When it comes to Personal Protective Equipment, such as safety masks and respirators, you can’t afford to compromise on caution. You have to make sure to get the right equipment if you want to protect yourself and others from harmful airborne particles and viruses.
With the advent of the Novel Coronavirus and its quick spread worldwide, the demand for the N95 face mask has grown radically. While there are many other protective masks, the N95 has become one of the most known among all. A close competitor to N95, the P100 mask is also on the way to popularity in these times of crisis.
The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health determines the safety standards and provides ratings for safety masks.
Since there are many ranges of masks categorized based on safety standards and ratings, you are better off knowing the differences between these masks. In this article, we are going to talk about the differences between P100 and N95.
P100 vs N95
While the N95 is a costlier device than the P100, it doesn’t mean that it does the work better than P100. The main difference between these two brands of masks can be understood by their names and what they stand for.
The 100 in P100 stands for protection from 100% of particles. However, this figure is brought down to 99.8%. Like all P masks, the P100 is 100% oil proof.
The N95 mask keeps out at least 95% of particles. But, it is not oil resistant.
The filtering efficiency of masks plays a critical role in determining which mask is more efficient for use. N95 has a filter efficiency of at least 95%, whereas P100 has a filter efficiency of 99.97%.
| P100
|
N95
|
| Oil Proof | Not Oil Resistant |
| Filters out 99.97% of particles | Filters out 95% of particles |
| Regulated by NIOSH | Regulated by NIOSH |
| Approved by CDC | Approved by CDC |
| Used in manufacturing units to protect against all kinds of toxic dusts.
|
Used in healthcare environment for protection against inhalation of infectious particles.
|
Pros and Cons of P100
Pros:
- Protects you from a lot of harmful chemicals, toxic aerosols, viruses and bacteria.
Cons:
- Bulky in size
- Not suitable for aged people
- Not suitable for people with breathing problems
@P100
Pros and Cons of N95
Pros:
- The three-strap design provides a secure seal preventing the outside air from getting in.
- Offers protection against air pollution, fog, smoke, etc.
- Cool flow valve provides extra comfort to the wearer.
- Metal nose bridge makes the mask secure and fit.
- Approved and certified by NIOSH.
Cons:
- Can’t be washed or reused
@N95
Do P100 and N95 protect against virus?
Both P100 and N95 are respirators. Yes, they can protect you against virus. They are designed to protect you from various harmful elements some of which are:
| Ammonia (NH3) | Hydrogen Fluoride |
| Arsine | Hydrogen Sulfide |
| Asbestos | Lewisite (L) |
| Bacteria | Methylamine |
| Benzene | Particulates |
| Bromine | Phosgene (CG) |
| Carbon Tetrachloride (CCl4) | Phosphine (PH3) |
| Chlorine | Radioactive particulates |
| Chlorine Dioxide | Sarin (GB) |
| Chloropicrin (PS) | Smoke |
| Cyanogen Chloride (CK) | Sulfur Dioxide |
| Formaldehyde | Virus |
| Hydrogen Chloride | VX |
| Hydrogen Cyanide (AC) |