Where to buy P2, N95 and KN95 face masks online in Ireland
Learn what the differences are between these face masks and where to buy them.
Important note:
Due to recent events, many stores are experiencing a shortage of certain products. Be aware that many retailers may currently be out of stock, have longer shipping times than usual or be charging above-average prices. Remember that stockpiling items isn’t actually necessary right now and that over-buying can leave others vulnerable.
P2 face masks, also known as respirator masks, are designed to filter out fine particles from the air. They can protect wearers from things like smoke, dust, fumes and – in some cases – airborne illnesses if properly fitted and airtight. While health officials are not currently recommending P2 masks for the general public to combat the coronavirus outbreak, health workers and those who are sick should consider wearing one. Here’s where you can easily order these masks online.
Top sites to shop for P2 face masks online
- Banggood
- Lenehans.ie
- PatPat
1. AliExpress
When it comes to diversity, this online destination is difficult to beat. Explore more than 90 results and find the perfect option for your budget from your favourite spot on the sofa at AliExpress.
- Free shipping widely available
- Download the app to access daily deals and discounts
- Sign up to earn exclusive new customer coupons
2. Amazon
If you’re searching for a convenient shopping solution, Amazon is one of the best the world has to offer. Stock up on P2 face masks at competitive prices and protect your family against the threat of infection for less.
- Free shipping widely available, especially for Prime members
- Start your free 30-day trial of Prime today and unlock exclusive member perks
- Get personalised product recommendations based on previous searches and purchases
3. eBay
If you’re wanting to pick up some discounted P2 face masks to keep costs low whilst prioritising your family’s protection, turn to eBay. This online marketplace carries all you need and more.
- Free shipping is often available
- Access new deals and discounts on a daily basis
- Create an account and keep tabs on items of interest in your watch list
4. Alibaba
Alibaba is a fabulous online marketplace that’s brimming with bulk buy deals across everything you need to keep your household running smoothly. Pick up P2 face masks and put your family’s health first here.
- Sign up for personalised product updates
- Secure online shopping portal featuring SSL encryption technology
- Skip out on retailer inflation by shopping direct from the source
5. Banggood
Self-dubbed to offer the best bang for your buck, you can count on finding a cheaper face mask solution at this online store. Banggood offers a varied catalogue of products at prices that sometimes seem too good to be true.
- Free shipping available on select items
- Choose your preferred payment method from a vast variety of options
- New deals added daily
6. Lenehans.ie
If you’re on the hunt for an innovative and protective face mask that won’t let you down in the event of a crisis, this trusted hardware store is your go-to. Lenehans.ie offers a wide range of face masks to ensure you have access to proper protection.
- Hardware specialists since 1865
- Free shipping for all orders over €50
- Hassle-free returns policy
7. PatPat
If you’re looking for a protective face mask to protect yourself or your little ones against the threat of infection, this store is a must-visit. PatPat is an innovative online destination that specialises in stylish clothing for little ones and offers a great range of P2 face masks too.
- Free shipping when you spend €31.25 or more
- Sign up to the newsletter and be the first to hear about sale events, new styles and more
- 30-day returns policy, even in change of mind cases
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.
Source: 3MCertification/Class 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%
When should or shouldn’t I use a P2, N95 or KN95 face mask in Ireland?
According to the Australian Department of Health and the World Health Organization, the people who will benefit the most from use of a face mask are those who are already sick and healthcare workers who have close contact with sick people.
Masks are most effective when used in combination with frequent hand washing or use of an alcohol-based hand sanitiser.
You can find out more information on when and how to use masks here on the World Health Organization’s site.
Are P2 masks only good for single use?
Yes. If you need to use a mask multiple times, most of the sites listed above will sell multi-packs.
Alternatively, you can check out where to bulk buy P2 and N95 masks in the list above if you’re in need of multiple masks, say for an essential workplace. 3M also makes a mask with replaceable filters.
How long do P2 face masks last?
Generally, a P2 mask works for about 8-10 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.
Which of these retailers offer free shipping?
- AliExpress: Free delivery is often available
- Amazon: Free shipping widely available, especially for Prime members
- eBay: Free delivery offered by many sellers
- Banggood: Free delivery available on select items
- Lenehans.ie: Spend €50 or more for free door-to-door delivery
- PatPat: Free delivery for orders over €31.25
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