What’s the Difference Between KN95 and KF94 Masks?

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What’s the Difference Between KN95 and KF94 Masks?

Keeping track of which masks we should wear to protect ourselves and the people around us from COVID-19 is a dizzying task, especially now that the Delta variant is spreading quickly throughout the United States. Earlier in the pandemic, when N95 masks were in short supply and recommended only for medical professionals, more and more people turned to two other popular mask types, KN95 and KF94, since they both come very close to the level of filtration found in an N95 mask. With the Delta variant on the rise, people are again seeking out these expert-approved face masks. But what’s the difference between the two? And which one is better?To get more news about famous medical mask factory outlet, you can visit tnkme.com official website.

Dr. Ravina Kullar, an infectious-disease specialist, epidemiologist, and spokesperson for the Infectious Diseases Society of America, says the “KF” in KF94 stands for “Korean filter,” and the “94” indicates a 94 percent filtration efficacy. “It is the South Korean equivalent to the N95 mask, with a few differences. It combines elements of an N95 mask with those of a cloth mask, contouring close to the face with an adjustable band around the bridge of the nose.” Many people like them because the tentlike shape creates a little pocket of extra space between your mouth and the mask.
You might assume that, because of the one percent difference in efficacy rates, KN95 masks do a better job. But “there are no head-to-head trials [between the two],” says Dr. Aaron Glatt, chief of infectious diseases and hospital epidemiologist at Mount Sinai South Nassau. He says what matters more is how tightly each mask fits your particular face shape and size. “The critical factor for these masks is the face seal. Without a good seal, they are almost all the same, since air will just go out (and come in) through the open spaces on the sides of the mask.” Because of this, Kullar says KN95s and KF94s are more effective when worn by adults rather than children — even if kids are wearing the appropriate size. That’s because children are much more likely to touch their masks a lot, a habit that breaks the all important seal around the nose and mouth.

In general, for public usage, Glatt thinks any three-ply surgical mask is “probably fine,” with the “KF94 or KN95 theoretically better, if the seal is good.” His preference, if he were to choose between the two, would be to take “the one that fits his face best and make sure it’s not a knockoff.” Certain KN95s and KF94s are approved by the FDA, but a good way to know if you are getting legitimate KF94s is by checking that they are indeed made in South Korea.

To check if your mask provides a tight seal, put it on and look at yourself in the mirror. You should not be able to see any gaps around your nose, cheeks, or under your chin. If the ear loops are too big, you can tighten them by tying knots or adding toggles or a strap that connects the loops behind your neck. To help you predict which one might fit your face best we tested both types. Here’s what we found.

Three Strategist staffers tested several types of KN95 and KF94 masks: writer Lauren Ro, senior vice president of e-commerce Camilla Cho, and me. In general, we all found that KN95s fit tighter with fewer gaps at the sides. Ro says, “The KN95s fit more snug all around, but they feel kind of small. The KF94s are better for a more customizable fit.” She uses a small clip to tighten the fit and hold the ear loops together off her ears and behind her head. Cho has tested a few versions of both kinds, and prefers KF94 masks over KN95. “They are just much easier to breathe in since there’s that space between your nose and mouth and the inside of the mask,” she says.

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