N95 vs. KN95: What’s The Same?
The most important metric for users is the number of particles captured in the masks. These masks, which are identical to N95 and N95 respirator masks, have the same metric. These masks capture 95% (0.3 micron particles), of small particles.
What are KN95 masks?
KN95s and the N95s may be closely related. However N95s were approved for use in U.S. hospitals. This is because N95s conform to U.S. standards and KN95s conform to Chinese standards. In both cases, extremely small particles are filtered to 95 percent.
Due to shortages of personal protective equipment (PPE) in the United States at the start of the pandemic, the CDC has authorized use of KN95 masks as an alternative to N95 masks. However, KN95 users and other hospitals have complained about the quality of the masks.
How do KN95 masks work?
Masks similar to KN95 do work like N95 masks, but they are not regulated in the same way. KN95 masks are being questioned regarding their effectiveness in surgical environments. (Check this list to verify if the FDA has approved your KN95 emergency medical mask. A September 2020 review of 200 KN95 face masks from 15 manufacturers revealed that nearly 70% didn’t conform to U.S. standards. This raises the risk of COVID-19 for patients, care providers, and healthcare organizations that have imported masks made in China.
What are N95 Masks?
Face covers such as the N95 respirator, which is also used in medical construction, are the gold standard. These face covers are made to fit snugly on top of your head, unlike surgical masks.
How does N95 Masks work?
N95s can be used against particles as small and as small as 0.3 microns, according to the CDC. This is the size of particles for which the masks have the lowest effectiveness. N95s work better against particles smaller or larger than 0.3 Microns.
These masks can filter about 99.8 percent of particles with a diameter of about 0.1 microns, according to a February 2017 study published in the Journal of Occupational and Environmental Hygiene. According to an April 2020 review in the journal eLife, SARS-CoV-2 (the virus that causes COVID-19), is an enveloped virus of about 0.1 microns. Therefore, N95s are well-suited for our current pandemic.
Difference between N95 vs. N95 Masks
Both ratings require that masks are tested for their filtration efficiency in capturing salt particles (NaCl). Both masks must be tested at a flow rate 85 L/minute. There are differences between KN95 and N95 that will be highlighted in this article.
KN95 and N95 – Key Differences Here are some key differences:
1. For a KN95-certified mask, the Chinese government requires that the manufacturer conduct a special fitting test on real people with less than 8% leakage. The N95 mask standard does not require manufacturers to run fit tests.
But this doesn’t mean that fit tests don’t help. Many hospitals and companies require their workers to be fit-tested. These requirements are for companies and not the US NIOSH certification of the mask.
2. N95 masks are subject to slightly more stringent pressure drop requirements when inhaling. This means that they are slightly more breathable then KN95 masks.
You don’t have to worry about it, even though it is sometimes difficult to breathe through masks. However, you are unlikely to become oxygen starved. N95s also have stricter requirements regarding pressure drop when exhaling. This will help with breathability.
Bottom Line: What is the difference between N95 vs. N95 Masks?
Both KN95s and N95s have a 95% particle capture rate. Among the minor differences, only KN95 masks are required to pass fit tests, while N95 masks have slightly stronger breathability standards.
Accessibility of N95/KN95 Masks
The availability of KN95 and N95 masks can vary depending on where you live. KN95 masks are easier to obtain in the United States than N95 masks. KN95 masks are not compliant with NIOSH standards, so healthcare facilities and hospitals cannot use them. This is why N95 masks are reserved for healthcare workers and KN95 masks available to the general public. The KN95 masks do not have to be inferior as long they are authentic KN95.