Mask: which one should you choose?
In the early stages of the COVID-19 pandemic there was a rush to find medical grade masks (surgical or respirators), two years later there are so many on the market it has become a real challenge to know which ones are reliable and offer the best protection. In addition to a large array of different types of masks, the abundance of counterfeit products makes the confusion even greater.
So what should you chose; cloth mask, surgical mask, N95, KN95, or KF94 respirators?
Here is a summary of what you need to know to make the best choice according to your needs.
Masks are made to protect others from droplets you breathe or cough as well as to protect you from particles spread by others. When worn properly your mouth and nose are covered and the material is closely fitted to your face.
While all types of face coverings will provide some level of protection, properly fitted certified respirators will guarantee the best level of protection. According to health professionals and to the endless list of studies published since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, the best kinds of mask are still the same:
Respirators certified by governmental agencies: N95 regulated by the US National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), KN95 governed by Chinese standards, KF94 governed by Korean standard. Those are the most common.
Surgical-style masks (3-ply), when worn properly: color and/or imprint always on the outside.
Cloth masks are not as effective but represent an alternative depending on their material makeup and thickness.
N95
The N95 respirator mask, also called Filtering Facepiece Respirator (FFR), is tested and certified to filter out at least 95% of 0.3 micron particles including bacteria and viruses.
Some might argue that the Covid-19 particles size range from 0.06 microns to 0.14 microns, but a virus never floats on the air by itself. It always attaches to small droplets generated by breathing, talking, coughing, or sneezing which are all larger than 1 micron. And because N95 mask are made off multiple layers of synthetic material, it has an electrostatic absorption power which attacks and trapped small particles.
To give a sense of size: 1 micron = 1/1000th of a millimeter
N95 can be made in the US or in China (for most of them) but should be stamped with the agency “NIOSH,” the company name, the model and lot numbers, as well as a “TC approval” number. You can use this number to check its legitimacy on the CDC website:
https://wwwn.cdc.gov/niosh-cel/
While it can come in different sizes, the N95 mask has not been approved for children, therefore if the N95 claims to be for kids, it is a fake.
The majority of N95 comes with headbands rather than ear-loops.
Here is a link to a CDC document to tell if your N95 Respirator is NIOSH approved:
https://www.cdc.gov/niosh/docs/2021-124/pdfs/2021-124.pdf
KN95
Likewise, the KN95 is certified to filter out at least 95% of particles, but it is governed by Chinese standards. KN95 manufacturer can seek approval from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), through an authorization for a foreign certification which meets US requirements (level of filtration, material used).
They are generally cheaper than the N95 masks, but the market is riddled with counterfeits, about 60% of KN95 mask found in the United States are fake. Because there’s little regulation or oversight of KN95, it is harder to identified fake products.
KN95 should be stamped with the name of the manufacturer, the model, and “GB2626-2019,” which is a reference to the latest quality control standard approved by the Chinese government (a GB number ending in 2006 refers to the previous standard).
KF94
KF94 are governed by Korean standard and designed for the consumer market. The KF stands for “Korean filter,” and the 94 means it filters at least 94 percent of particles.
The masks industry is heavily regulated in Korea, which reduces the risk of counterfeits. Still, the level of demand has generated a lot of masks falsely labeled KF94.
The KF94 masks won’t be stamped with a specific text, but the package should say “Made in Korea” and include the manufacturer, and distributor name. The package should also mention a lot number and an expiration date (due to the material electrostatic charge lifespan).
Unlike N95, KN95 and KF94 masks have models specifically made for children.
Golden rules:
· The highest guarantee to find legitimate masks is to buy those made by notable manufacturers and sold by trusted retailers.
· It is highly recommended to choose a legitimate KN95 or KF94 rather than a fake N95.
· The best mask is the one that fits your face, and which is comfortable to wear (so you don’t constantly touch it!).
We have studied and researched this information and want to make it easier for you.
Here is a selection of legitimate respirators we would suggest:
DemeTECH NIOSH N95 Respirator, Pack of 20 Face Masks, Fold-Style with Headbands, Made in USA.
Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference.
N95 Mask Particulate Respirators, Pack of 20 Face Masks, Individually Wrapped, NIOSH-Approved.
KN95 Mask 20PCS Cup Dust Safety Face Masks Breathable 5 Layer with Elastic Ear Loop and Nose Bridge Clip for Adult.
KF94 Happy Life Premium 3D Black Face Mask, Good Day, Individual Pack.
KIDS KF94 Happy Life, Face Protective Mask for Kids (White), 20 Individually Packaged, Premium KF94 Certified, Small.
Project SPE is a participant in affiliate relationships with merchants for monetization. This means when you click on our selected products links to various merchants and make a purchase, we may receive a small percentage of the purchase price as a referral fee, for example as an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases.
References used to produce this issue include:
Center for Disease Control and Prevention
United States Food and Drug Administration
World Health Organization
The content of Project SPE publications is presented for educational purposes only. You are responsible for your own actions.
