The pandemic rages on, so we’re all in the market to buy N95s or KN95s. Vaccinations continue to roll out, but thanks to the combination of not enough people having yet taken the vaccine, and the rise of new strains of COVID-19, masks are still a necessary part of life. Even if you’re vaccinated, experts argue that to prevent the spread of COVID-19, and limit the spread of other potentially harmful viruses, it’s a good idea to continue wearing a mask.To get more news about quality type II mask factory, you can visit tnkme.com official website.

Of course, that’s not to mention the fact that masks are still a requirement in plenty of places. Airlines, for example, still mandate the use of a mask for travelers, while plenty of other indoor locations ask patrons to wear masks unless they’re eating or drinking. There are plenty of mask options out there — but according to experts, the N95 mask continues to be one of the best options.The N95 mask, sometimes referred to as the N95 respirator, is not the same thing as a KN95 mask. Yes, the names are confusing — but there are some notable differences between the two types of masks. Both, thankfully, are effective against COVID-19 — even the Delta variant. But if you haven’t yet bought a new shipment of masks, and are curious about the differences, read on.

How does an N95 mask work? And how does that differ from how a KN95 mask works? Here’s everything you need to know.
Buying N95 vs KN95 masks: Similarities
There are quite a few similarities between N95 and KN95 masks. Both of the two are made from layers of synthetic material, and are, of course, designed to be worn over your mouth and nose. Typically, the synthetic material is a polypropylene plastic polymer, but not always. They’re both required to reach filtration levels of 95% of 0.3-micron particles. That’s where the “95” in their name comes from. These masks usually all offer adjustable nose bridges.

Differences
But what are the differences between N95 and KN95 masks? Well, the main difference actually has more to do with how the masks are certified than the masks themselves. N95 masks are certified based on the U.S. standard, while KN95 masks are certified based on the Chinese standard. This basically means that only N95 masks are certified for healthcare workers in the U.S., despite the fact that KN95 masks offer a similar level of protection.

The certification process? N95 masks have to pass an inspection process from the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), which is part of the Centers for Disease Control. U.S. companies that want to build KN95 masks, on the other hand, can get approval from the FDA, which works through an emergency authorization for a foreign certification.

It’s important to note that while the N95 standard is U.S.-based and the KN95 standard is China-based, plenty of companies make masks in both regions, for both standards. That’s to say, U.S. companies can build KN95-certified masks, while Chinese companies can build N95-certified masks. Neither of the two standards is really superior to the other.

There is one minor difference between the two standards. The N95 standard is a little stricter when it comes to the pressure when users breathe in and out. That can make N95 masks slightly more breathable.