FFP3 vs N95: What's the Difference, and Which Do You Need in the UK?

Last updated 29 September 2026

The short answer: FFP3 gives you more protection than N95. An FFP3 mask filters at least 99% of airborne particles and lets no more than 2% leak in around the edges. An N95 filters at least 95%. N95 is also a US rating, so if you're buying for work in the UK, look for an FFP3 mask certified to EN 149 with a CE or UKCA mark.

What the ratings mean

FFP3 FFP2 N95
Standard EN 149:2001+A1:2009 (UK & EU) EN 149:2001+A1:2009 (UK & EU) NIOSH 42 CFR 84 (USA)
Minimum filtration 99% 94% 95%
Maximum inward leakage 2% 8% Not part of the rating (checked by fit test)
UK protection factor (HSE) 20 10 Not assigned
Closest equivalent Highest disposable class Roughly N95 Roughly FFP2

The protection factor is the one that matters most on site. HSE assigns FFP3 a protection factor of 20, meaning a well-fitted mask should cut the dust you breathe to one twentieth of the level around you. FFP2 is rated 10.

Is FFP3 better than N95?

Yes. N95 sits closest to FFP2, not FFP3. If a job calls for FFP3, an N95 is a step down.

Can I use an N95 mask for work in the UK?

Under COSHH, employers have to provide respiratory protection that's suitable for the hazard and meets UK standards. An N95 without a CE or UKCA mark hasn't been tested to EN 149, so it isn't the safe choice for workplace compliance. For DIY at home the rules are less formal, but the protection gap is the same.

When you need FFP3

FFP3 is the right class for the fine dusts that do the most long-term damage:

  • Silica dust from cutting, drilling or chasing concrete, brick, stone and tiles
  • Hardwood and MDF dust from sanding and routing
  • Plaster and filler dust from heavy sanding
  • Other fine dusts where your risk assessment calls for a protection factor of 20

For lighter nuisance dust, FFP2 can be enough. If you're not sure, FFP3 covers both.

Vented or unvented?

Both give the same FFP3 protection. A valve lets warm air out, so a vented mask stays cooler and fogs glasses less over a long shift. Unvented masks protect the people around you too, and suit clean or shared spaces. Our vented vs unvented guide goes into more detail.

Fit matters as much as the rating

A mask can only protect you if it seals. For work use, HSE expects tight-fitting masks to be face-fit tested, and a seal needs a clean-shaven face. Before each use, press the nose clip to shape and breathe out sharply. If you feel air escaping at the edges, adjust it before you start.

Our FFP3 masks

All Spannerlife FFP3 masks are certified to EN 149:2001+A1:2009.

Free UK delivery on every order.

Buying for a business or site?

We hold large UK stock and supply trade and bulk orders. Our individually wrapped masks stay clean until use, which makes them well suited to site stores, van kits and PPE vending machines. Get in touch for a bulk quote.

Frequently asked questions

Is FFP3 the same as N95?

No. FFP3 filters at least 99% of particles and N95 at least 95%. N95 is closest to FFP2.

Is FFP3 better than N95 for silica dust?

Yes. HSE recommends a protection factor of 20 for high-risk dusts like silica, which FFP3 meets and N95 doesn't.

Are N95 masks legal to use in the UK?

They're legal to buy and wear, but for workplace protection UK employers should provide masks certified to UK standards, such as EN 149 FFP3 with a CE or UKCA mark.

How long can I wear a disposable FFP3 mask?

Masks marked NR are single-shift use. Replace a mask sooner if it becomes damaged, wet, or harder to breathe through.

Do vented FFP3 masks give less protection?

No. The valve only opens when you breathe out, so the protection for the wearer is the same.

This guide is general information and doesn't replace a workplace risk assessment. If you're unsure what protection a job needs, check HSE's guidance on respiratory protective equipment.

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