
N95 face mask - 1, 2, 20, 50 or 100 packs from £3.50
CBD Armour
Updated . What changed?
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.
As face masks become more and more prevalent it’s smart to consider how much protection different types of mask can offer.
FFP2 and FFP3 masks (the “FFP” bit stands for “filtering facepiece”) can be made by different manufacturers, but in order to carry these certifications, they must perform to specific minimum standards under testing as set out in the catchily-named “EN149:2001” document.
This is an EU standard which has fairly similar counterparts in other regions. As such, the FFP3 standard is often considered broadly equivalent to the US N99 standard and the Chinese KN99 standard. Similarly, the FFP2 standard is often considered broadly equivalent to the US N95 standard and the Chinese KN95 standard.
FFP2 | FFP3 | |
Example |
![]() |
![]() |
Conforms to | EUROPE: EN 149:2001+A1:2009 | EUROPE: EN 149:2001+A1:2009 |
Minimum filter efficiency requirement | 94% | 99% |
Filter efficiency tested using | Sodium chloride and paraffin oil | Sodium chloride and paraffin oil |
Filter efficiency test flow rate | 95l/min | 95l/min |
Filter efficiency test particle diameter | 0.3 microns (approx.) | 0.3 microns (approx.) |
Maximum total inward leakage requirement | 8% | 2% |
Maximum permitted inhalation resistance |
0.7mbar at 30l/min 2.4mbar at 95l/min |
1.0mbar at 30l/min 3.0mbar at 95l/min |
Maximum permitted exhalation resistance | 3.0mbar at 160l/min | 3.0mbar at 160l/min |
Sources: Smart Air, 3M, Health and Safety Executive
Through tougher testing requirements for factors such as filtering efficiency, FFP3 masks offer a greater degree of protection than FFP2 masks – and that’s with minimal impact on breathability. The higher the FFP rating, the more protection the mask affords the wearer.
Consider the fit of any mask before you buy. FFP2 masks may have simple, thin, behind-the-ear loops while a good FFP3 mask should have a thicker, adjustable pair of head bands, offering a better seal.
The NHS has specified FFP3 masks for its staff as part of their personal protective equipment (PPE). The World Health Organization has advised that healthcare workers “should use a particulate respirator at least as protective as a US National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH)-certified N95, European Union (EU) standard FFP2, or equivalent”.
Chemist 4 U
KN95 masks from £2.99
Shop individually wrapped KN95 masks from Chemist 4 U. T&Cs apply.
Amazon
N95 and respirator masks
Shop the range of masks and respirators at Amazon. Hurry and snap up an amazing deal right now. T&Cs apply.
CBD Armour
Shop N95 face masks from UK
Shop FFP2/N95 face masks at CBD Armour now and gert fast delivery from within the UK. T&Cs apply.
The public in Northern Ireland must now wear face coverings in shops and in other enclosed spaces.
Read more…Looking for a reusable, comfortable bamboo face mask? We’ve listed the best places you can buy one online, with some offering free delivery.
Read more…Looking for face masks made in the UK? Shop our top picks of UK made face masks including handmade masks from local UK crafters.
Read more…Face covering laws have been extended in England as lockdown easing is put on hold.
Read more…Find out where to buy cloth, cotton and fabric face masks online from the UK. Shop 100% cotton face coverings
Read more…Get branded face masks to advertise your business or clear face masks to support communication. Shop masks for retail workers in the UK here.
Up your fashion game with these fashionable, reusable face masks and face coverings from Very.
97% of Brits own a face mask, the most out of all the 15 countries in our global study.
Stay safe with these reusable, personalised face masks from Vistaprint and shop our fave styles.
Funny face masks can keep you safe while also putting a smile on someone’s face, literally.
Keep yourself fit and firing with exercise and workout-friendly breathable face masks.
Here’s where you can shop replacement PM2.5 filters for your face mask and have them delivered straight to your door. Get face mask filters in the UK.
Shop reusable, fully washable face masks in Boden’s signature prints and vibrant colours. Browse our top picks of Boden face masks here.
Upgrade your 2021 fashion with these gorgeous face masks from PLT.
Ramp up your accessory game with these face masks from Missguided, suitable for every style.
what is the face mask that provides the greatest protection from airborne covid virus
Hello Edmund,
Thank you for contacting Finder. Hope you’re doing well!
I understand you’d like to know which mask provides the greatest protection from the COVID virus. Between FFP2 and FFP3 respirators, if you look at our comparison table above, FFP3 has a 99% filter efficiency requirement.
FFP3 masks offer a greater degree of protection than FFP2 masks – and that’s with minimal impact on breathability. The higher the FFP rating, the more protection the mask affords the wearer. You may also need to consider the fit of any mask before you buy it. FFP2 masks may have simple, thin, behind-the-ear loops while a good FFP3 mask should have a thicker, adjustable pair of headbands, offering a better seal.
A gentle reminder that 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.
Hope this helped. Should you have further questions or clarifications, please do not hesitate to contact us again.
Best Regards,
Robyn