With the global outbreak of COVID-19, surgical masks and respirators and other epidemic prevention equipment are in short supply. As we all know, the N95 mask is the most recommended model among COVID-19 's protective masks. So what's the difference between N95 and KN95? Can KN95 be used instead of N95? What is the difference between different models of N95 masks such as N95 1860, N95 9210 and N95 8210? in this post, we’ll give you a detailed introduction about N95 VS KN95 mask.
What is N95 and KN95 Mask?
KN95 masks are actually masks that meet the requirements of China GB2626 standards, and “GB” means China standards. This refers to the filtration efficiency of≥95% for non-oily particles.
The N95 mask refers to the United States NIOSH certification, the standard is also non-oily particulate matter filtration efficiency≥95%.
Therefore, we can clearly understand that the actual effect of N95 and KN95 is the same, the non-oily particle filtration efficiency≥95%, which is very effective for COVID-10 coronavirus protection.
The US Centers for Disease Control (CDC) says KN95 masks are as effective as N95 masks and are one of the many "suitable substitutes" for N95 masks that are "in short supply". According to 3M, the world's largest mask maker, the KN95 is "equivalent" to the N95 mask and "can be expected to be very similar in function".
Therefore, in the case of a shortage of epidemic prevention resources, KN95 can play the same protective role as an N95 mask.
Of course, there are several other mask models in addition to the most suitable N95 and KN95. For example, FFP3, FFP2, KF94, and KN90 masks. So what's the difference between these masks? Which respirator has the highest level of protection?
FFP3 VS FFP2 VS N95 VS KN95 VS KF94 VS KN90 Mask
In fact, the letters in front of each mask type represent different national standards. The “N” series of the mask is the American NIOSH standard, the “KN” series is the Chinese standard, the “FFP” series is the European standard, and the “KF” series is the Korean standard.
And then, the number after the letter refers to the protection ability, the larger the number, the higher the protection level.
For example, 95 refers to the ability to filter out more than 95% of non-oily particles, so the 90 series is not as protective as 95 but is also resistant to more than 90% of particulates. In the European standard FFP series, “2” basically corresponds to “95”, and “3” is more efficient, up to 99%. If the number ends with the letter "V", it indicates that there is a breathing valve on the mask, such as the common N95 8210V mask.
To sum up, if we sort the filtering capabilities, we can simply understand it as:
FFP3 > FFP2=N95=KN95=KF94 > KN90
Above we have mentioned N95 8210V mask, friends who know about face masks must know that in addition to N95 8210V, we also often use N95 9210 mask, N95 1860, N95 8210 and other N95 models in our daily life. So friends who are not familiar with masks must be confused. What's the difference between so many models of N95 masks? How to choose? Just read on!
N95 Face Mask Buying Guide
For example, 3M masks, most protective masks are clearly marked on the outside of the mask, which can be used to identify the model of the exit mask, NIOSH certification, and other information.
N95 8210 Mask
The most common N95 mask model on the market can filter at least 95% of solid or liquid non-oily particles with a diameter of 0.3 microns or more. The use of advanced electrostatic medium technology can enhance the ability of particle capture while reducing respiratory resistance so that the wearer can breathe more smoothly.
And the most common one is the N95 8210. There is also an equivalent economic version of N95-8200, which uses braided headbands that are not easy to pull hair, the N95-8210plus that makes it more comfortable to wear, and the same product N95-8110S, which is more suitable for people with small faces.
N95 8210V Mask
The N95 8210V adds a Cool Flow breather valve to 8210 to make it easier to breathe (exhale), keep your face cool and reduce the amount of moisture that accumulates inside the mask. N95 masks with breathing valves are more comfortable to use in hot and humid conditions and are suitable for situations where you need to wear a mask for a long time.
Although the N95 mask with a breathing valve has the same protective effect and meets the N95 standard, it is not two-way protection. Sick/potentially sick people wear an N95 mask with a breathing valve, and germs may flow out. N95 masks without breathing valves protect themselves and others, but N95 masks with breathing valves can only protect themselves, not others.
N95 8511 Mask
The N95 8511 is the most popular N95 mask with a breather valve on the market. The breather valve can keep the inside of the mask cool and is more suitable for hot, humid environments or situations that need to be worn for a long time. Braided headband and M-shaped nose clips are used to improve comfort.
In addition to the 8511 based on the addition of veneer cushion design, the soft inner layer adds extra comfort to the N95-8211 mask.
In addition to the "N" series, there are R95 masks and P95 masks. As professional protection products for harsh environments, both R95 and P95 masks can filter oily and non-oily particles. The "R" series masks are resistant to oil fog, and the "P" series masks are oil resistant and can be used wherever they need to be protected in an oil environment.
R95-8240: economical R95 mask with anti-collapse shell design for increased durability.
R95-8246: contains activated carbon adsorption layer to filter acid gas.
R95-8247: The activated carbon adsorption layer can filter harmful organic vapor.
P95-8271: equipped with breathing valve, M-shaped nose clip and braided headband for added comfort.
P95-8576: P95 mask for acid gas, equipped with breathing valve, M-shaped nose clip and a braided headband, comfortable and durable.
P95-8577: P95 mask that can protect against organic steam, equipped with a breathing valve, M-shaped nose clip, and a braided headband, comfortable and durable.
N95 Surgical Mask
Medical N95 masks offer more fluid resistance/waterproofing than other industrial N95 masks, protect against splashes and splashes of blood and other infectious liquids, block some airborne biological particles, and comply with CDC's tuberculosis control guidelines. FDA approved N95 masks that can be used in surgery.
N95-1860: the most popular medical N95 mask, traditional cup-shaped design.
N95-187+: the folding three-dimensional structure design is adopted to reduce the problem of foggy glasses and make it portable and comfortable.
N95-1804/1805: economical folding medical N95 mask, very portable, 1805 is an old version, is being replaced by 1804, and 1805S and 1804S versions are suitable for people with small faces.
For the protection of bacteria, the protective effect of a medical N95 mask should be the best. But there is no need for ordinary people to choose this type. For the prevention of droplets and airborne diseases, medical N95 masks and industrial N95 masks are N95 standards, filtering only 95% of the particles. And people generally do not encounter the situation of being spattered by a large amount of liquid, which is different from the situation in which doctors are likely to produce a large amount of blood and body fluid spatter due to the use of electric medical devices during surgery.
If you want the best protection, wouldn't it be more realistic to choose an industrial N100 mask or a P100 mask that can filter 99.97% particles? However, it is hard to breathe after wearing the N95 mask, and the permeability of the N100 and P100 should be even worse. Friends are advised to consider carefully.
Summary
Here, I believe that everyone has a deep understanding of N95 and KN95 masks. Although the national standards of each mask are different, the actual protective effects are similar. There is no argument that N95 is valid or KN95 is invalid.
What is more, it is hoped that the COVID-19 coronavirus can be controlled as soon as possible and stay away from wearing masks.