21 February 2022 How To Choose a P2 Mask That Fits You Correctly
ABL's Guide To Choosing The Best Disposable P2 Respirator
Which P2 Mask Passes a Fit Test? A Guide to Disposable Respirators, Face Masks & Respirator Protection
Not sure which disposable P2 mask to buy? This guide explains the difference between face masks including disposable masks & P2 respirators, mask fit testing and why some respirator mask styles may fit better than others.
P2 Mask Designed to help filter airborne particles when fitted correctly.
Disposable Respirator A single-use tight-fitting respiratory mask used for protection.
Fit Testing Checks whether the respirator seals properly to the wearer’s face.
Need a Disposable P2 Mask That Passes a Fit Test?
Since the COVID-19 pandemic, terms such as face mask, mask, respirator, P2 mask, N95 mask, disposable mask and respiratory mask have become familiar to many people across Australia.
However, these terms are often used broadly, and not every face mask offers the same level of respiratory protection. There is much more to choosing a P2 respirator than simply finding the cheapest mask.
At ABL Distribution, we offer respiratory fit testing services and have worked with respiratory protection products for over 30 years. Over time, we have noticed that different disposable mask styles, brands and models can perform differently during quantitative fit testing.
Some masks may be rated as P2, but that does not automatically mean they will fit every wearer correctly or pass a fit test. The right mask must suit the wearer’s face shape, size and seal area.
What Is a P2 Respirator?
A P2 respirator is a respiratory mask designed to help filter airborne particles when worn correctly. Disposable P2 masks are commonly used in workplaces, healthcare settings, education, government, laboratories, medical placements and general industry where respiratory protection may be required.
Why Does Fit Matter?
A disposable P2 respirator must seal to the wearer’s face. If the mask does not fit correctly, air can leak around the edges instead of passing through the respirator material, reducing the level of protection.
Different Styles of Disposable P2 Respirators
Disposable P2 masks come in several styles. Each style may suit different face shapes, workplaces and user preferences. Fit testing is the best way to confirm which mask suits the wearer.
Duckbill Mask
Also known as a horizontal flat fold mask. Duckbill masks are commonly seen in healthcare and medical environments.
Cup Style Mask
A traditional respirator mask design with a more structured shape. Sometimes referred to as a moon mask or cup respirator.
Vertical Flat Fold
A compact disposable respirator style using head straps to help hold the mask against the face.
Ear Strap Flat Fold
A lightweight disposable mask style. Ear strap masks may feel convenient, but fit can vary depending on face shape and seal.
3 Panel Flat Fold
In our experience, 3 panel flat fold P2 disposable respirators often achieve strong fit test results because the design can better conform to the wearer’s face.
Which P2 Disposable Mask Best Passes a Fit Test?
Although many masks may be certified as P2 or N95, this certification relates to the filtration performance of the mask material. It does not automatically mean the mask will fit every person correctly.
To get the full protection capabilities of a respirator, the mask must fit the wearer’s face size and shape correctly. This can only be confirmed through a respiratory fit test.
ABL Experience
When looking at disposable P2 masks, ABL has found that 3 panel flat fold disposable respirators often have a higher pass rate during quantitative fit testing compared with many other disposable respirator styles.
The 3 panel flat fold mask design can help the mask sit below the wearer’s chin and high on the nose while still allowing comfortable breathing. By sitting on flatter areas of the face, this style can help reduce unwanted gaps and improve the chance of achieving a correct seal.
This does not mean other disposable respirator styles cannot pass a fit test. ABL has tested customers on many disposable masks and has seen people pass on many styles. However, in our experience, the 3 panel flat fold style respirator tends to pass a quantitative fit test at a higher rate and may require fewer adjustments.
P2 Respirator vs Disposable Face Mask
P2 Respirator
A P2 respirator is designed to help protect the wearer by filtering air as it is breathed in. When correctly fitted, a disposable P2 respirator forms a tight seal around the wearer’s face, helping reduce exposure to airborne particles.
Disposable Face Mask
A loose-fitting disposable face mask or face covering may help reduce particles leaving the wearer’s mouth or nose, but it does not provide the same level of respiratory protection as a properly fitted respirator.
What Is a Quantitative Fit Test?
Quantitative fit testing measures the amount of air leaking through gaps in the seal of the wearer’s facepiece. It is more objective than qualitative fit testing because it does not rely on the wearer’s sense of taste or smell.
Quantitative fit testing is performed by a trained fit test assessor using specialised equipment such as PortaCount or AccuFIT machines. These machines provide a numerical result that helps confirm whether the respirator is sealing correctly.
Fit testing helps confirm:
- The mask seals correctly
- The mask size suits the wearer
- The respirator model is appropriate
- The wearer can correctly fit the mask
- The mask is suitable for workplace use
Who Commonly Uses Disposable P2 Masks?
Disposable P2 masks, P2 respirators and other respiratory masks are commonly used by many industries and workers across Australia.
Healthcare
Healthcare workers may require disposable P2 respirators or N95 masks depending on workplace requirements and exposure risk.
Nursing Students & Placement
Students attending clinical placement may be required to complete mask fit testing using an approved P2 or N95 respirator.
Laboratories
Laboratory workers may require respiratory masks where airborne particle protection is part of workplace procedure.
Aged Care
Aged care environments may require disposable respirators for certain tasks, outbreaks or infection-control procedures.
Education & Government
Schools, universities, departments and government facilities may require suitable masks and fit testing for staff or students.
General Industry
Many workplaces use disposable masks or reusable respirators depending on the respiratory protection requirements of the task.
Need Help Choosing a Disposable P2 Mask?
ABL Distribution can help you choose a suitable disposable P2 respirator, understand your fit testing requirements and book quantitative fit testing services. We support customers across the Gold Coast, Brisbane, South East Queensland and Australia.
Contact ABL Distribution
