The distinction between N95 and KN95 masks can be difficult to recognize because of their similar-sounding names.
More and more of us have been turning to wearing masks in recent years for health purposes or because of the job you are doing.
In particular, many people opt to wear a surgical mask due to how well they can protect in so many contexts. Cloth masks in particular are great because of how they can be washed and reused.
In a nutshell, KN95 masks are Chinese requirements for masks, while N95 masks are the US specifications for respirator masks. The number of particles that the masks capture and protect you from is what many users are most interested in knowing.
N95 and KN95 respirator masks are equal, as the rating for both masks is 95% capture of very small particles.
There are a lot of similarities between these masks. However, in this article, we will be discussing what sets these two similar masks apart and what the difference really is for the wearer.
N95 Mask: What Is It?
Even in the construction business, the N95 respirator is regarded as the gold standard for face shields. The edges of these face coverings differ from surgical masks as they are made to suit your face snugly.
N95 respirators are described as protective devices designed to provide a very tight fit on your face. They are also extremely efficient in the filtration of airborne particles, as stated by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
Appearance Of The N95 Mask
N95 masks are made of non-woven polypropylene fiber, which is both durable and flexible. The bulge near the top of the mask helps to hide your nose, and they are primarily rounded in shape. Your head is encircled by elastic straps that keep the mask in position.
N95s may have a valve to facilitate inhalation and exhalation, but it is not necessary. The mask needs to have “N95” written on it as a label. Watch out for errors because they can be fakes.
How Does A N95 Mask Work?
According to the CDC, N95s filter out at least 95% of very small particles, or those that are 0.3 microns in size. However, for this particle size, the masks are least effective. In actuality, N95s are more effective in removing particles that are 0.3 microns in size or smaller.
However, it must be noted that N95 masks are only effective when used once or twice, unlike fabric face covers, which are usually machine-washed and worn numerous times.
These masks should be thrown away right away because they can’t be washed and used again.
Why Are N95 Effective A Removing Smaller Particles?
It has to do with a phenomenon known as “Brownian motion,” which enables particles smaller than 0.3 microns to travel in a random, zigzagging manner.
The likelihood of the particles becoming trapped inside the N95 fibers increases as a result. Additionally, the masks employ electrostatic absorption, which traps the particles rather than allowing them to travel through the fiber.
KN95 Masks: What Is It?
Although KN95s and N95s are similar, only the latter is permitted for use in medical settings in the United States.
For these tightly fitting filtration devices, the American standard is N95s, while the Chinese standard is KN95s. Both have a 95% extremely tiny particle filtering rating.
Appearance Of The KN95
KN95 masks initially resemble N95 masks, but they include a seam running down the center that allows the masks to be folded in half. The masks’ ear loops are used to keep your face covering in place.
How Does A KN95 Mask Work?
Although KN95 masks function similarly to N95 masks, they are not overseen by the same agencies. The effectiveness of KN95 masks in medical applications has been called into question as a result of this.
Nevertheless, KN95 masks are superior to cotton or surgical masks, as said by the ECRI.
Although this is only the case when you don’t expect to come into physical contact with bodily fluids, these are best used. You will also benefit more from non-certified masks with head and neck straps rather than ear loops.
In addition to this, it is important to note that there is currently some research which is looking at whether these types of masks can be reused.
At the moment the KN95 is only intended for a single use, but in the future you could see these types being created as reusable. However, at the moment it’s best to stick to a singular use, as you can’t guarantee that they will be as effective after being washed.
Differences Between The N95 And KN95 Masks
Multiple synthetic layers are used in both N95 and KN95 masks to shield individuals from outside particles. Furthermore, as their names imply, they both have to filter out 95% of particles which are 0.3 microns or greater.
The biggest variations are in how each group looks and how the masks are governed.
N95 masks are governed by the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), which subjects each prototype from various manufacturers to a rigorous testing procedure. KN95 masks are controlled by the Chinese government instead.
The Chinese government mandates that for a mask to be approved as a KN95 mask, it must pass a rigorous fit test on actual people with an 8 percent leakage limit. Fit testing is not required under the N95 mask specifications for manufacturers.
Inhalation pressure standards for N95 masks are slightly more rigorous. They must therefore be a little bit more breathable compared to KN95 masks.
Despite the fact that wearing a mask might occasionally make it difficult to breathe, it is extremely improbable that you will run out of oxygen and die.
Additionally, N95s have significantly tougher guidelines for the pressure drop that occurs after exhalation, which could improve breathability.
How Easy Is It To Get Your Hands On These Masks?
Depending on where you live, N95 and KN95 masks may or may not be readily available. KN95 masks are much more accessible in the United States than N95 masks.
Healthcare facilities and hospitals are only permitted to use N95 masks, since KN95 masks do not comply with NIOSH criteria for face masks.
As a result, N95 masks might be set aside for medical personnel, leaving more KN95 masks available to the general public.
As long as they are authentic KN95 masks, this does not imply that they are inferior. It’s just that they don’t meet the specific regulations to be used in particular industries.
Final Thoughts
Keep in mind that not every mask brand is created equally when buying a KN95 or N95. Sticking with trusted manufacturers like 3M can make it easier to verify that the mask genuinely complies with the KN95/N95 standard.
Both N95s and KN95s have a 95% particle capture rating. Only KN95 masks must pass fit testing, while N95 masks must meet slightly stricter breathability requirements.
These are the only minor differences that you will discover between these two types of masks. We hope this article has helped you uncover the differences between the N95 and KN95 masks.