With the dawn of the pandemic, a lot has been put under the surgical spotlight, so to speak. Acronyms such as N95 and KN95 masks have become a daily part of our communication. But with their names sounding so similar, what is their difference? Is the KN95 mask the same as the N95 mask?
The main difference between the KN95 mask and the N95 mask is that KN95 is designed as per the Chinese standard while the N95 is designed according to United States standards. There have been mask shortages across the globe due to the coronavirus pandemic. Governments have therefore resorted to providing alternatives to the N95 mask that has been in low supply.
We will, therefore, start with a mini breakdown of both the N95 and KN95 masks to shed light on the similarities they share, their differences, and how efficient they are.
Similarities between the KN95 Mask and the N95 Mask
Both the N95 and the KN95 mask are referred to as filtering facepiece respirators ( FFR). An FFR is a respirator with a filtering medium that is perhaps the most integral part of the piece.
The filtering medium has been certified to filter out at least 95% of airborne bacteria or materials in its path. These masks form a seal around the wearer’s face and are classed under disposable respirators.
Differences between the KN95 mask and the N95 Mask
The most significant difference between the two is that with the KN95 mask, a fit test is required to make sure it fits the wearer as it should. During the test, the state of the air inside and outside the mask is analyzed and so is the firmness of the seal created around your face.
For the N95 face mask, wearers are not required to undergo a fit test requirement from the manufacturer. However, a lot of health facilities still choose to do it regardless.
The N95 mask has also been noted to have slightly stricter requirements on breathability. It may, therefore, be slightly easier to breathe through the N95 mask than through the KN95 mask. This, however, is a minor difference and you may not even notice it.
Can the KN95 Mask Be Used by Healthcare Workers?
Both the KN95 mask and the N95 mask have been authorized for use in the medical field but not all of them.
To distinguish between which masks are okay for use by medical practitioners and which ones aren’t, all you need to do is look for the “Medical” mark present in masks that can be used. Those without a “medical” aren’t recommended for medical staff but can be used by the general public.
What Is the Difference Between Medical and Non-Medical N95 / KN95 Masks?
There are medical and non-medical masks. The main difference is that the outer surface of the medical masks is hydrophobically treated. This creates a protective effect preventing the penetration of blood, body fluids, and other liquids. The liquid will fall on the surface of the mask but not penetrate.
Medical working staff need medical masks because the line of work that they are in involves potentially interacting with a lot of bodily fluids from patients and they need to be protected from getting exposed. The non-medical masks, however, do not provide this special treatment.
The filter layer in a KN95 and N95 masks is made up of an electret polypropylene microfiber material that is melt-blown. The mask’s outer surface isn’t treated with water repellent because the introduction of water or alcohol will destroy the material. For this reason, hydrophobic treatment has to take place in a medical mask to properly protect medical staff.
Blood and other body fluids usually contain viruses and bacteria and the probability of medical practitioners getting exposed to these body fluids is high. For non-medical staff, it is quite alright to use a non-medicalN95 / KN95 mask because they have little chance of encountering blood or body fluids.
Masks that attain level 1 and above achieve a filterability percentage of 95% and they also prevent liquid penetration, which is why they are used in various operations in the medical field.
How Can the N95 and KN95 Masks Fight off Viruses?
Scientifically, viruses cannot exist in the air on their own. They attach themselves to particles such as air droplets, dander, and dust. N95 and KN95 masks have filtering mechanisms that block out fine particles due to the highly efficient filter layering that comes with the masks, acting as a protective barrier.
When wearing these masks, pay attention to the fit. The mask should be close to your face and not leave any airspace that will act as a doorway for bacteria and viruses to come in.
Is There a Difference Between the N95/ KN95 Mask That Has a Breathing Valve and One That Doesn’t?
There are two types of N95/ KN95 masks; those that have a breathing valve and those without. In this context, breathability and filtration efficiency are two contradicting terms. When the filtration is excellent, you may feel suffocated. That’s where the breathing valve comes in; to help relieve suffocation.
The breathing valve has a mechanical switch that triggers the valve open and shut as the wearer inhales and exhales. When you breathe out, the valve is opened to reduce the resistance and it’s closed when breathing in. The filter layer screens the air once.
One problem that may be faced is that you can’t be sure of whether or not the mechanical switch will suddenly break or be caught by tiny particles, allowing unwanted particles to find their way through the filter layer. Because of this reason, medical masks do not have a breathing valve.
If you are not sure of your surroundings and feel that you may be exposed to Covid-19, then try to choose an N95 or Kn95 mask that doesn’t have a breathing valve. As much as they do a good job in protecting you from possible infection, they do very little to protect other people.
In Conclusion
All in all, the N95 mask and the KN95 mask work well to filter out bacteria, virus-causing pathogens, and other small particles. As such,.they are recommended for use in medical facilities as well as by the public. Differences between the two are minimal and are all somewhat similar when it comes to how they are used. If you come across any of these masks in the market, you shouldn’t hesitate to buy either because they are both highly effective in the purpose they are meant to serve.
