You may be wondering what a KN95 mask is and how it differs from all of the other disposable respirators out there. We're here to help clarify.
First, some context. Ever since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, hospitals across the U.S. have been suffering from a major shortage of N95 masks. N95s filter at least 95 percent of very small particles (0.3 microns or larger), including the new coronavirus. For this reason, the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that N95s not be used by the general public, but rather be reserved for front line healthcare workers and other medical first responders.
In response to the shortage of N95 respirators, on March 24, the F.D.A. authorized use of KN95s during the pandemic. KN95 masks are very similar to N95 masks, with only small differences in their specifications. Both are designed to achieve a close facial fit, unlike surgical masks which are loose-fitting.
All disposable respirators – also known as filtering facepiece respirators (FFR) – should not be shared among people or reused.
Check out our selection of respirators here.