These two masks may look similar, but they have two completely different standards that they’re held to. Here’s a breakdown of the contrasting characteristics of the masks.

Masks are being used more than ever with coronavirus on the rise in the United States. The government is promoting masks to avoid the escalation of Covid-19. Of course with demand comes an increase of mask designs on the market, but effectiveness should come over style. The most efficient mask of the market is a protective N95 mask. 

Also, known as the N95 respirators shouldn’t be confused with KN95 masks because they are created differently. Find out the distinction between the two masks. 

Contrasts and Similarities – 

Between the N95 Masks and KN95 Masks

The masks are created from a synthetic material called polypropylene plastic polymer, in which they are to be worn over the mouth and nose. Straps behind your ear allow the mask to be kept in place. Both masks filter out 95% of the small 0.3 micron particles in the air, hence the “95” in the names.

N95 masks provide particle defense as small as 0.3 microns in size, and although the coronavirus itself is around 0.1 microns in size, it is typically attached to something larger, such as droplets formed by daily activities such as breathing and talking.

The solid material composition of these masks is excellent at preventing airborne particles from entering through your mouth and nose due to the numerous layers of non-woven fabric and melt-blown fabric in the N95 masks.

Differences between N95 and KN95

The N95 is the U.S. standard and the KN95 is the China standard. Only N95 masks are licensed in the United States for health-care use, while KN95 masks have many of the same protective properties.

A stringent inspection and certification process from the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, which is part of the CDC, must be passed on to N95 masks. Meanwhile, companies that make KN95 masks will obtain FDA approval via an emergency authorization for a foreign certification that meets the filtration requirement of 95 percent. The FDA says that the KN95 mask manufacturer must also provide documentation that the masks and materials used are genuine.

Certification of KN95 masks requires a “fit checking” provision that checks the environment inside and outside the mask, as well as how the mask fits around the face. The specifications for the N95 mask are a little more strict with respect to the pressure drop in the mask during breathing in, rendering the N95 more breathable than other KN95 masks. For exhaling, the N95 masks have identical specifications. making the N95 mask a little more advanced for users with overall breathability.

Protection From N95 Mask

Compared to clear fabric coverings or surgical masks, N95 masks are more than 95 % effective in filtering particles of 0.3 μm. Particles that are much smaller than the droplets formed while talking, coughing, or sneezing, making them an effective way to filter out germs and bacteria.

Also, N95 masks also fit better over the face and around the neck, ensuring that droplets and particles do not leak around the mask. Even if N95 filtration is unnecessary – by reducing leakage around the mask, N95 fit provides benefits over a loose-fitting surgical mask.

Reusing the N95 & KN95 Mask

Masks for N95 are not intended to be reused. The best N95 masks are only effective when worn once or twice, unlike fabric face covers, which can be machine-washed and worn dozens of times. Immediately afterward, you should discard the masks; they are not meant to be washed and reused. KN95 masks are meant for one-time use as well.

How to Tell If the Masks Are Fake?

To decide whether the masks you are purchasing are counterfeit, there are some precautionary steps you can take. There are six key things to look for, which could imply a “false” or uncertified N95 mask:

1. The NIOSH approval stamp is either missing or spelled wrong on the face of the mask.
2. The mask has ear loops instead of headbands.
3. The TC approval number is not listed on the face of the mask or headband.
4. The company claims approval for use by children.
5. There is a presence of decorative add-ons.
6. The manufacturing lot number is not visible on the face of the mask.

Do your homework and make sure that your masks are purchased from a reputable place. Customers should be cautious about where they buy their N95 masks from.

Buying the N95 Mask 

N95 masks and KN95 masks have also been made available online by a variety of businesses. PCX has the N95 masks available to be purchased by the public. The company says its Advoque N95 Respirator Face Masks NIOSH Certified use advanced antiviral technology to block up to 95% of tiny particles, while helping to inactivate up to 99.9% of particles within minutes, neutralizing surface germs and viruses to prevent possible damage to your airstream and lungs.

Quality is the focal point of Pacific Component Xchange, Inc. From our many certifications to our industry famous 67 step Star Quality Program, we deliver the right product at the right time. At PCX, we continuously improve our processes in order to meet and exceed our customers’ expectations. All employees understand what our customers expect and they provide our customers with the best service.

All PCX processes are continuously re-evaluated and upgraded to reflect changing customer expectations, ensuring only the highest quality of products and services are delivered to them.