP2	KN95	P2	Korea 1st Class	DS
Filter performance	≥ 95%	≥ 95%	≥ 95%	≥ 94%	≥ 94%	≥ 95%
Test agent	NaCl	NaCl and paraffin oil	NaCl	NaCl	NaCl and paraffin oil	NaCl
Flow rate	85 L/min	95 L/min	85 L/min	95 L/min	95 L/min	85 L/min
Total inward leakage (TIL)	N/A	≤ 8% leakage	≤ 8% leakage	≤ 8% leakage	≤ 8% leakage	Inward Leakage measured and included in User Instructions
Inhalation resistance	≤ 343 Pa	≤ 70 Pa (at 30L/min)≤ 240 Pa (at 95 L/min)≤ 500 Pa (clogging)	≤ 350 Pa	≤ 70 Pa (at 30L/min)≤ 240 Pa (at 95L/min)	≤ 70 Pa (at 30L/min)≤ 240 Pa (at 95L/min)	≤ 70 Pa (w/valve)≤ 50 Pa (no valve)
Flow rate	85L/min	Varied – seeabove	85L/min	Varied – seeabove	Varied – seeabove	40L/min
Exhalation resistance	≤ 245 Pa	≤ 300 Pa	≤ 250 Pa	≤ 120 Pa	≤ 300 Pa	≤ 70 Pa (w/valve) ≤ 50 Pa (no valve)
Flow rate	85L/min	160L/min	85L/min	85L/min	160L/min	40L/min
Exhalation valve leakage requirement	Leak rate ≤ 30mL/min	N/A	Depressurization to 0 Pa ≥ 20 sec	Leak rate ≤ 30mL/min	Visual inspection after 300L /min for 30 sec	Depressurization to 0 Pa ≥ 15sec
Force applied	-245 Pa	N/A	-1180 Pa	-250 Pa	N/A	-1,470 Pa
CO2 clearance requirement	N/A	≤ 1%	≤ 1%	≤ 1%	≤ 1%	≤ 1%

Source: 3M

Am I required to use an N95, P2 or KN95 face mask in Canada?

It depends on where you live. Certain cities such as Ottawa, Toronto, Kingston in Ontario have implemented bylaws requiring people to wear face masks when in public. Outside these jurisdictions, businesses and other organizations may still exercise the discretion to require customers and employees to wear face masks. In some regions, wearing a mask is mandatory when riding public transit.

The consequences for failing to follow regional rules usually involve stiff fines ranging from hundreds to thousands of dollars.

It’s expected that more cities will consider adopting similar bylaws in the future to prevent the spread of COVID-19, as per the World Health Organization’s recommendations. Previously, the WHO had issued a statement advising governments to request that people wear fabric face masks in public.

Take a look at this helpful page on the Government of Canada website to learn more about masks that offer the best protection during COVID-19. You can also learn about when and how to use masks from on the World Health Organization’s site.

What’s the difference between NIOSH-approved and FDA-cleared face masks?

Differences come down to function and intended use. The National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) tests and certifies standard respirator masks used in the workplace to prevent dust and other small airborne particles from inhalation. Health Canada officially recognizes the NIOSH certification standard for N95 face masks.

In contrast, the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) clears as medical devices both standard surgical masks and surgical N95 respirator masks intended for use by healthcare workers.

According to a NIOSH representative to whom Finder reached out, “NIOSH approves respirators in accordance with 42 Code of Federal Regulations Part 84 (42 CFR 84), not to any other standards. Only respirators that meet or exceed all of the requirements established in the 42 CFR 84 standards are acknowledged by NIOSH, and only those that have been NIOSH approved may be marketed as a NIOSH-approved respirator. If a respirator is marked only N95, that does not constitute a NIOSH approval. Currently, N95 is not trademarked. It has been used to indicate a filtering facepiece respirator (FFR) is 95% efficient; however, it should not be used in a context that misleads a user to think an FFR is NIOSH-approved that is not.”

Approval or clearance organization	Mask type	Function
NIOSH-approved	Standard N95 respirator	Reduces the amount of airborne particles inhaled by the wearer.
FDA-cleared	Surgical masks	Reduces the amount of particles expelled by the wearer and offers protection from fluids.
NIOSH-approved and FDA-cleared	Surgical N95 respirators	Reduces the amount of airborne particles inhaled and expelled by the wearer, and offers protection from fluids.

What does an NIOSH-approved mask look like?

Below is an example of what a face mask should look like according to NIOSH approval standards. To verify if a respirator is NIOSH approved, use the NIOSH Certified Equipment List or its list of NIOSH-Approved filtering facepiece respirators.

Image source: CDC.gov

If N95 masks are out of stock, can I use a KN95 mask instead?

You should avoid wearing a KN95 mask if you need N95-level protection. KN95 masks are supposed to be similar (though not identical) to N95 masks, however, the Government of Canada has warned that some companies are importing or distributing KN95 masks that don’t meet NIOSH quality standards for filtration. NIOSH is the US regulatory organization that tests and certifies N95 masks.

In the United States, the FDA originally left the KN95 off its approved list of protective wear but has since approved KN95 masks that meet certain criteria.

You should also be wary of scammers who try to profit from the COVID-19 pandemic by selling face masks that they falsely claim are medical grade. 3M, one of the world’s largest manufacturers of masks, offers a tool to check if a product is genuine.

How long do N95 face masks last?

Generally, a single N95 or P2 mask works for around 8 hours before needing to be replaced, as it will become less effective. According to the World Health Organization you should also replace any single-use mask once it gets damp.

If you need to use a mask on more than one occasion, many of the sites listed above carry multi-packs. 3M also manufactures masks with replaceable filters.

How N95 masks are constructed

N95 masks are made of several layers of special non-woven fabric, with a filtration facepiece respirator (FFP) in the middle.

The 2 outer layers are made from melt-blown fabric, which filters out small airborne particles. Melt-blown fabric is made by melting polypropylene and other similar types of plastics and using a machine to draw the material out into fine strands. As these strands cool next to each other, they bond together to form a solid sheet of melt-blown fabric.

Between these 2 layers is a layer of no-melt cotton, which absorbs moisture, and the FFP respirator. The respirator component of masks like the N95, FFP1, FFP2 and FFP3 sets them apart from disposable surgical masks, which do not contain a respirator but still protect the wearer from spreading airborne particles and being exposed to bodily fluids.

How to remove face masks properly

First, wash your hands thoroughly before putting on your mask. When you’re ready to take it off, do not touch the front of the mask – it could be contaminated. Instead, remove the mask by pulling the bottom strap over the back of your head, followed by the top strap. Discard the mask immediately, and then wash your hands.

Which type of mask should I bulk buy?

There’s a lot of information out there about when and where to wear a mask and what type of mask you need for various situations. Use this quick guide to help you decide which kind of face mask best fits your needs.

Mask type	Who is it best for?	Description	How long does it last?
N95 respirators, KN95 face masks	Healthcare workers	Blocks at least 95% of airborne particles when worn properly. Adheres to government testing regulations.	Can be reused in certain situations, but must be discarded after coming into contact with bodily fluids, infected patients and in other circumstances. Read the CDC’s full reuse guidelines.
Surgical face masks	People who are sick or caring for someone who is sick	Protects wearers from infecting others. Usually made of 3 layers of melt-blown fabric.	Intended to be discarded after every use.
Cloth face masks	The general population when in a public space (particularly when it’s hard to socially distance from others)	Typically made from cotton fabric with elastic or tie straps. Some designs have a pocket to place a removable filter.	Can be washed and reused for weeks or even months, as long as the material maintains its integrity.

Frequently asked questions

• Do N95 face masks come in different sizes?

  Yes. Sizes depend on the model but often include small, small/medium, medium/large and large.

• When should N95 masks be replaced?

  If there is visible damage to the filter or the mask becomes difficult to breathe through. Disposable masks should be discarded altogether, while other types of masks are designed to be reused with a replacement filter.

• Is it legal to sell face masks online?

  Yes. Retailers like those we list on this page are legally able to sell face masks online. Some platforms such as Amazon.com and Facebook Marketplace have temporarily restricted new third-party listings for face masks in an attempt to stop price gouging and the sale of counterfeit or fake items.

Looking for another type of mask?

Find information, requirements, in-stock products and other details for specific types of masks on these pages.