Research suggests N95 masks are better at protecting healthcare workers. 

In a recent study from Switzerland, healthcare workers who wore P2/N95 masks were shown to be less likely to become infected with COVID-19 while frequently treating infected patients than those who wore surgical masks. 

The researchers looked at COVID-19 infection rates among Swiss healthcare workers and compared them with how much risk they were exposed to and what type of mask they wore. 

They say among healthcare workers exposed to COVID-19 positive patients, 21 per cent of those wearing P2/N95s received a positive test over the study period compared to 35 per cent of those who wore surgical masks or a mix of the two.

The full study is accessible here.