N95 Masks vs KN95 Masks: What's the Difference?
Face mask use could result in an 85% reduction in risk of infection versus no face mask, with stronger associations for N-95 or similar respirators, while surgical masks and multi-layered cotton masks were less effective but offered more protection than single-layer masks (Chu, Lancet 2020).
As wearing a mask may reduce the amount of virus to which a wearer is exposed, it has been postulated that even if a mask-wearing person becomes infected, the reduced viral load to which they were exposed may mean that they suffer a milder disease.
A study that evaluated how well masks protect the wearer from breathing in small particles (ranging in size from 0.02 to 0.6 microns) and factored in the fit of the mask as well as its filtration efficiency. They found that a NIOSH approved N95 (3M 9210) Masks had a filtration efficiency of 98%.
Comparison of KN95 and N95 Masks
N95 and KN95 masks (or, more technically, respirators) are both designed to protect you and the others around you. Let's take a look at their similarities and differences.
Similarities
- Both are made from multiple layers of synthetic material (typically a polypropylene plastic polymer)- Both are designed to be worn over the mouth and nose
- Both must filter out 95% of 0.3 micron particles in the air
- KN95 is practically equivalent to the N95 mask in almost every aspect
- Both masks provide greater protection than surgical masks
Differences
- N95 masks are approved based on US Standard, KN95 masks are approved based on the China standard
- N95 masks are approved based on US Standard, KN95 masks are approved based on the China standard
- N95 masks have more stringent requirements when it comes to the pressure drop in the mask during breathing, making them more breathable than KN95 masks
- KN95 mask must be imprinted with "GB2626-2006" or "GB2626-2019" to show that it is certified to China's GB2636 standards of 2006 or 2019
- N95 respirators attach with head bands to ensure the best fit, most KN95s attach with ear loops, which may cause a loose or improper fit, and allow for air leakage
A study of N95 and KN95 respirators have shown that mask performance depends, in part, on the tightness of the contact between the material and the facial skin and masks that tied around the head outperform those with elastic ear loops (Sickbert-Bennett, JAMA Intern Med 2020).
How to Detect N95 and KN95 Masks That Are Not Approved
The CDC publishes a list and images of dozens of counterfeit and falsely marketed respirators. Signs of a counterfeit respirator include..
How to Detect N95 and KN95 Masks That Are Not Approved
The CDC publishes a list and images of dozens of counterfeit and falsely marketed respirators. Signs of a counterfeit respirator include..
- No markings at all on the filtering facepiece respirator
- No approval (TC) number on filtering facepiece respirator or headband
- No NIOSH markings
- NIOSH spelled incorrectly
- Presence of decorative fabric or other decorative add-ons (e.g., sequins)
- Claims of approval for children (NIOSH does not approve any type of respiratory protection for children)
- Filtering facepiece respirator has ear loops instead of headbands
- No approval (TC) number on filtering facepiece respirator or headband
- No NIOSH markings
- NIOSH spelled incorrectly
- Presence of decorative fabric or other decorative add-ons (e.g., sequins)
- Claims of approval for children (NIOSH does not approve any type of respiratory protection for children)
- Filtering facepiece respirator has ear loops instead of headbands
Where Can I Buy N95 Masks?
1. 3M™ Particulate Respirator 8511, N95 - $24.46 for 10pcs
2. Century Health N95 Masks - Inquire Online for Price
3. Makrite.com N95 Masks - Inquire Online for Price
4. Honeywell.com - Inquire Online for Price
5. Respokare NIOSH N95 Respirator Plus - $24.95 for 5 pcs
6. Progearhealth - $124.50 for 50pcs
7. N95 Mask Co : NIOSH N95 Foldable Mask - $79.99 for 20pcs
Where Can I Buy KN95 Masks?
The list of FDA approved KN95 sellers can be found HERE
1. N95 Mask Co : KN95 Face Mask - $59.99 for 20pcs
2. Newmark Dr. Family KN95 Mask - $7.50 for 5pcs
3. Boncare KN95 Mask - $16.99 for 30pcs
4. Miuphro KN95 Mask - $24.74 for 50pcs
5. WWDOLL KN95 Masks - $49.74 for 50pcs
FAQs
Are N95 Masks Reusable?
Currently, the CDC recommends re-using a single N95 respirator no more than five times. It also advises healthcare workers "wear one N95 FFR each day and store it in a breathable paper bag at the end of each shift with a minimum of five days between each N95 FFR use, rotating the use each day between N95 FFRs," noting that this "will provide some time for pathogens on it to "die off" during storage."
A study of 3M N95 respirators (dome-shaped duckbill models) worn by healthcare workers at Johns Hopkins Hospital caring for COVID-19 patients found that all N95s worn less than 12 times (and stored between uses) passed seal check and fit testing. Even when used about 40 times, 83% still passed these tests. The study implied that the masks had not been subject to decontamination procedures but they may have been somewhat protected from pathogen contamination as they were typically worn with face shields (Fabre, medRxiv 2020 -- preprint).
Can N95 and KN95 Masks Protect Against Wildfire Smoke?
They can, but you will have to make sure that the masks are properly fitted to your face.
They can, but you will have to make sure that the masks are properly fitted to your face.
It is recommended that people who have to be outdoors in wildfire affected areas wear fit-tested, NIOSH-approved N95 or P100 respirators, and the CDC notes that properly fitted N95 respirators can "provide protection from wildfire smoke and from COVID-19 for the individuals wearing them." To help prevent the spread of COVID-19 to others, N95 masks without valves are recommended. If an N95 mask with a valve is your only option for wildfire smoke protection, consider covering the valve with tape or wearing a surgical mask over the N95 when around others, as recommended by John Balms, M.D. at UCSF.
Effect on breathing function and potential carbon dioxide buildup
When wearing an N95 respirator or a well-fitted mask with high blocking efficiency there can be some carbon dioxide buildup inside the mask over time (Sinkule, Ann Occup Hyg 2013). According to researchers at Stanford University, N95 masks are "are estimated to reduce oxygen intake by anywhere from 5 to 20 percent. That's significant, even for a healthy person. It can cause dizziness and lightheadedness."
However, a small study in the U.S. found that wearing an N-95 mask for up to one hour did not cause any significant adverse effects in healthy healthcare workers performing moderate activities, despite significantly decreased inhaled oxygen and increased inhaled carbon dioxide levels (Roberge, Respir Care 2010). A representative from the CDC told Reuters.com that "...the level of CO2 likely to build up in the mask is mostly tolerable to people exposed to it. You might get a headache but you most likely [would] not suffer the symptoms observed at much higher levels of CO2. The mask can become uncomfortable for a variety of reasons including a sensitivity to CO2 and the person will be motivated to remove the mask. It is unlikely that wearing a mask will cause hypercapnia [elevated blood levels of carbon dioxide]."
Furthermore, a study of 10 healthcare workers (including individuals with controlled asthma and four smokers), found that wearing a surgical mask (AFLUID, made of three layers of polypropylene and one layer of liquid resistant polyethylene) continuously for four hours did not reduce breathing function (Ciocan, Med Lav 2020). Additionally, older adults who wore a three-layer disposable nonmedical face mask with ear loops (Boomcare DY95 model, Deyce Leather Co Ltd) for one hour showed no decline in self-reported blood oxygen levels (as measured by pulse oximeter) (Chan, JAMA 2020).
Another study showed that, even among older adults (average age 71) with breathing difficulty due to severe chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), wearing a surgical mask during a six-minute walk test did not result in any major changes in CO2 retention (Samannan, Ann Am Thorac Soc 2020). The researchers suggested that discomfort while wearing a surgical mask might be caused by the increased warmth of facial skin and inhaled air inside the mask, which may trigger sensations of anxiety or claustrophobia in some people.
The CDC advises that face masks should not be placed on children under the age of two, anyone who has trouble breathing, or anyone who would not be able to remove the mask without assistance.
Another study showed that, even among older adults (average age 71) with breathing difficulty due to severe chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), wearing a surgical mask during a six-minute walk test did not result in any major changes in CO2 retention (Samannan, Ann Am Thorac Soc 2020). The researchers suggested that discomfort while wearing a surgical mask might be caused by the increased warmth of facial skin and inhaled air inside the mask, which may trigger sensations of anxiety or claustrophobia in some people.
The CDC advises that face masks should not be placed on children under the age of two, anyone who has trouble breathing, or anyone who would not be able to remove the mask without assistance.
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