Protecting yourself against air contamination with N95 and KN95 masks

ByMike Hall

Keeping physical distance in public places, being vaccinated and maintaining personal hygiene may prevent you from COVID-19 but still we do need masks. So in this article we will talk about how N95 and KN95 masks are the best choice against any other disposable and cloth masks. And what are the CDC and WHO guidelines regarding face masks.

N95 Masks

As its name suggests it is capable of filter up to 95% of micro particles available in the air. N95 masks are called respirator in general. The N95 mask are approve by the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), the U.S. organisation responsible for regulating masks. When you wear the N95 mask it tightly fits on your face and covers cheeks, nose and mouth completely so sometimes it will be a bit harder to breathe through an N95 mask. The N95 masks are more expensive than disposable and cloth masks. It N95 masks also has respirator in it so you can easily breathe out and breathe in.

KN95 Masks

Like N95 masks KN95 masks also filter the micro particles up to 95% but it has got no approval from National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH). But people are advised that they can use KN95 masks if there is any shortage of N95 masks. KN95 masks are made of multiple layers synthetic material that can cease the infection.

Differences between N95 and KN95 masks

Both N95s and KN95s can capture up to 95% of particles size of 0.3 micron or larger. Even though there are negligible differences. Only KN95 masks must pass fit tests. N95 masks, on the other hand, have slightly higher breath ability standards. Here are the some of the major differences-

  • Chinese government requires KN95 manufactures to pass real human test of leakage up to 8%. An N95 mask does not require such tests.
  • N95 masks have slightly higher pressure requirements while inhaling.They are therefore slightly less breathable than KN95.
  • N95s have slightly higher requirements for pressure drop while This should improve breath ability.
  • N95 masks are the US standards for respirator masks; KN95 masks are the Chinese standards for masks.