Healthdirect Free Australian health advice you can count on.

Medical problem? Call 1800 022 222. If you need urgent medical help, call triple zero immediately

healthdirect Australia is a free service where you can talk to a nurse or doctor who can help you know what to do.

beginning of content

Face masks

7-minute read

Key facts

  • Face masks can protect you from respiratory viruses like COVID-19 and the flu.
  • You may want to wear a face mask when you can't physically distance from other people.
  • You may need to wear a face mask when you visit a residential aged care facility or hospital.
  • Respirators (P2/N95 face masks) are more effective than medical or cloth masks at stopping the spread of disease.
  • A face mask is a medical device when it stops the spread of disease between people in a healthcare setting.

What can a face mask protect me from?

Face masks can protect you from things in the air, such as viruses and pollutants.

Wearing a face mask, protects you from airborne viruses like COVID-19, influenza (flu) and many viruses that cause the common cold. This can lower the spread of respiratory diseases. But they need to be worn correctly and consistently for this to happen.

P2 and N95 face masks (respirators) can also protect you from bushfire smoke. They help filter out the fine particles in smoke. These respirators can also protect you from:

  • asbestos
  • ash
  • mould spores
  • pollens
  • wood dust

When should I wear a face mask?

In general, wearing a face mask is advised to prevent the spread of disease when you can't physically distance from other people. You may choose to wear a face mask when you are indoors or in crowded settings, like on public transport. This can help to protect you from airborne diseases.

In some states and territories, you may need to wear a face mask when visiting high-risk settings such as:

Wearing a mask in these settings helps protect staff and other people who are more likely to become sick.

Drawbacks to mask wearing

Mask wearing can be difficult for some groups of people, such as people:

What type of face mask should I use?

There are many different types of face masks available for use.

Cloth masks

Cloth masks give the least protection from viruses carried in respiratory droplets and aerosols. They are not medical grade masks. But they can still help stop the spread of disease.

How to wash a cloth mask
Download this guide in PDF format.

Surgical masks

Surgical masks give better protection than cloth masks. They help protect you from infection. They also help to stop people who are sick from spreading their illness.

Surgical masks can be medical grade, depending on their intended use.

Respirator masks

Respirators are more effective than medical or cloth masks at stopping the spread of airborne viruses. Respirators are also called P2 or N95 masks.

Some face masks are designed for medical use. These must meet with national guidelines for respirator standards.

People at some workplaces use respirators when they have a high risk of exposure to body fluids, respiratory droplets and aerosols.

This includes people working in:

  • health care
  • aged care services
  • disability sectors
  • quarantine
  • police
  • security

You can also buy N95 (P2) masks for non-medical purposes, such as construction. These are not medical grade and are not regulated by the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA).

Respirators with an exhalation valve do not filter the air that you breathe out. These types of masks do not protect other people from any viruses that you may have.

Respirators can also be used to protect you from bushfire smoke. Cloth and surgical masks do not protect you from bushfire smoke.

Your respirator must fit properly to work well. It must form a tight seal around your face. It can be difficult to get a tight seal if you have facial hair — even 1 to 2 day-old stubble can prevent a good seal.

Always follow the manufacturer's instructions when putting on your mask.

You should throw your respirator (P2 orN95) mask away:

  • after each use
  • after wearing it for 4 hours
  • once it becomes moist

Other options for covering your face

Scarves or bandanas are not advised for protection from airborne infections or pollution. They do not give the same amount of protection as a well-fitted face mask.

Using a scarf can also be an infection risk. This is because you can re-use them.

Face shields are not a substitute for face masks. But if you can't wear a face mask, you may find it easier to wear a face shield.

How do I wear a face mask correctly?

Wash or sanitise your hands before putting on your face mask.

Make sure that your mask covers your nose and mouth. It should fit snugly:

  • under your chin
  • over the bridge of your nose
  • against the sides of your face

When you take off your mask, do not touch your eyes, nose, or mouth. After taking off your mask, wash or sanitise your hands.

Things that you should not do:

  • Do not touch the front of your mask while wearing it or taking it off.
  • Do not allow the mask to hang around your neck or under your nose.
  • Do not use single-use masks more than once.
  • Do not use masks with holes or a valve — these allow the spread of infection to other people.
How to wear a mask safely
Download this guide in PDF format.

Where can I get face masks?

You can buy face masks from:

  • pharmacies
  • supermarkets
  • hardware stores
  • online stores

Resources and support

The Therapeutic Goods Administration has more information on face mask standards.

You can call the healthdirect helpline on 1800 022 222 (known as NURSE-ON-CALL in Victoria). A registered nurse is available to speak with you 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Learn more here about the development and quality assurance of healthdirect content.

Last reviewed: November 2024


Back To Top

Need more information?

These trusted information partners have more on this topic.

Top results

Video: Choosing a face mask - myDr.com.au

What's the best face mask to protect against coronavirus? Dr Norman Swan examines the options.

Read more on MyDoctor website

Face masks | SA Health

Face masks lower your chance of catching and spreading respiratory viruses like flu or COVID-19.

Read more on SA Health website

Face mask fails you don't want to make - myDr.com.au

It takes a bit of practice to wear a face mask effectively. Here are some face mask fails you don’t want to be making.

Read more on MyDoctor website

How to make a cloth face mask - myDr.com.au

If you don’t want to buy face masks you can make your own cloth masks, which can be washed and reused. Find out how.

Read more on MyDoctor website

Guidance on wearing face masks | NSW Government

Face masks help stop viruses from spreading through the air so you are less likely to catch or spread them. When you wear a face mask, you protect yourself and others from respiratory viruses like COVID-19 and flu.  

Read more on NSW Health website

Face masks and COVID-19 - Better Health Channel

Face masks can prevent COVID-19 transmission.

Read more on Better Health Channel website

Face masks and COVID-19 | Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA)

This page compiles all our resources related to face masks and COVID-19.

Read more on TGA – Therapeutic Goods Administration website

Face masks — coronavirus (COVID-19) | Health and wellbeing | Queensland Government

Face masks can help to stop the spread of coronavirus (COVID-19), especially in places where it is difficult to socially distance.

Read more on Queensland Health website

P2/N95 masks - Fact sheets

P2/N95 rated face masks can help filter out the fine particles in smoke. To be effective, they must be fitted according to the manufacturer’s instructions and form a tight seal around the face.

Read more on NSW Health website

FAQs on community use of face masks | Australian Commission on Safety and Quality in Health Care

Read more on Australian Commission on Safety and Quality in Health Care website

Healthdirect 24hr 7 days a week hotline

24 hour health advice you can count on

1800 022 222

Government Accredited with over 140 information partners

We are a government-funded service, providing quality, approved health information and advice

Australian Government, health department logo ACT Government logo New South Wales government, health department logo Northen Territory Government logo Queensland Government logo Government of South Australia, health department logo Tasmanian government logo Victorian government logo Government of Western Australia, health department logo

Healthdirect Australia acknowledges the Traditional Owners of Country throughout Australia and their continuing connection to land, sea and community. We pay our respects to the Traditional Owners and to Elders both past and present.