Coronavirus: Shoppers in Northern Ireland must wear face coverings
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Where to buy DS2 and DL2 masks in the UK
DS2 and DL2 masks conform to Japanese standards and are broadly considered equivalent to FFP2 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 are DS2 and DL2 masks?
DS2 and DL2 are Japanese standards for dust masks. DS2 and DL2 masks are disposable and consist of a filter, facepiece and headband. They filter the air as you inhale and release exhaled air through an exhalation valve.
Both masks filter a minimum of 95% of particles. The difference between the masks is the method used to test their filtering efficiency.
Specifications compared
| Example | Conforms to | Minimum filter efficiency requirement | Filter efficiency tested using | Maximum total inward leakage requirement | Maximum permitted inhalation resistance | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| DS2 |  |
JAPAN: JMHLWNotification 214, 2018 | 95% | Sodium chloride | N/A | 0.7mbar at 40l/min (with valve) 0.5mbar at 40l/min (no valve) |
| DL2 |  |
JAPAN: JMHLWNotification 214, 2018 | 95% | Liquid dioctyl phthalate | N/A | 0.7mbar at 40l/min (with valve) 0.5mbar at 40l/min (no valve) |
Can I get DS2 and DL2 masks in the UK?
While you can technically order DS2 and DL2 masks online from Japan, they’re not widely availably. It’s much easier to find the UK equivalent, FFP2 masks.
Is a DS2 or a DL2 mask the best for coronavirus prevention?
Both DS2 and DL2 masks are filtration masks which are not generally recommended for the general public. The current advice remains to leave filtered masks for healthcare professionals and for the general public to use homemade or cloth masks.
If you do want to purchase a filtration mask from within the UK, then FFP2 masks and N95 masks offer the same level of protection and filtration as DS2 and DL2 and are much more widely available in the UK.
Where to buy coronavirus face masks online in the UK
1. Wowcher
Popular deals website Wowcher has face masks of all types at discounted prices.
- Big discounts
- Bulk buy options
- Fast shipping
2. eBay
eBay hosts sellers from around the world, including Japan, and offers face masks of most types.
- Free delivery on selected orders
- Bulk options available
- International delivery available
3. GoGroopie
GoGroopie has masks available that conform to both UK and EU recommended testing standards.
- Regular savings
- Fast shipping
- Low prices
4. AliExpress
The AliExpress marketplace offers a full range of masks in large, bulk quantities.
- Range of face masks on offer
- Express shipping available
- Great value products
5. Amazon
As a global marketplace, Amazon has facemasks from all over the world for sale.
- Free delivery on selected listings
- Bulk buy options available
- Buy from sellers when stock is low
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