N95 vs. KN95 vs. KF94 masks: What is the difference and what should you use?

It’s a year later and we all wear face masks, something most of us never imagined in February. Health experts even recommend now wear two masks at once. Like more COVID-19 variant appears, wearing a high-quality face mask is more important than ever.

We already know that not all face masks are the same, and there is a difference between medical grade respirators and cloth covers. While the pandemic continues, professional masks are getting attention again, especially since it can filter particles better than a cloth mask. This guide compares N95 masks, KN95 masks and KF94 masks – three popular and protective types of masks – to help you buy smart mask and mask wear decisions.

N95 masks

N95 masks have been popular since the early stages of the 2020 pandemic. These masks fit extremely snugly, thanks to elastic headbands and an adjustable metal seal over the nose, which keeps the mask close to your skin.

They filter 95% of particles as small as 0.3 microns. (Although SARS-CoV-2 virus particles by themselves are about 0.1 micron in size, keep in mind that virus particles are usually attached to something larger, such as the respiratory droplets generated when you speak).

N95s undergo the strict inspection and certification set out by the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, and only after they are certified are they approved as medical masks. A study in the Journal of the American Medical Association calls N95s the ‘pillar of protection against airborne pathogens’.

Unfortunately, these masks have been in short supply for almost a year now because they are part of the personal protective equipment that health workers need when treating patients with COVID-19. As such, the Centers for Disease Control & Prevention recommends that N95s be reserved for health workers only, not the general public.

KN95 masks

• Percentage of aerosol particles filtered: 95% (but see below)
• NIOSH approved: No
• Who should wear one: Anyone can wear these masks in low to moderate risk environments, such as going to the grocery store or an outdoor event.

KN95 masks are considered the Chinese equivalent of N95 masks. They have a tent-like shape that creates a small pocket of air between your nose and the fabric, making it attractive to many people: they feel easier to breathe through, less obstructive and suffocating.

However, since the mask regulating body in the US, NIOSH, does not oversee KN95 masks, it is not considered as effective as N95 masks. Manufacturers of KN95s can apply to the FDA for emergency use for use in healthcare facilities. In fact, the FDA has already granted EUA several KN95 masks.

In September 2020, a report from the Emergency Care Research Institute expressed concern about fraudulent KN95 masks. According to the report, up to 70% of the KN95 masks imported from China do not have the same filtering efficiency as N95 masks. ECRI has issued a warning because many hospitals are ordering these masks, which could pose contamination risks in medical centers where patients are being treated for COVID-19.

This is not necessarily a big deal outside of healthcare and high-risk institutions. The general public can benefit from wearing KN95 masks. Even KN95 masks that do not meet NIOSH standards for filter effectiveness are probably even more protective than basic surgical masks and face masks made of cotton, nylon or other non-medical material.

KF94 masks

• Percentage of aerosol particles filtered: 94%
• NIOSH approved: No
• Who should wear one: Anyone can wear these masks in low to moderate risk environments, such as going to the grocery store or an outdoor event.

KF94 masks are now becoming more popular. The “KF” stands for “Korean filter” and the 94 refers to the filtering efficiency of the masks. According to South Korean government standards, these masks filter 94% of particles up to 0.3 microns in size. They have earmuffs, an adjustable nose bridge and side flaps to create a tight fit.

In a very small study from August 2020 (only seven people), researchers found that KF94 masks are just as effective at filtering SARS-CoV-2 as N95 masks. However, unlike KN95s that meet Chinese certification standards, KF94 masks have not yet been granted EUA by the FDA for use in healthcare settings.

Like KN95s, KF94s are a steep upgrade from the single layer cotton face covering you are likely to walk around with.

Avoid counterfeit masks

Fraudulent face masks have become a problem at Amazon and other major online retailers. Manufacturers claim that they sell N95s, KN95s or KF94s, while the masks they sell do not in fact meet the same standards as masks investigated by the US, Chinese or Korean governments. The CDC has a list of non-NIOSH approved KN95s, KF94s and other protective masks that have passed filter tests. The list also contains known imitations.

It is almost impossible to spot counterfeit masks, especially if you buy online, but you can take a few steps to ensure you get the best protection:

• Buy from reputable retailers, such as CVS or Walgreens, who have wholesale product research processes.
• Take a good look at seller ratings and product reviews
• Beware of new sellers who seem to be popping up out of nowhere
• Check the product list and URL to make sure the names match
• Double mask if you are not sure about the quality of your masks

Other COVID-19 scams and scams include pricing, false reports about the virus and vaccine-related scams and myths.

The information in this article is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as health or medical advice. Always consult a doctor or other qualified healthcare provider regarding any questions about a medical condition or health objectives.