P100 & P3 Respirators in Healthcare: Do You Really Need That Level of Protection?

Most healthcare professionals are well-acquainted with surgical masks and N95/P2 respirators — they’re the standard go-to for infection control, airborne pathogen protection, and patient care. But beyond these familiar names lies another category of respiratory protection that often sparks curiosity (and debate): P3 and P100 respirators.

These high-filtration respirators represent the top tier of particulate protection, capable of filtering out more than 99.95–99.97% of airborne particles. At first glance, that might sound like an obvious upgrade — after all, more filtration should mean better safety, right? But in reality, more isn’t always better. In many healthcare settings, the added filtration level of P3 and P100 respirators may offer little extra benefit compared to N95 or P2 — and in some cases, it could even be unnecessary or impractical.

So when are these high-grade respirators truly worth using? And how do you know if your healthcare environment calls for that level of protection?

In this article, we’ll break down what sets P3 and P100 respirators apart, how they compare to N95 and P2 masks, when they’re actually required in healthcare, and how to decide whether they’re the right choice for your situation.

Respirators in healthcare

Before we dive into the specifics of P3 and P100 respirators, it’s worth stepping back to understand how they fit into the broader landscape of respiratory protection in healthcare. Not all masks are created equal — and understanding their differences is key to choosing the right one for the job.

At the most basic level, surgical masks and respirators serve different purposes:

• Surgical masks are loose-fitting, fluid-resistant masks primarily designed to protect others from the wearer’s respiratory droplets. They also offer some protection against splashes and sprays but do not form a seal around the face. Because of this, they don’t reliably filter fine airborne particles and are not considered respiratory protective equipment.
  

• Respirators, on the other hand, are tight-fitting devices designed to protect the wearer. They create a secure seal against the face and are built to filter airborne contaminants like fine particles, pathogens, and aerosols. Respirators must meet strict filtration and fit standards — and they’re the go-to choice in scenarios where airborne transmission is a concern.

Common types of masks and respirators in healthcare

Let’s look at how different levels of protection compare:

Surgical masks:

• Purpose: Provide barrier protection against large droplets, splashes, and sprays.
  

• Fit: Loose-fitting, does not form a seal around the face.
  

• Use case: Routine care, droplet precautions, and sterile procedures.

P2/N95 respirators:

• Purpose: Filter at least 94% (P2) or 95% (N95) of airborne particles.
  

• Fit: Tight-fitting, designed to seal against the face.
  

• Use case: Airborne precautions such as tuberculosis, COVID-19, and other aerosol-transmissible diseases. These respirators are widely used in hospitals and healthcare settings where the risk of inhaling infectious aerosols is higher.

P3/P100 respirators:

• Purpose: Provide the highest level of filtration, removing at least 99.95% (P3) or 99.97% (P100) of airborne particles.
  

• Fit: Tight-fitting, often available as half-face or full-face respirators.
  

• Use case: Environments with high-risk aerosol exposure, chemical or toxic particle hazards, or certain laboratory and industrial healthcare settings.

While P3 and P100 offer the highest filtration efficiency available, they’re not always necessary for standard healthcare tasks. Their use is typically reserved for very specific scenarios — a topic we’ll explore in detail shortly.

What are P3 and P100 respirators?

When it comes to respiratory protection, P3 and P100 represent the highest level of filtration currently available. While the two terms are often used interchangeably, they refer to different certification systems — meaning they’re essentially equivalent in performance but regulated under different standards.

P3 respirators

P3 respirators are certified under the EN 143 / EN 149 standards used across Europe, the UK, Australia, and New Zealand. They are designed to filter out at least 99.95% of airborne particles, including fine aerosols, dust, hazardous particulates, and many biological contaminants.

P3 respirators are widely used in settings where maximum particulate protection is essential, such as industrial workplaces, laboratories, or healthcare environments with a high risk of aerosol exposure. Because of their high filtration capacity, they’re especially effective against:

• Fine aerosols generated during medical procedures (e.g. bronchoscopy, intubation).
  

• Airborne pathogens in high-risk isolation units.
  

• Hazardous particles like asbestos fibres, silica dust, or toxic fumes.

P100 respirators

P100 respirators are the U.S. equivalent of P3, certified under the NIOSH (National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health) standards. They must filter out at least 99.97% of airborne particles — slightly higher on paper than P3, but in practical terms, their performance is nearly identical.

The “P” in P100 stands for oil-proof, meaning these respirators maintain their filtration efficiency even in environments containing oil-based aerosols — a feature that can be important in certain chemical or pharmaceutical settings. Like P3, they are used where airborne hazards are significant and exposure must be minimised as much as possible.

The respirators are designed for maximum protection

Both P3 and P100 respirators are tight-fitting devices that form a secure seal around the face. Unlike disposable P2 or N95 masks, they are most often used as:

• Half-face respirators – covering the nose and mouth.
  

• Full-face respirators – providing additional eye and face protection.

These reusable designs allow for replaceable filters and often offer superior comfort and durability for long-term use.

When are P3 or P100 respirators used in healthcare

While P3 and P100 respirators represent the gold standard in filtration, they’re not necessary for every clinical scenario. In fact, for most day-to-day patient care, P2 or N95 respirators offer sufficient protection. However, there are specific high-risk situations in healthcare where the additional protection of P3 or P100 is either recommended or required.

Here are the scenarios where upgrading to this level of respiratory protection makes sense:

1. Handling airborne pathogens with high transmission risk

In environments where highly infectious airborne diseases are present — and especially where aerosol-generating procedures (AGPs) are being performed — the added filtration efficiency of P3 or P100 respirators offers greater safety.

Examples include:

• Treating patients with tuberculosis (TB) or measles, which are known for their high airborne transmission potential.
  

• Managing SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) cases, particularly when performing procedures that increase aerosol generation, such as intubation, bronchoscopy, or nebuliser treatments.
  

• Caring for patients with novel or highly virulent respiratory pathogens, where uncertainty around transmission risks calls for maximum protection.

2. Working with infectious aerosols in laboratory or research settings

Healthcare professionals and lab technicians working in diagnostic, pathology, or research laboratories may be exposed to concentrated pathogens in aerosol form. In these environments, P3 and P100 respirators add a crucial layer of protection against accidental inhalation.

They are especially valuable when:

• Handling samples containing airborne viruses or bacteria at high titres.
  

• Working in biosafety level (BSL) 3 or 4 laboratories, where exposure to dangerous airborne agents is possible.
  

• Performing tasks that generate infectious aerosols, such as centrifugation, vortexing, or pipetting of cultures.

3. Caring for patients in negative-pressure isolation rooms

Negative-pressure isolation rooms are designed to contain airborne pathogens within a controlled space. While standard N95/P2 respirators are often sufficient, P3 and P100 respirators provide an extra layer of defence — particularly when combined with extended exposure or aerosol-generating procedures.

This is especially relevant for:

• Patients with multi-drug resistant TB or other highly contagious airborne infections.
  

• Situations where healthcare staff are required to enter and exit isolation rooms frequently, increasing cumulative exposure.

4. Cleaning up toxic or hazardous chemical spills

Although rare, certain healthcare environments involve exposure to toxic particles, hazardous chemicals, or oil-based aerosols — situations where a standard N95 or P2 may not provide adequate protection.

P3 and P100 respirators are particularly effective here because they:

• Filter both oil-based and non-oil-based aerosols.
  

• Offer enhanced protection during decontamination procedures or spill response involving hazardous substances.
  

• Provide respiratory safety when working with chemical disinfectants, sterilants, or cytotoxic drugs in aerosolised form.

5. Performing autopsies or procedures that generate bone dust or tissue aerosols

Post-mortem procedures, orthopedic surgeries, and certain dental interventions can generate aerosolised bone dust, tissue particles, or biological debris. These particles can remain airborne and pose a respiratory hazard to healthcare personnel.

In these situations, P3 or P100 respirators are often recommended to:

• Reduce the risk of inhaling biological or particulate matter.
  

• Provide a higher level of protection in forensic or pathology settings.

• Safeguard staff during high-speed drilling, sawing, or cutting procedures that produce fine aerosols.

Practical considerations before choosing P3 or P100

Before deciding whether to upgrade from a standard P2 or N95, it’s important to weigh a few real-world factors that can impact usability, cost, and comfort.

1. Comfort and breathability

With higher filtration efficiency comes higher breathing resistance. Because P3 and P100 respirators trap more particles, they also make it slightly harder to inhale and exhale compared to standard N95 or P2 masks.

For most healthcare workers, this isn’t an issue during short procedures — but during long shifts or physically demanding tasks, it can become uncomfortable. Some users report increased fatigue or a feeling of restricted airflow, especially with tight-fitting, non-powered respirators.

2. Cost and maintenance

P3 and P100 respirators are generally more expensive than disposable P2 or N95 options. They are most often reusable half-face or full-face respirators, which means they require:

• Initial investment: A higher upfront cost for the respirator itself.
  

• Ongoing maintenance: Regular cleaning, inspection, and filter replacement to maintain performance.

While they may be more cost-effective over time for frequent use, the added maintenance can be a barrier for healthcare settings that primarily rely on single-use respirators.

3. Fit testing is essential

The effectiveness of any respirator — particularly tight-fitting P3 and P100 types — depends heavily on proper fit. Without a secure seal, even the highest filtration level won’t protect the wearer.

Fit testing is a mandatory requirement in most healthcare environments and must be repeated periodically (typically annually) or whenever facial features change (e.g. significant weight changes, facial surgery, or facial hair). If your respirator doesn’t pass a fit test, it won’t provide the protection it’s designed to deliver.

💡 If you or your team need a professional fit test, our team at Aussie Pharma Direct offers comprehensive respirator fit testing services to ensure your PPE is properly sealed and fully effective.

4. Availability and access

While P2 and N95 respirators are widely available in most hospitals and clinics, P3 and P100 models are not always stocked as standard PPE. Their use is often limited to specialised departments — such as pathology labs, high-containment isolation units, or facilities that handle hazardous aerosols — meaning they may not be immediately accessible in all settings.

Conclusion: Needing more respiratory protection really depends on the environment you're in

P3 and P100 respirators represent the highest level of particulate filtration available, capturing over 99.95%–99.97% of airborne particles — including the tiniest aerosols and hazardous substances. They are invaluable tools in specific, high-risk healthcare scenarios, such as managing highly infectious airborne diseases, working in biosafety labs, handling chemical spills, or performing procedures that generate hazardous aerosols.

But for most healthcare settings, standard P2 or N95 respirators offer more than enough protection. They’re easier to source, more comfortable for extended use, and fully effective against the majority of airborne pathogens encountered in clinical care.

Ultimately, the best respirator is the one that matches your environment, exposure risk, and job requirements — not just the one with the highest filtration number. Always ensure proper fit testing and follow workplace guidelines to make sure your respirator is doing its job.

Make sure you’re protected with the right gear — shop our full range of certified respirators including P2, N95, and P3 options.