In Short, KN95 Masks are Chinese Standard. N95 Masks are US Standard.
This article will answer the following the questions: What is an N-95 medical mask used for? Are KN95 masks as effective as N95 masks? Are KN-95 masks effective for COVID-19? Is it safe to reuse a KN95 face mask? And More!
N95 vs KN95 Comparison Chart From 3M
Are Masks Really That Effective?
A key point is that the countries that flattened the curve used masks in public, – according to Chris Kenyon, head The Institute of Tropical Medicine in Antwerp BBC
Now the United States requires masks virtually everywhere.
*This kn95 vs n95 mask review blog is not intended to make anyone scared or uneasy with recent international health news or as personal medical advice.
**This company is FDA registered and works with FEMA and individual states to provide PPE Personal Protective Equipment.
Rating Similarities N95 vs. KN95
While the United States and China have different standards when it comes to face masks, one common feature that the N95 and KN95 mask share is that they both filter the same percentage of particles. Going by this metric, both N95 and KN95 masks are rated to capture and filter out 95% of particles (0.3 microns).
Given that N95 and KN95 masks have are held to a standard of 0.3 microns, the general public may assume that these masks are unable to filter out smaller particles (Less than 0.29 microns)
In this infographic from the South China Morning Post you see that this is not the case. Some masks may filter particles even smaller than 0.3 microns.
Real world University studies prove that these masks can filter out particles as small as the coronavirus particles. They are effective at filtering out smaller particles.
Rating Similarities N95 vs. KN95
While N95 and KN95 masks both require filtration efficiency testing, there are some galring differences outlined here:
What makes each mask unique? KN95 masks vs n95 masks.
N95 Face Mask
Considered the top mask and recommended for healthcare only.
“The concern is that if the general public purchases the already short supplies of N95 masks, it will leave these crucial workers, who are the most likely to be exposed, unprotected and vulnerable.”- BBC
The World Health Organization has urged the general public not to wear these masks in order to secure supplies for health workers.
“Wearing a medical mask is one of the prevention measures that can limit the spread of certain respiratory viral diseases, including Covid-19″ WHO, The Guardian
• Approved and to be used by healthcare workers and first responders only
• Evaluated, tested, and approved by NIOSH as per the requirements
• Reduces wearer’s exposure to particles including small particle aerosols and large droplets (only non-oil aerosols).
• Filters out at least 95% of airborne particles including large and small particles. Bi-lateral protection, protecting both you from others and others from you – CDC recommends
N95 Mask Twenty (100) Masks)
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KN95 Face Mask
KN95 face mask is considered the top mask for non-healthcare professionals.
• Not certified by NIOSH for healthcare workers and first responder use in the U.S.
• Reduces wearer’s exposure to particles including small particle aerosols and large droplets (only non-oil aerosols).
• Filters out at least 95% of airborne particles including large and small particles. Bi-lateral protection, protecting both you from others and others from you.- cited 3M
• Internationally approved for general purpose, laboratory and healthcare
N95 and KN95 are superior for bi-lateral protection.
Please leave N95 masks for healthcare settings and first responders only.
Equal but different:
Both KN95 and N95 masks are suitable substitutes in terms of mask functionality and performance according to the 3M Corporation and now the CDC.
The main difference seems to be the licensing provided by NIOSH National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, which certifies masks for use in health care.
KN95 Mask Twenty (20) Masks (N95 equivalent according to 3M)
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KN95 respiratory protective can provide protection to others from you, whether you may or may not be a carrier.
Can provide protection for you from others, some of whom may not even be showing symptoms.
Is a physical barrier and can act as a reminder to not touch your face or mouth.
This silent spread also bolsters the case for people in the general population to always wear masks when in public, since anyone could be sick. “Now with the realization that there are individuals who are asymptomatic, and those asymptomatic individuals can spread infection, it’s hard to make the recommendation that only ill individuals wear masks in the community setting for protection, because it’s not clear who is ill and who is not,”
– Allison Aiello, a professor of epidemiology at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill’s Gillings School of Global Public Health, who has researched the efficacy of masks.
KN95 Respirator Earloop Face Mask Technical Details
At least 95% filtration efficiency against solid and liquid aerosols that do not contain oil.
Time Use Limitation – If respirator becomes damaged, soiled, or breathing becomes difficult, leave the contaminated area immediately and replace the respirator.
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