A KN95 respirator is a respiratory protective face mask, designed to help reduce the user’s exposure to airborne particles including very small particles and large droplets. Specified for the Chinese government, hospitals and officials, they are also acceptable for frontline workers in the US & Canada. KN95 masks are rated to capture 95% of 0.3-micron particles. 

KN95 masks will filter out 95% of airborne particles. This can help protect against certain viruses, dust particles, pollution and more. While protecting against airborne particles, this also protects the wearer from releasing any particles into the environment.

At this time it is not known if a KN95 face provides greater protection

The KN95 Masks are foldable and flat packed whereas the N95 Masks are not.

To be certified as a KN95 mask, the Chinese government requires the manufacturer to run mask fit tests on people with an ≤ 8% leakage. The N95 mask standard does not require manufacturers to run fit tests. N95 masks have slightly stricter requirements for pressure drop while inhaling and pressure drop while exhaling. This makes N95 masks slightly more breathable than KN95 masks. 

N95 masks are regulated by the United States National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health. KN95 masks are regulated by the Government in China. Each type of mask is given a code.

N95 (United States NIOSH-42CFR84)

KN95 (China GB2626-2006)

All masks are designed to help reduce, not eliminate, exposures to airborne hazards. For example, N95-rated FFRs have a filtration efficiency of at least 95% against non-oily particles when tested using the NIOSH criteria. The particles used to test the filtration are in a size range that is considered the most penetrating. Therefore, the test methods ensure that the filter media can filter particles of all sizes with at least 95% efficiency. It’s important to remember that the filter efficiency alone does not determine the overall reduction in airborne hazards provided by a mask. There are two other key determinants in reducing exposure: fit and wear time.

The mask must form a seal with the wearer’s face, so that air passes through the filter (instead of around the edges) before it is inhaled. To ensure a proper seal, the wearer should ensure the respirator edges do not touch any facial hair. Clean-shaven is ideal for a good seal.

We have chosen to sell KN95 masks because they have 5 protective filter layers and a filtering rate of 95% with anti-dust and anti-pollution protection. They are best suited for shipping and their flat design allows for more masks per box.

Keep your KN95 face mask clean and dry while wearing. It is very important to follow the steps outlined below when wearing a mask and disposing of your mask afterwards. 

1. Thoroughly wash your hands with warm water and soap before applying the mask

2. Check that the mask is not defective or torn.

3. Place the respirator mask over your nose and under your chin. Be sure the nose clip bar is on your nose. Place the elastic bands around each ear.

4. Adjust the nose clip (thin metal bar at top of device) around your nose with your fingertips, pushing firmly to close against your nose.

5. Be sure to conduct a user seal check every time you put on the respirator mask. Facial hair will cause the respirator to leak, so users should be clean-shaven. Some types of facial hair are acceptable as long as the hair does not lie along or outside the seal. 

6. Discard the respirator:

1. After 8 hours of use

2. If it becomes more difficult to breathe through

3. If the mask becomes dirty or soiled in any way

4. The respirator becomes damaged

1. DO NOT TOUCH the front of the respirator during removal. It may be contaminated. Only touch the elastic straps to remove. 

2. Once the mask is removed, dispose of it in a garbage can or biomedical waste disposal unit.

3. Wash your hands thoroughly with warm water and soap

Keep in mind, most face masks are intended to be used once and replaced as needed. The length of time you can reuse a mask for is not specified by the CDC.  Due to the limited supply, the CDC has a list of recommended reuse methods here. (https://www.cdc.gov/niosh/topics/hcwcontrols/recommendedguidanceextuse.html)

Rather than an exact count for how many times a mask can be reused, we can provide a guideline.  If you notice any deterioration of your mask in fit, performance and breathability, it should be discarded. You should thoroughly inspect the mask after each use and pay special attention to how well the mask is fitting—if your mask straps begin to lose elasticity it will no longer cover your face effectively and should be discarded.

Keep in a clean bag or case in a hazard-free environment and away from direct sunlight in a climate-controlled area with humidity and temperature range as specified on the packaging.

No, dispose of your mask once you are finished using it and when it becomes damaged or stained.