What is the difference between KN95 masks and N95 masks?

Recently, after the adjustment of epidemic prevention and control measures in various places, masks have become one of the best-selling items. Major shopping malls, stations, airports and other crowded places and various communities require or promote residents to wear KN95 masks or N95 masks when traveling.

So what's the difference between them? Which mask is the most suitable to wear?

What is a KN95 particle protective mask?

GB 2626-2019 "particulate protective mask" refers to the national standard GB 2626-2019 in my country. Among them, the "KN95 particle protective mask" that meets this standard and has a filtration efficiency of ≥95% is what we often talk about.

The filtration requirements and protection level of this mask are equivalent to those of medical N95 masks, and can be used for respiratory protection of people in high-risk areas.

What is an N95 mask?

GB 19083-2010 "medical protective mask" refers to a mask that meets my country's national standard GB 19083-2010 and has a filtration efficiency of ≥95% (tested using non-oily particles). It is the "N95 medical protective mask" that we often talk about. It is required to pass the synthetic blood penetration test (to prevent splashing of body fluids), and it is required to meet the microbial indicators. It is suitable for self-priming filtration of large particles in the air, blocking droplets, blood, body fluids, secretions, etc. in the medical working environment.

There is no "N95" in my country's GB19083, but the terms "level 1 (95%)", "level 2 (99%)" and "level 3 99.97%" are used to indicate the filtration efficiency level. Generally, level 1 can reach "N95/KN95" requirements. In other words, as long as any "medical protective mask" conforms to the GB 19083-2010 standard, it has reached the filtration efficiency of N95 and KN95.

What is the difference between KN95 masks and N95 masks?

The filtration efficiency of both masks can be as high as 95%, but the difference between KN95 masks and N95 masks mainly focuses on the following points:

• Executive standard

The implementation standard of KN95 masks is our country's national standard GB 2626-2019; and the implementation standard of N95 masks we often say is our country's national standard GB 19083-2010.

• scope of application

KN95 mask is a self-priming filter anti-particulate mask, which is suitable for self-priming and filtering of protective particles; the so-called N95 mask is a medical protective mask, which is suitable for medical work environments, filtering large particles in the air, blocking droplets, blood, body fluids, Self-priming filtration of secretions, etc. Compared with KN95 masks, N95 masks are suitable for use in environments with high risks of exposure to potential pollutants, overseas imports, and pollution transmission, and are more suitable for daily travel in high-density public places.

• filter requirements

N95 masks are required to pass the synthetic blood penetration test (to prevent body fluid splashing) and meet microbial indicators; while KN95 masks do not have this requirement.

According to my country's mask standards, masks can be divided into three categories: civilian masks, medical masks and industrial labor protection masks.

1.Civilian masks

    According to the use, it can be divided into three types: anti-smog masks, civilian sanitary masks, and children's masks.

2.Medical masks

    According to the protective ability and use, it can be divided into three types: disposable medical masks, medical surgical masks, and medical protective masks.

3.Industrial labor protection masks

    According to the purpose of respiratory protection, there are self-priming filter anti-particulate respirators.

1.Anti-smog mask

    Mask standard: GB/T 32610-2016 "Technical Specifications for Daily Protective Masks" is a national standard and a recommended standard.

    Scope of application: It is suitable for protective masks worn to filter out particulate matter in air pollution environments in daily life.

2.Sanitary masks for civilian use

    Mask standard: T/CNTAC 55-2020 T/CNITA 09104-2020, group standard

   Scope of application: It is suitable for civilian sanitary masks used by ordinary people in daily environments to block the transmission of droplets, pollen, microorganisms and other particulate matter.

3.Masks for children

    Mask standard: GB/T 38880-2020 (national standard/recommended standard)

   Scope of application: It is suitable for children aged 6 and above, and children aged 14 and below. It is used to filter particulate matter in the air and block microorganisms, pollen, droplets, etc.

1.Disposable medical masks

    Mask standard: YY/T 0969-2013 pharmaceutical industry standard, recommended, general medical mask

   Scope of application: It is suitable for general protection of medical staff and is only used in ordinary medical environments. There are many names for ordinary medical masks, medical care and disposable medical masks fall into this category.

   Filtration efficiency: The bacterial filtration efficiency of the mask should not be less than 95%.

   Ventilation resistance: The ventilation resistance for gas exchange on both sides of the mask should not be greater than 49Pa/cm2.

2.Medical surgical mask

    Mask standard: YY 0469-2011 pharmaceutical industry standard, mandatory standard

    Scope of application: Suitable for disposable masks worn by clinical medical staff during invasive operations.

    Filtration efficiency: The bacterial filtration efficiency of the mask should not be less than 95%.

    Pressure difference: The pressure difference between the two sides of the mask for gas exchange should not be greater than 49Pa/cm2.

3.Medical protective masks

    Mask standard: GB 19083-2010 national standard, mandatory standard

    Scope of application: It is suitable for self-priming filter medical protective masks that filter large particles in the air and block droplets, blood, body fluids, secretions, etc. in the medical working environment.

    Filtration efficiency: according to YY 0469 method

    Airflow resistance: When the gas flow rate is 85 L/min, the inhalation resistance of the mask does not exceed 343.2Pa (35mmH2O)

Self-priming filter anti-particulate respirator

    Mask standard: GB 2626-2019 "Daily respiratory protection self-priming filter anti-particulate respirator" national standard, mandatory standard

    Scope of application: suitable for self-priming filter respirators for the protection of particulate matter.

    Classification of filter elements: Filter elements are divided into two types: KN and KP according to the filtration performance. KN type is only suitable for filtering non-oily particles, and KP type is suitable for filtering oily and non-oily particles.

    Filtration efficiency:

    Breathing resistance:

• Medical surgical masks [YY 0469-2011] and disposable medical masks [YY/T 0969-2013]

  Advantages: comfortable to wear, bacterial filtration rate over 95%

  Disadvantages: poor airtightness

• KN95 mask【GB 2626-2019】

  Advantages: Filter 95% of non-oily particles, and can be taken to high-risk places such as hospitals

  Disadvantages: Can not prevent body fluid splash (such as: patient saliva, etc.)

• Medical protective N95 masks【GB 19083-2010】

  The best masks to protect against bacteria, viruses, and liquid splashes