Level 3 or N95? Choosing the Right Mask for Your Clinic
AS 4381:2015 levels, BFE, splash resistance and P2 fit testing — a practical guide to matching Australian-made Detmold masks to each clinical task.
Masks are the most-used PPE in any practice, yet the ratings on the box are often the least understood. Here's how the Australian standards actually work, and how to match the right mask to each task in a GP clinic or medical centre.
What "Level 3" means under AS 4381:2015
Australian surgical masks are graded by AS 4381:2015 into Levels 1–3 based on fluid resistance. Level 3 is the highest grade: tested to resist penetration by synthetic blood at 160 mmHg, with bacterial filtration efficiency (BFE) of ≥98%. In practice that means Level 3 is the appropriate choice wherever there is a risk of blood or body-fluid splash — wound irrigation, minor surgery, dressings on exuding wounds — and it's why we stock only Level 3 as our standard clinic mask.
Our Detmold Level 3 surgical mask with ear loops (box of 40) is made in Adelaide, latex free and included on the TGA Australian Register of Therapeutic Goods. For procedures with spray potential toward the eyes, the Level 3 mask with clear anti-fog visor adds single-step eye protection — no separate goggles to fog or misplace.
When you need an N95/P2 respirator instead
A surgical mask protects against droplets and splash; it is not designed to seal against the face. When the concern is airborne or aerosol transmission — aerosol-generating procedures, suspected respiratory infections, outbreak settings — you need a fit-tested particulate respirator.
The Detmold N95 surgical respirator covers both risks in one device: particulate filtration efficiency ≥95% (NIOSH 42 CFR Part 84), facial fit assessed to Class P2 under AS/NZS 1716:2012, plus surgical Level 3 splash resistance and BFE ≥98% to AS/NZS 4381:2015. The lightweight flat-fold design expands into a convex shape, and dual head bands pull the seal evenly against the face — the fastening style preferred for fit testing.
Fit testing: why we stock three sizes
A respirator only performs when it seals, and faces differ. We keep the N95 in Small, Regular and Large so every team member can pass a fit test in at least one size. For a fit-testing session, order one box of each and standardise on what your team passes in.
Why Australian made matters for supply
Detmold Medical manufactures in Adelaide in an ISO 13485 medical-device facility. For your practice that means shorter, more dependable supply lines — no waiting on international freight when demand spikes. Every mask we sell is GST-inclusive with free WA delivery over $150. Questions about standardising your clinic's PPE? Call us on (08) 6199 7931.