It’s a difficult decision, and the Government has made it much more so by omitting to establish a distinction between the two in terms of resources. Half-face particulate respirators, N95 and P2, block more than 94% of airborne particles and are designed to guard against biologically active particles like those produced by the COVID-19 virus. Since different regions adhere to different standards, there are differences between what is referred to as an N95 mask and a p2 face mask. P2 masks adhere to the AS/NZS1716 criteria for use in Australia, following EC regulations, while N95 masks adhere to NIOSH (following testing criteria for the USA and Canada) (European testing requirements).
The primary distinction between an AMD P2 respirator and an N95 mask
While AMD P2 respirators are often made with a nanofiber filter, an N95 mask filter is typically made using a melt-blown method. When subjected to moisture or sterilisation procedures, nanofiber filters have been shown to maintain greater filtration efficiency. Nanofiber filters provide superior heat release and emissions of carbon dioxide performance compared to melt-blown filters, enabling better breathability. In a safety test involving human skin and vascular cells, melt-blown filters were found to be more cytotoxic than nanofiber filters.
A Reference to Buying P2, or Comparable, Breathing masks for use in the Australian Work Environment, which describes the distinctions between P2, N95, KN95, and FFP2 respirators, has the backing of SafeWork NSW, SafeWork SA, and WorkSafe WA. Standards of N95 Vs P2 Masks.
There are some distinctions between the two because they are built to adhere to various standards. According to US testing guidelines, P2 masks are examined at a flow rate of 95 litres per minute, whereas N95 masks are tested at an 85 litres per minute flow rate.
P2 masks must also pass a fit test on a person to be certified and permitted for sale. The NiOSH regulations do not include the same need for N95 masks. P2 masks must meet the AS/NZS1716 requirements for “exhalation resistance,” or being simpler to breathe out of. Australia mandates CO2 clearance testing for P2 masks from producers to stop CO2 from accumulating inside the respiratory system.
P2 masks must filter at least 94% of airborne particles according to their standards, whereas N95 masks must filter at least 95%. However, the nano-filter in the AMD P2 masks goes above and beyond this standard, eliminating 99.66% of airborne particles.
AMD P2 masks are the first P2 masks to be manufactured in Australia. They have undergone rigorous testing following AS/NZS 1716:2012 requirements. AMD’s P2 respirators were manufactured and designed after extensive testing and consultation with medical professionals who routinely wear masks. To ensure that AMD is producing the best P2 respirators possible for the Australian market, these Australian P2 masks were created in consultation with renowned medical experts.
Conclusion
The nanofiber filter used throughout the P2 respirators maintains high filtering efficacy for 24 hours even after coming into contact with moisture because of AMD’s detailed design and fabrication. AMD p2 face mask are more protective and more comfortable to breathe in thanks to the longer wear time compared to masks built with melt-blown filters and even other nanofiber filters available on the market. The AMD P2 masks outperform competing products on the market, despite the fact that P2 masks must block at least 94% of particles in the air and N95 masks at least 95%. With a higher separation efficiency through 4 protective layers, a 99.66% Particle Filtering Efficiency (PPE) and a 99.92% Bacterial Filtering Efficiency are attained (BFE).
