Coronavirus: Shoppers in Northern Ireland must wear face coverings
The public in Northern Ireland must now wear face coverings in shops and in other enclosed spaces.
Read more…Where to buy 1st Class masks online in the UK
"1st Class" masks adhere to a Korean standard for face masks, offering a comparable level of protection to FFP2 and N95 masks.
It is now mandatory to wear a face covering on public transport and in shops in England. Face coverings will be compulsory in more indoor spaces from 8 August including cinemas, museums and places of worship. Full advice on our masks hub here.
Some sellers will charge prices far above the average, also known as “price gouging”. We encourage consumers to compare options before making a purchasing decision.
What is a 1st Class Mask?
1st Class is a Korean standard for face masks. It’s broadly similar to the EU’s FFP2 standard, Australia’s P2, China’s KN95 and the US’s N95, as you can see in the table below.
Specifications compared
| Conforms to | Minimum filter efficiency requirement | Filter efficiency tested using | Maximum total inward leakage requirement | Maximum permitted inhalation resistance | Maximum permitted exhalation resistance | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1st Class | KOREA: KMOEL - 2017-64 | 94% | Sodium chloride and paraffin oil | 8% | 0.7mbar at 30l/min 2.4mbar at 95l/min |
3.0mbar at 160l/min |
| FFP2 | EUROPE: EN 149:2001+A1:2009 | 94% | Sodium chloride and paraffin oil | 8% | 0.7mbar at 30l/min 2.4mbar at 95l/min |
3.0mbar at 160l/min |
| P2 | AUS/NZ: AS/NZ 1716:2012 | 94% | Sodium chloride | 8% | 0.7mbar at 30l/min 2.4mbar at 95l/min |
1.2mbar at 85l/min |
| N95 | USA: NIOSH (42 CFR 84) | 95% | Sodium chloride | N/A | 3.43mbar at 85l/min | 2.45mbar at 85l/min |
| KN95 | CHINA: GB2626 | 95% | Sodium chloride | 8% | 3.5mbar at 85l/min | 2.5mbar at 85l/min |
Can I get a 1st Class face mask in the UK?
Although you might be able to find a 1st Class face mask online that will ship from Korea to the UK, it will usually be quicker and easier to buy an EU, US or Chinese equivalent of a 1st Class mask (FFP2, N95 or KN95) instead.
Here is where you can buy protective face masks, including those similar to a 1st Class mask in the UK.
Where to buy 1st Class masks online in the UK
1. Wowcher
Popular deals website Wowcher has masks of all types at low prices.
- Fast shipping
- Big discounts
- Bulk buy options
2. eBay
As a global marketplace eBay hosts sellers from all over the world offering different standards of face mask.
- Bulk buy options available
- Free delivery on some orders
- International delivery available
3. GoGroopie
GoGroopie has N95 face masks, surgical masks and cloth masks for sale.
- Regular savings
- Range of face masks
- Student discount via Student Beans
4. Alibaba
Shop Alibaba for all types of face mask, including N95 and surgical masks.
- Great prices
- Range of masks available
- Free delivery for selected products
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