What Is the Difference between KN95 and N95 Masks?

N95 is the certification level of American respirators, certified by the National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH). This type of mask can filter out more than 95% of non-oily particles (aerosol) under the specified airflow (85L/min), so it is named N95. And if it can filter more than 99% of the particulate matter (aerosol), it is called an N99 mask. In addition, corresponding to N95, KN95 is a mask certified by my country's GB2626-2006 Respiratory Protection Products Self-priming Filter Type Anti-Particulate Respirator Standard.

The protection levels of KN95 and N95 masks are equivalent, but they follow the testing standards of different countries. The KN95 mask follows the Chinese standard, and the N95 mask follows the American standard. Both of them have a protection efficiency of not less than 95% for non-oily particles (sodium chloride particles for experimental use).

Can KN95 masks be used for first-line protection?

Both KN95 masks and N95 masks include medical and non-medical types. Among them, KN95/N95 masks with the "medical" logo can be used for front-line protection of medical staff during the anti-epidemic period. Masks without the "medical" logo are not recommended for medical staff and ordinary people can use it. Respirators that comply with GB19083 and above level 1 can not only achieve 95% filterability, but also prevent liquid penetration, and can be used for various operations in medical institutions.

Why can KN95/N95 masks prevent viruses?

Viruses usually do not exist alone in the air but are attached to particles such as droplets, dust, dander, etc. The filtering mechanism of KN95 and N95 masks is to block these fine particles through the high-performance filter layer in the mask and build a protective barrier.

Therefore, when wearing KN95/N95, that is, self-priming filter type anti-particulate respirator masks for respiratory protective equipment, pay attention to the tightness, and should be close to the face, and never leave a "convenience door" for viruses and bacteria. It is recommended to use masks with "exhalation valves" with caution.

What is the protective effect of the KN95/N95 mask with a breathing valve?

KN95/N95 masks are also divided into a breathing valve and a non-breathing valve. For masks, air permeability and filtration efficiency are always a contradiction. If the filtration effect is good, you will often feel more suffocated. The breathing valve is designed to relieve suffocation.

The exhalation valve and the inhalation valve are mechanical switches that close when inhaling and open when exhaling. The air is "sifted" through the filter layer, and the valve opens during exhalation to reduce resistance. The problem is that people don't know whether this mechanical switch will suddenly break when worn, or it will be caught by fine particles, allowing harmful particles to enter the air carrier without the filter layer. Therefore, medical masks have no breathing valve. At the same time, we also urge that during this anti-epidemic period, especially when the surrounding environment is harsh, ordinary people should try their best to choose KN95/N95 masks or medical surgery without breathing valves.

The above information is provided by the kn95 manufacturer.