What is the difference for kn95 mask and n95?

[leftyladyfrommo]

I need to buy better masks but most I see are kn95. And there is a disclaimer that they are not n95.

[MustLoveBeagles]

1. I think kn95's are manufactured overseas

If you buy those do your research before you buy them. There are many fakes that won't give you the protection you need. I purchased the 3m n95'"s from Amazon. I've heard from other posters here these are more reliable. They're medical grade masks manufactured here in the states.

[liberalgunwilltravel]

11. High quality KN95s are as good as N95s

The problem is too many counterfeits. The Pomecom KN95 mask was approved for emergency use while the US was ramping up production of N95s. The NYTs had an article early on in the pandemic describing quality masks and where to purchase them. One of the distributors they recommended was bonafidemask.com. They have a wide selection of approved masks including the Pomecom KN95s and the 3M N95s. It’s worth a look. Also, it’s important to note that the KN and N95 masks not only
filter “mechanically “ but also electrostatically, thus they are able to filter out even smaller particles than their indicated pore size.

[Silver Gaia]

18. I think you mean Powecom. Right? That's the best brand of KN95s.

I posted a link to Bona Fide Masks below. Thanks for mentioning them. They are the real deal, and not expensive.

[Kaleva]

2. KN95 aren't much better then surgical masks.

[William Seger]

16. NIOSH certified ones are

There are a lot of Chinese masks labeled KN95, but as I noted below about Harbor Freight's masks, if you check the specs (assuming there are any), they'll say they filter 95% of 2.5 micron particles, not the 0.3 microns that NIOSH standards require.

[Hortensis]

17. I've read that South Korea's standards are very similar to N95s,

thus KN95s manufactured in SK are recommended as well. They aren't the only ones that can be good, of course, but something to shop for.

[sir pball]

36. Non-counterfeit ones are equivalent to N95.

Both masks are rated to capture 95% of tiny particles (0.3 micron particles, to be exact).

Both ratings require masks to be tested for filtration efficiency at capturing salt particles (NaCl). Both are tested at a flow rate of 85 L/minute. However, there are some differences between N95 and KN95, highlighted here.

1. To be certified as a KN95 mask, the Chinese government requires the manufacturer to run a special mask fit test on real humans with ? 8% leakage. The N95 mask standard does not require manufacturers to run fit tests.
This does not mean that fit tests aren’t helpful. Many hospitals and companies require their workers to be fit-tested. However, those are requirements of companies themselves, not for the US NIOSH certification on the mask.

2. N95 masks have slightly stricter requirements for pressure drop while inhaling. That means they’re required to be slightly more breathable than KN95 masks.
Don’t worry, despite it sometimes feeling difficult to breathe through masks, dying from oxygen starvation is very unlikely when wearing a mask.

3. N95s also have slightly stricter requirements for pressure drop while exhaling, which should help with breathability.

https://smartairfilters.com/en/blog/whats-difference-between-n95-kn95-masks/

Of course, this is all predicated on having genuine non-counterfeit KN95s, so make sure they're real!

[SheltieLover]

3. You need NIOSH certified N95s!

Buy directly from 3M?

Loads of counterfeits out there!

[woodsprite]

6. If they're in short supply/need them fast paint stores (like Sherwin-Williams) carry them. nt

[SheltieLover]

8. Great point!

Also hardware stores might have restocked them.

[hatrack]

25. Got a 10-pack of NIOSH-certified 3Ms at our neighborhood hardware store last Sunday

$20 and change.

So yeah, Lowe's, HD, or regional chains are a good bet.

[sir pball]

34. Amazon has authentic 3M 8210 N95s for $17.85/20

They're some of the best N95s you can get and perpetually in stock. And before someone starts braying that "98% of crap on Amazon is fake!", I've checked every one of the dozen boxes I've bought and they're real.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B008MCUZZS/

That being said, a real non-counterfeit KN95 is equivalent to an N95, so if you prefer Powecom or some other legitimate brand, go for it!

[Rhiannon12866]

4. KN95s were the first masks I found at the beginning of this pandemic

Unbelievably, they were for sale at my local gas station. Since N95s are harder to find, I was grateful to find them. They now have had N95s and I get those when they have them, but the KN95s are much better than the "pretty" masks they also have now that the Indian proprietor thought I might like better, but I've stuck with the KN95s.

[Celerity]

5. N95 Masks vs. KN95 Masks: Similarities and Differences

https://www.rollingstone.com/product-recommendations/lifestyle/n95-vs-kn95-masks-1044184/

Also sometimes referred to as N95 respirators, these masks are not to be confused with KN95 masks, which have a similar name, but are held to entirely different standards. Once reserved for construction, medical or lab jobs, the best N95 masks are now available to the public, with a number of companies pivoting to manufacturing and selling N95 masks for sale online.

But how does an N95 mask work, and how is it different from a KN95 mask? And is an N95 mask effective against Covid and Omicron? We break down what you need to know, plus review some of the best N95 and KN95 masks we’ve tested, that you can buy online.

N95 Masks vs. KN95 Masks: Similarities and Differences

Both N95 masks and KN95 masks are made from multiple layers of synthetic material (typically a polypropylene plastic polymer) and are designed to be worn over the mouth and nose. Straps behind your ear help to hold the mask in place. Both masks must filter out and capture 95 percent of tiny 0.3 micron particles in the air (hence the “95” in the names).

“N95 masks offer protection against particles as small as 0.3 microns in size, and while the coronavirus itself is around 0.1 microns in size, it’s usually attached to something larger, such as droplets that are generated by everyday activities like breathing and talking,” explains Shaz Amin, founder of WellBefore (formerly Honest PPE Supply), which sells masks, face shields, wipes and sanitizers on its website. “Due to the multiple layers of non-woven fabric and melt blown fabric in the N95 masks, the strong material makeup of these masks are great at preventing airborne particles from entering through your mouth and nose.”

[druidity33]

7. I found this to be helpful...

https://talkingpointsmemo.com/edblog/covid-notes-8-special-masks-edition



...snip...

"What’s A Good Mask?

The American standard for a high filtration masks is the N95. But that’s a NIOSH standard of filtration, not a specific mask. So they come in various shapes and styles. KN95s are a similar standard from China and the KF94 is a similar standard from South Korea. The KN95 is a good mask. The problem is that the market is flooded with counterfeits. So it’s hard to know whether you’re getting a mask that actually provides the level of protection you need. I generally warn people off these just because of the counterfeiting issue. But if they’re real KN95s they’re good too."

...snip...

and more info at the link

[Meowmee]

9. I used kn95 since after I had covid pneumonia

In the beginning… sometimes more recently wearing them for hours in hospitals with my father, er, micu etc. where you are at highest risk. In micu they said the covid patients were across the hall but I saw one prone in the next room. It was awful on so many levels, people being left dying on their own, not all c patients, the monitor in our room for one. so much abuse on so many levels. The entire nursing staff left from 2-5 am on two wards. There were some visitors walking in there with no masks on, or taking them off in the visitor waiting rooms as were employees too.

All ordered from amazon. They worked obviously because I did not contract covid again then. Now is different, omicron is much more contagious. I ordered n95 now made in the usa, ones which are more breathable for asthma. My brother did as well.

I believe that there is a difference- that k95 have 4 layers and n95 have 5 maybe, I am not sure, but you should cut one open to see how many layers it has.

[William Seger]

13. Those are not genuine

They are not NIOSH certified. While they are somewhat better than a plain cloth mask, they don't have the electrostatic layer that catches 95% of 0.3 micron particles. From the Harbor Freight site: "Suitable for daily use. Protection against PM2.5 particulates, dust, pollen, and haze. Use for solids such as those from sanding, grinding or milling." So, they only claim to catch 95% of 2.5 micron particles, not 0.3. Not knowing any better, I bought a bunch of similar Chinese masks when the pandemic started, but then, genuine masks were virtually impossible to find, anyway. Now, you can get genuine masks from US manufacturers, but expect to pay $2 to $3 each.

[Emile]

14. Thanks for the correct information. I will delete Harbor Freight post!

[sir pball]

37. See my post upthread, 3M N95s are 89 each nt

[William Seger]

40. Well, I'd rather not trust them

A counterfeiter can get lot numbers as easily as you can. If they're just reselling 3M masks, it's hard to understand how they could be so much cheaper than any other source.

[sir pball]

42. They aren't resold.

3M themselves is selling them via Amazon, from their online storefront. Myself and many others here have all received the product as described, with no evidence of fraud or counterfeit by any known method of checking.

Of course, you probably think that a counterfeiter posing as 3M set up the store to make their wares even more believable - in that case your faith is stronger than all available evidence and there's not much more to say.

[William Seger]

43. Ah, I didn't notice that

Apologies. For some reason, that store doesn't show up if you search Google Shopping for "3m n95", and they are considerably cheaper than any 3M masks or any other genuine N95s that do show up. Unfortunately, that model is out of stock, but they did have the 8200 N95 for $18.30, so I ordered some of those, thanks.

[sir pball]

44. Apologies for being snippy

I'm well aware of the plague of counterfeiting; I absolutely vet my purchases as best I can. I do agree the price is almost too good to be true, but by every measure I can think of it is. Cheers!

ETA - the 8210s I wear are showing up in stock, if you want a few more boxes: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B008MCUZZS/

[William Seger]

46. Well, dang, they were out of stock just an hour ago

I'm happy with the ones I ordered, though. A couple of months ago, I paid more than that for 10 BNX masks.

[Silver Gaia]

12. You can buy authentic KN95 masks here:

https://bonafidemasks.com/

KN95s are good masks, right behind the N95s, but it is true there are a lot of counterfeit masks out there. And there are lots of fake N95 masks, too. This supplier is the real deal, though. I've bought from them several times, and can attest that they are authentic.

These masks are shaped differently, but the main differences I've found are in the straps. N95s have two straps that fit around your head, so they fit very tight. Some people think they are uncomfortable to wear for long periods of time. They will leave marks on your face. But they are the best.

Proper KN95s also fit tight, but most of them have ear loops instead of head straps. I wear glasses and have found that with any ear loop mask it helps to fit the loops around my glasses earpieces behind my ears. It helps them stay on and fit tightly.

So, with either N95 and KN95 masks, just be careful where you buy them. Avoid the ripoff counterfeits.

[jaxexpat]

15. The kn95 in for dogs.

K-nine, get it? canine.......anybody?

[FailureToCommunicate]

45. Sure, I'll bite.

[jaxexpat]

47. Sometimes it's just good to be a human.

You've made me moment.

[Gilbert Moore]

19. Who uses masks ?

Construction workers

Try insulation supply companies for contractors.

[frogstar0]

20. Scientific American on masks

https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/why-we-need-to-upgrade-our-face-masks-and-where-to-get-them/

[dwayneb]

21. KN95 is similar to N95 but one big advantage

A true KN95 (not a counterfeit) has similar filtration capability to the N95; but the big advantage is that the KN95 has ear-loops, whereas the N95 has two straps that must be put on over your head.

Chinese understand well that they needed to make their design easy to use, so that the maximum number of people actually use it.

NIH comparison study, KN95 vs N95:

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8319695/

This study shows that there is more variability in the KN95 than the N95 based on the samples they had in hand, but that they have about the same filter efficiency (~95%). Counterfeit masks are hard to identify.

If you are in a situation where you must be in close proximity to someone who has Covid,the order of preference would be:

N95
KN95
Surgical mask
Cloth mask

In most other situations like grocery shopping or similar, either KN95 or a surgical mask are not a bad choice.

None of these masks provide total protection against Covid, but the reality is that many people aren't going to wear an N95 except for short periods of time.

What NIOSH should do is develop a KN95-like spec, but it is unlikely we will see that anytime soon.

[Ms. Toad]

39. Well-fitted cloth masks

Made from 600 TPI cotton, or quilter's cotton with a layer of another fabric, are better than surgical masks. (They are, in fact, equivalent to K/N 95 masks).

Most surgical masks leave gaps far wider than 3 microns,so the COVID is going to make a mad dash for the easiest accesss - the gaps at the side, the gaps around the nose.

[Hortensis]

22. Scientific American offering from September:

There are a number of national standards for respirator quality. The U.S. gold standard, N95s, are certified by the CDC’s National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH).

The European equivalent of the N95 is the FFP2 respirator, which filters at least 94 percent of particles. China has the KN95, and South Korea has the KF94. All provide excellent filtration, so it really comes down to which fits an individual best and is most comfortable. ...

The CDC’s Web site warns that about 60 percent of KN95 respirators available in the U.S. are counterfeit. To find ones that are legitimate, Prather recommends the Web site Project N95. Masks can also be ordered directly from suppliers such as Bona Fide Masks, which sells KN95s made by Powecom. “That’s the one people swear by,” Prather says. ...

One reason people may be reluctant to use KN95s and similar masks is because they are usually considered disposable. But several experts say they can in fact be worn multiple times. “You can probably reuse it until it becomes visibly damaged or soiled,” Marr says. Collins’s amateur testing suggests mask can be used for up 40 hours with no decrease in their filtration efficacy (he recommends using them within six months of opening a package). The virus likely does not survive long on these masks, but it is not a bad idea to have a few in rotation, reusing one every three days or so, Collins says.

https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/why-we-need-to-upgrade-our-face-masks-and-where-to-get-them/

[cayugafalls]

23. Kind of the same and both get their share of fakes. 3M makes a good N95 in USA.

I get these off Amazon. Check the lots number on 3M's website and if fake send them back, but so far I have not gotten any fakes.

https://www.amazon.com/3M-Particulate-Respirator-8210-Pack/dp/B008MCUZZS

[ashredux]

24. Go here.... https://shop.projectn95.org/masks

[IronLionZion]

26. American made 3M 95 should be your first choice

they will have the headband style for a tighter seal. You want a good fit. Don't use the type with a valve because it doesn't protect those around you.

K95 are made in Asia, like Korea and China and other countries. They generally have the looser fitting earloop style. So air would come in through the sides instead of being filtered.

Or if you can't find full masks, you could also get large 95 filters to stick inside the pocket of a well fitting cloth mask. But you should be able to find full masks. They are widely available online these days.

[bucolic_frolic]

27. I got my KN95s in a fancy box

Aero Armor brand. Better than cloth. The effort to individually package them and make a box attests to their quality in my mind. If I'm being deceived, or deceiving myself, at least it's not 'give me my freedumbs!'

[FailureToCommunicate]

28. Another difference is attachment. N-95s mostly strap behind the head. Some people...

don't like that (messes with hair styles?) but personally I can't stand the ear attachment. To be tight enough to be effective it pulls too tight on my ears.

Plus, I don't care about how my hair looks to others!

Also, having a beard changes the approach. You really should have a neck gaiter style with an N-95 insert. Harder to find, but available.

[Farmer-Rick]

29. I actually looked up the rating of the KN95 masks

When I couldn't find N95 masks, I ordered KN95 that are rated and tested. The biggest problem with the KN95 that I eventually bought was that they did not create a tight enough seal around the face. The layers do nothing if the mask is not tightly fitted. I figured I could tighten up the seal problem and chose them.

There were other KN95 masks that had other problems and the tight seal seemed easy enough to correct.

When I finally got the N95, they were much tighter.

I used my N95 mask to fly for 5 hours to LA before the Omicron variant. I ended up with a bad allergic reaction to them. Both times when I flew there and then again when I flew back. I know it was an allergic reaction because the moment I took an antihistamine, it cleared up. Has anyone else experienced this?

I found that if I take some antihistamines before putting on the mask, I get a much milder (in one case no) reaction.

[emily333]

30. Masks

It is my understanding that the main difference between an N95 and a KN95, aside from where they're manufactured, is that a KN95 is made with a crease in the center so it can be folded. That way it is easier to stow in your pocket or purse. The way to tell whether or not a mask is a counterfeit is that the real ones will say NIOSH on them, printed right on the mask. Also, I'm pretty sure all of the genuine ones have head straps, not ear loops.

[sir pball]

38. There are many foldable N95s, 3M and Demetech both make them

The main difference between KN95 and N95s is the attachment method, which is defined in the specification - KN95 uses loops, N95 uses straps. Beyond that as long as the masks filter 95% of 0.3 micron particles, the design can be however the manufacturer prefers.

I have a couple of boxes of N95s that are indistinguishable from KN95s except for the head straps; I keep a few in my bag for emergencies but usually wear rigid cup-shaped 3M N95s as I actually find them more comfortable - the nosepiece is thicker so there's less of a pressure point.

[tanyev]

31. I've been buying my masks from Demetech.

A U.S. company that makes N95s for hospitals and also sells retail. I prefer their D95, which uses the same face covering as their N95, but has ear loops instead of headbands.

https://shop.demetech.us/collections/all/products/dn95-particulate-respirator-fold-style-box-of-20?variant=40370348228784

[apnu]

32. N95 & KN95 are different standards

N95 is an American standard published by the CDC, called NIOSH. KN95 is an equivalent Chinese standard endorsed by the FDA, and are called non-NIOSH because a different agency in China is concerned about that standard.

Both are often made in China, but not always. Both are subject to counterfeiting. Both the CDC and FDA have pages about the standards.

CDC page: https://www.cdc.gov/niosh/npptl/topics/respirators/disp_part/n95list1-h.html

The FDA page on KN95: https://www.fda.gov/medical-devices/coronavirus-disease-2019-covid-19-emergency-use-authorizations-medical-devices/personal-protective-equipment-euas

[ananda]

33. I got Miuphro KN95's. It's on this list for 7 best.

I think they're good.

Here's the list.

https://www.health.com/condition/infectious-diseases/best-kn95-masks

[Ms. Toad]

35. KN 95s are more prone to be counterfeit

Some claiming to be K 95s are, as well.

If you are looking at either K95 or KN95, look for NIOSH certification and check with the FDA to confirm they are not just saying they are NIOSH certified.

KF94s made n South Korea are as good, and apparently less likely to be counterfeit, than other high quality masks.

As long as the fit is good **and** the mask is not a counterfeit, they are equivalent.

[leftyladyfrommo]

41. Thank you for all the info and ideas! nt