Comparison of mask types for COVID-19

Wearing masks helps prevent infectious people from spreading the COVID-19 virus. If the person wearing the mask is unaware that they are infected with COVID-19 virus, wearing a mask will reduce the chances of them passing the virus on to others.

Masks and respirators provide the wearer with differing levels of protection from inhaling the virus. It is important to understand the different type of masks and the level of protection they provide, to ensure you use the appropriate mask for your workplace setting.

Mask types

Cloth and utility masks are not medical grade masks and provide the wearer the least protection from viruses carried in respiratory droplets and aerosols. However, they can still help prevent infectious people from spreading the COVID-19 virus.

Surgical masks are medical grade masks that must comply with the relevant national standards (or equivalent). They are graded as level 1, 2 and 3 based on the level of protection, or fluid resistance, they provide the wearer. Surgical masks help prevent infectious people from spreading the COVID-19 virus and provide greater protection from infection for the wearer.

P2/N95 respirator masks that are designed for medical use must comply with the relevant national standards (or equivalent). They are required when there is a high-risk of exposure to body fluids, respiratory droplets and aerosols in higher-risk workplace settings such as health care, aged care and disability sectors, quarantine, police and security.

Surgical and P2/N95 respirator masks for medical use are regulated by the Therapeutic Goods Administration. See the Australian Register of Therapeutic Goods to check if your surgical or P2/N95 respirator mask is approved for medical use.

P2/N95 masks intended for non-medical purposes, such as in construction and other industrial workplace settings, are not medical grade and are not regulated by the Therapeutic Goods Administration.

For more information and guidance about using masks in health and aged care settings can be found on the Infection Control Expert Group and Australian Commission on Safety and Quality in Health Care websites.

The Therapeutic Goods Administration has also published advice and recommendations for health care professionals on the use of surgical masks during the COVID-19 pandemic and the types of face masks that are regulated as medical devices.

Mask types and characteristics table

Mask	Protection	Type	Use
Cloth mask	Helps prevent infectious people from spreading COVID-19 Covers the mouth and nose of the wearer to create a physical barrier between the wearer and the environment Does not achieve a close seal to the wearer’s face Provides the wearer with a lower level of protection from viruses in droplets and aerosols	Not regulated by the Therapeutic Goods Administration Not a medical grade Reusable Should have a minimum of 3 layers of washable woven and non-woven fabrics Manufactured or homemade	Public/community use General workplace settings
Utility mask	Helps prevent infectious people from spreading COVID-19 Covers the mouth and nose of the wearer to create a physical barrier between the wearer and the environment Does not achieve a close seal to the wearer’s face Provides the wearer with a lower level of protection from viruses in droplets and aerosols	Not regulated by the Therapeutic Goods Administration Not medical grade Single use 3 layers	Public/community use General workplace settings
Surgical mask	Helps prevent infectious people from spreading COVID-19 Helps protect against splashes and large droplets or sprays from reaching the wearers mouth or nose Covers the mouth and nose of the wearer to create a physical barrier between the wearer and the environment Does not achieve a close seal to the wearer’s face	Regulated by the Therapeutic Goods Administration Must comply with Australian Standards (AS: 4381:2015) and/or equivalent international standards Medical grade Single use 3 layers Has Level 1, 2 or 3 gradings for different levels of protection and fluid resistance. The grading should be labelled on the packaging Level 1 masks are acceptable for general use/patient care and level 2 or 3 masks are preferred where there is a higher risk of exposure to body fluids	When there is a low-risk of exposure to body fluids, air droplets and aerosols Public/community use General workplace settings Health care, aged care and disability sectors, quarantine, police and security
* P2/N95 Respirators (with no exhalation valve)	Helps prevent infectious people from spreading COVID-19 Provides the wearer the greatest protection from exposure to biological particles in the air such as viruses and bacteria N95 respirators are effective in removing a minimum of 95% of aerosols. Forms a close seal around the nose and mouth Not fluid resistant.	Regulated by the Therapeutic Goods Administration Must comply with Australian/New Zealand Standards (AS/NZS 1716:2012) and/or equivalent international standards Medical grade Single use Tight fitting Requires a fit test and fit check	When there is a high risk of exposure to body fluids, air droplets and aerosols To be used in higher-risk settings (e.g. health care, aged care and disability sectors, quarantine, police and security)
* Surgical P2/N95 Respirators (with no exhalation valve)	Helps prevent infectious people from spreading COVID-19 Provides the wearer the greatest protection from exposure to biological particles in the air such as viruses and bacteria N95 respirators are effective in removing a minimum of 95% of aerosols. Forms a close seal around the nose and mouth Fluid resistant	Regulated by the Therapeutic Goods Administration Must comply with Australian/New Zealand Standards (AS/NZS 1716:2012) and/or equivalent international standards, including for fluid resistance against bodily fluids Medical grade Single use Tight fitting Requires a fit test and fit check	Not generally available for public/community use To be used in higher-risk settings (e.g. health care, aged care and disability sectors, quarantine)

* Note that the Infection Control Expert Group considers that KN95, KF94, Japan DS2 and European FFP2 respirators have equivalent performance to P2/N95 respirators.

Further Information

Masks for General Industries

To ensure this information is as accessible and easy to understand as possible, we refer to ‘employers’ and their responsibilities.

However, under the model WHS laws, duties apply to any person conducting a business or undertaking (PCBU) which includes employers, but also others who engage workers. For more information about who is a PCBU see our Interpretive Guideline – model Work Health and Safety Act – the meaning of ‘person conducting a business or undertaking'.

The model WHS laws have been implemented in all jurisdictions except Victoria.

Safe Work Australia does not regulate or enforce WHS laws or the recently introduced COVID-19 restrictions on business operations. If you want to know how WHS laws apply to you or need help with what to do at your workplace, contact the WHS regulator in your jurisdiction. If you want to know what restrictions on business operations apply to you or your workplace, go to your relevant state and territory government website for information.

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