The Difference between KN95 Masks and N95 Masks

During the three-year COVID-19 pandemic and the H1N1 outbreak, people use masks more and more frequently, meanwhile, they have doubts about different masks in the market, such as KN95 masks and N95 masks, and do not know which ones should purchase and wear to protect yourself. People tend to favor a specific mask based on certain remarks on the internet or under the guidance of relevant institutions, resulting in a short-term market shortage of this type of mask. Shanghai Joy Crown Industry Co., Ltd, as a professional manufacturer and supplier of KN95 and N95 masks from China, would like to share some professional knowledge of masks for people's reference.

First, the similarities and differences between KN95 masks and N95 masks

Both KN95 masks and N95 masks are masks for filtering particulate matter. Both of them are made of a mask body, nose clip, and mask belt through ultrasonic heat bonding; the mask body has four layers: the inner layer is polypropylene spun bonded non-woven fabric, the middle two layers are polypropylene melt-blown non-woven fabrics, and the outer layer is polypropylene spun bonded non-woven fabric; the nose clip is made of bendable plastic polypropylene wrapped metal wire material, and the mask belt is usually knitted or knitted by a polyester thread and a small amount of spandex thread made of rubber material.

The difference lies in their standards, manufacturers, and usage scenarios are slightly different

1. Different manufacturers and standards 

The KN95 mask is first of all a non-medical mask, a mask that complies with my country's mandatory national standard GB2626-2019 <Respiratory Protection Self-Priming Filter Anti-Particulate Respirator>. The N95 mask is a mask that implements the US NIOSH standard. According to Chinese laws and regulations, foreign masks entering the Chinese market should comply with the Chinese GB2626-2019 standard. 

2. Filter effect

Both KN95 masks and N95 masks can filter at least 95% of non-oily particles, including bacteria, viruses, dust, and other tiny particles. Among them, the filtering effect of the KN95 mask is equivalent to that of the N95 mask, both of which can prevent their own droplets from splashing out and blocking the virus to a greater extent. When purchasing, be sure to choose a mask that does not have a "breathing valve" and is of a size that fits the face. Be sure to confirm the degree of sealing on the face during wearing.

Second, the usage scenarios of KN95 masks and N95 masks

N95 masks, such as in operating rooms and isolation wards, are mainly used in the medical field, which requires a high degree of protection. Therefore, N95 masks are provided in a sterile state (individually wrapped in a sterile pouch) and sterilized by ethylene oxide. It is single-use. 

And KN95 masks are widely used for daily protection, such as in public places, public transportation, shopping, working, etc. 

Third, effect

Whether it is a KN95 mask or an N95 mask, when used correctly, it can effectively protect the respiratory tract from particulate matter such as bacteria and viruses. However, the following points need to be paid attention to:  

• The mask must fit tightly to the face without leaking air, otherwise, it will affect the filtering effect

• Masks should not be reused and should be disposed of as medical waste after each use

• While wearing a mask, you should still pay attention to washing your hands frequently, avoiding gatherings, and other protective measures to reduce the risk of infection

To sum up, the filtering effect of KN95 masks and N95 masks is equivalent, but the standards, manufacturers, and usage scenarios are slightly different. When used correctly, they are both effective in protecting the airways from particulate matter such as bacteria and viruses.