Masks at the ready
October 20, 2022 7:48 AM Subscribe
What’s the best place to buy FFP2 and FFP3 masks in the U.K.?
For some time now, I’ve been purchasing Amazon’s own brand FFP2 masks. They were affordable, fit me perfectly and lasted many wears—however, they have now been discontinued. My back up option was the Boots brand FFP2 masks, but they’re loose on me and the elastic band tends to come off. Can you recommend a good alternative?
I’m also taking a couple of long train journeys next week and would like a couple of FFP3 masks for added protection. Can you recommend a reputable source? I’m obviously wary of counterfeits.
Thank you!
For some time now, I’ve been purchasing Amazon’s own brand FFP2 masks. They were affordable, fit me perfectly and lasted many wears—however, they have now been discontinued. My back up option was the Boots brand FFP2 masks, but they’re loose on me and the elastic band tends to come off. Can you recommend a good alternative?
I’m also taking a couple of long train journeys next week and would like a couple of FFP3 masks for added protection. Can you recommend a reputable source? I’m obviously wary of counterfeits.
Thank you!
Screwfix Direct
Although described as 'dust masks', they are P2 and P3.
posted by essexjan at 8:22 AM on October 20, 2022
Although described as 'dust masks', they are P2 and P3.
posted by essexjan at 8:22 AM on October 20, 2022
Screwfix/Toolstation usually have them at a decent price.
posted by pipeski at 8:26 AM on October 20, 2022
posted by pipeski at 8:26 AM on October 20, 2022
I use these PurityLabs FFP2s from Lloyds Pharmacy. They're a little bit tighter than the Boots ones; they also come with an ear saver (you can see it on the pack) which will perforce make them even tighter if used, as it will pull the elastic further back. I wear them with an ear saver (albeit a fabric one I made myself) and have yet to have an elastic snap on me.
posted by sailoreagle at 9:00 AM on October 20, 2022
posted by sailoreagle at 9:00 AM on October 20, 2022
Best answer: I've bought 3M Aura FFP3 masks from Amazon, but of course can't speak to authenticity. I bought some of the FFP2 ones too, but they aren't showing up when I search "Your Orders", so I can't share the precise listing I bought them through.
I've also got a mask from Cambridge Mask Company - pricey, but very reusable, easier to put on and take off than a head-loop mask (I have glasses and a ponytail), and it doesn't steam my glasses up nearly as much as most do. Reading through their FAQ, their masks meet the FFP2 standard and most of the FFP3 one.
posted by ManyLeggedCreature at 9:09 AM on October 20, 2022
I've also got a mask from Cambridge Mask Company - pricey, but very reusable, easier to put on and take off than a head-loop mask (I have glasses and a ponytail), and it doesn't steam my glasses up nearly as much as most do. Reading through their FAQ, their masks meet the FFP2 standard and most of the FFP3 one.
posted by ManyLeggedCreature at 9:09 AM on October 20, 2022
I also have used Screwfix and also these Medisana (from Amazon). Both very good.
posted by dowcrag at 9:19 AM on October 20, 2022
posted by dowcrag at 9:19 AM on October 20, 2022
I've used Chemist Click and Hive Pharmacy in the past. Can't speak about the authenticity, but the later of the two has a physical shop.
Note these are head-loop masks, not the loop behind your ears ones.
posted by Ms. Moonlight at 9:54 AM on October 20, 2022
Note these are head-loop masks, not the loop behind your ears ones.
posted by Ms. Moonlight at 9:54 AM on October 20, 2022
Best answer: I've bought 3M single-use FFP3 masks from Respiratorshop, and as far as I can tell they are reputable. They are head-loop masks (I think all FFP3 masks are? Because you don't get a tight enough fit otherwise?)
Like ManyLeggedCreature, I've also got a reusable mask from Cambridge Mask Company, which is certified FFP2 and claims to be mostly FFP3. It does come with an optional head-loop as well. They seem to have Hallowe'en themed ones at the moment...
posted by siskin at 11:33 AM on October 20, 2022
Like ManyLeggedCreature, I've also got a reusable mask from Cambridge Mask Company, which is certified FFP2 and claims to be mostly FFP3. It does come with an optional head-loop as well. They seem to have Hallowe'en themed ones at the moment...
posted by siskin at 11:33 AM on October 20, 2022
Response by poster: Thanks everyone! Just popping back to the thread to say that I've been wearing reusable masks from Cambridge Masks this year, and so far so good. They're expensive, but frequently on sale.
posted by EXISTENZ IS PAUSED at 9:24 AM on June 9, 2023 [1 favorite]
posted by EXISTENZ IS PAUSED at 9:24 AM on June 9, 2023 [1 favorite]
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posted by EndsOfInvention at 8:11 AM on October 20, 2022