Where to buy KN95 masks online in New Zealand

KN95 masks are performance-tested, particulate-filtering masks used to filter out around 95% of airborne particulates and are often used to help stop the spread of disease.

The advice from the World Health Organisation is that masks should be worn in public where social distancing is not possible to help stop the spread of coronavirus. Currently, there are mask mandates in place in New Zealand that everyone 12 years of age and older must comply with. You should also wash your hands regularly with soap and water or use hand sanitiser.

If COVID-19 is spreading in your community and you would like to invest in a KN95 mask, find out which online retailers have them in stock in this guide.

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Where to buy KN95 masks

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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 more info button	FFP2 more info button	KN95 more info button	P2 more info button	Korea 1st Class more info button	DS more info button
Filter performance more info button	≥ 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) more info button	N/A	≤ 8% leakage more info button	≤ 8% leakage more info button	≤ 8% leakage more info button	≤ 8% leakage more info button	Inward Leakage measured and included in User Instructions
Inhalation resistance more info button	≤ 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 more info button	≤ 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

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Frequently asked questions

• Should I wear a KN95 mask instead of a P2 mask?

  You can get similar levels of protection from a KN95 mask as you would from a P2 mask as they offer similar features. If you’re unable to find a P2 mask, a KN95 could be an ideal substitute.

  Masks are identified by the international regulatory standard that they comply with.

  • P2 is the Australia/New Zealand respiratory standard.
  • N95 is the United States respiratory standard.
  • KN95 is the Chinese respiratory standard.
  • FFP2 is the European respiratory standard

• Do I need to wear a face mask in public?

  Face masks are currently mandatory in New Zealand when you’re in public shared indoor spaces such as shopping malls, supermarkets, medical clinics and libraries. Not wearing a mask without an exemption could result in a fine of $4,000. In addition to wearing a mask, is advised that you follow the recommended social distancing practices, self-isolate if you have tested positive for COVID-19 or have been notified as a case contact, and wash your hands frequently. You also need to use the COVID Tracer App and present your vaccine passport upon request.

• How much do face masks cost?

  Face masks can cost anywhere from $2-$20 to upwards of $150. KN95 masks tend to sit around $5 for an individual mask, but the unit price goes down usually when you buy a multi-pack. If you’re needing masks for the whole family, you can save money by purchasing packs of 20 or 50.

• Are KN95 masks only good for a 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 mask with replaceable filters.

• How often should I buy a new face mask?

  KN95 masks aren’t designed to be used multiple times. When it comes to disposable masks, the World Health Organization recommends masks be replaced with a new one if it gets damp.

• What's the difference between a surgical mask and an N95 mask?

  N95/P2 masks are designed for optimum blocking of particles and protection with a seal around the nose and mouth. They block at least 95% of very small (0.3 micron) airborne particles. Surgical masks are loose fitting. They are designed to protect against large-particle droplets, splashes and sprays.

• Can I share a mask with my family?

  No. Even if it is your partner or child and you live in the same household, sharing the same face mask isn’t advisable unless it has been thoroughly washed. You can easily assign a specific face mask to each family member by buying different colours. 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 mask with replaceable filters.

• Will a mask protect me from COVID-19?

  While a face mask will not make you immune to COVID-19, it can stop particles that are released when you cough or sneeze from travelling too far in the air. Face masks also serve as a reminder to stop touching your face, which the World Health Organization has said is important in preventing the transfer of the virus from surfaces to your nose, eyes or mouth.