What is the best way to detect fake N95 and KN95?

We have been searching for masks that are more effective in protecting against the Omicron virus and KN95 mask. Fake respirator faces can also be a problem. Fake respirator masks can be dangerous and give the illusion of security to those who need it most.

It doesn’t matter whether it is an imitation mask made by a well-known brand, or a new product claiming high protection. The problem is consistency. ECRI, a non-profit organisation that advises hospitals and healthcare agencies on product safety, reported that in September 2020, 60% to 70% of particles it claimed failed to filter. Federal agencies seized 21.2 million N95s that year. This problem will not stop in 2021. Investigators recovered 2 million fake masks in Portland, Maine, May 2018.

The packaging

It is not tamper evident. It’s impossible to determine if anyone has worn the masks before. Masks that are zip-topped-closed or twist-tied should be avoided.

The company or the place where it is located are not provided. Only genuine respirators should declare the place where the masks were made. You should have a website or an address in case you have any questions.

There is no expiration. Because respirator masks are charged with a particle-repelling electrical charge, the expiration date must be clearly marked on all packaging. Even more vulnerable to deterioration are elastomeric materials, and the components that keep them in place.

It is wrong to use official terminology. A mask labeled FDA approved is a red flag. NIOSH has not approved the N95. The FDA must therefore not approve the surgical N95. Marcus Schabacker MD. Ph.D., President of ECRI stated that neither NIOSH or FDA offer so-called certifications. Any enclosed certification or letter is false.

KN95s and KF94s can be labeled on the packaging as either FDA registered or FDA listed, but this is very low quality. This simply means that the manufacturer has submitted paperwork to FDA. It does not necessarily mean that the masks have been approved or tested.

A company that tries too hard or too little.

It is important to be suspicious of any label that claims “genuine,” “legitimate,” or “authentic” when you look at it. On its National Personal Protective Technology Laboratory tip page, the CDC explains. If it weren’t, it wouldn’t be necessary for the manufacturer to claim itself to be an established and trusted manufacturer. Packaging with typos or grammatical errors can indicate that the manufacturer does not care about the product’s quality.

In the mask

No branding is required

It doesn’t matter whether the mask is N95 or KN95; the logo or company name should be visible on the mask. Anne Miller, Project N95’s executive director, said that mask companies are in the mask business to build brand loyalty. This goal cannot be achieved with a blank face.

You notice quality-control issues

Any mask should not have loose or crooked elastics. These problems can lead to inconsistent fit and results in poor quality.

On N95s Mask

The NIOSH symbol is missing. NIOSH should be correctly spelled. It should appear in block letters so that it is easily identifiable.

No approval number is available

The alphanumeric code starts with “TC84A” letters and goes on to four digits. For any missing items, check the NIOSH-certified equipment listing. The FBI says that sometimes, savvy counterfeiters might make one up. One could also be snatched from a legitimate mask, without the branding being co-opted.

The mask has ear loops

Ear loops are not an option on legitimate N95 mask. The elastic bands wrap around your head and form an oval-shaped shape. This seals better than the ear flaps on KN95s or KF94 masks.

This is for children.

N95-sized masks are not available for children. N95s are only available for adult-sized masks approved by NIOSH. A mask labeled “Kids N95” is a fake. There are KN95 and KF94 masks that can be used by children.

KN95 Masks

There’s no GB mark

According to the KN95 standards, masks manufactured after July 1, 2021 must be stamped with GB2626-19. This stamp assures that the mask was made in accordance with current Chinese respirator standards. The old standard was used to make a mask with a GB# ending in 2006. If the expiration date hasn’t expired, it is still valid.

Only masks made by reliable companies can be purchased and sold by trustworthy retailers. We will be describing N95, KN95 and surgical-style masks. Sometimes, you may find yourself with a lot of masks from someone close to you or your employer. Sometimes you might be tempted by a company that you don’t know to purchase a product. You might be forced to purchase the lowest priced option at your local pharmacy.

It is difficult to distinguish between masks that have been copied well and real ones.

Although it is harder to spot professional fakes, they are still readily available. N95s must bear N95s on their masks. They must pass stringent NIOSH testing, including 95% efficiency under certain conditions. This makes it easier to identify counterfeits. The CDC has many images on its page about counterfeit respirators. KN95s, and KF94s claim to be masks that meet Chinese standards. They have different markings but require the same filtration efficiency and filtration efficiency as N95 mask. They can be difficult to visually assess.

However, common sense and some knowledge are important. These are the red flags to look out for when you evaluate suspect KN95s and N95s.