KN95 mask can help reduce exposure to biological substances, like bacteria and viruses. Please note however that wearing a mask cannot eliminate the danger of infection because it depends on the right fit of the wearer. A study published in 2008 showed that masks were up to 80% effective in reducing transmission and infection from airborne virus.Different countries have different regulations and standards for facepiece respirators, and they are applicable to their respective national physical characteristics, national acceptance, etc.

But there are exceptions, during emergency situations such as COVID-19 Pandemic in 2020, health authorities may authorize the use of certain foreign standards of facepiece respirators such as N95, KN95, or FFP2 equivalent.

Standards of facepiece respirators in different countries:

United States NIOSH: N95/N99
Europe CE EN 149:2001+A1:2009: FFP2/FFP3
China GB2626-2006:KN95
Korea KMOEL – 2017-64: Special 1st
Mexico NOM-116-2009: P95
Australia AS/NZS 1716:2012: P2/P3
Japan JMHLW-200: DS/DL2/DL3

KN95 Face Masks

KN95 masks are regulated by the Chinese government under regulation GB2626-2006 and are rated to filter 95% of particles.

The FDA updated guidance in May 2020 restricts the use of certain KN95 masks as suitable NIOSH substitutes in medical institutions.

N95 Respirator Masks

N95 Respirator Masks, which filter up to 95% of particles and create an airtight seal around the face, most commonly available and well-known in the United States. They are regulated by the CDC and NIOSH.

N95 Respirator Masks regulated and approved by the FDA are those used for medical purposes.

The latest news, because of the COVID-19 pandemic, the FDA released guidance that certain NIOSH approved respirators not currently regulated by the FDA are cleared to be used in a healthcare setting by health care personnel during the emergency coronavirus outbreak.

FFP2 Respirator Masks

FFP2 respirator masks are certified by the European Union to meet the standards of CE regulation EN 149:2001+A1:2009 for filtering up to 94% of particles.

In response to the COVID-19 outbreak, on March 28th, 2020, the FDA announced that certified European CE EN-149 FFP2 respirator masks are cleared for emergency use under certain conditions when there is a shortage of NIOSH approved N95 respirators.

N95 Masks vs KN95 Masks vs FFP2 masks

N95 and KN95 masks both filter up to 95% of particles and create an airtight seal around the face.

Differences between N95 masks vs KN95 masks are that KN95 masks often use the earloop method of wearing the respirator whereas the N95 masks use two head-strap attachments, one that goes around the back of the head under the ears and another that goes on the top over the crown of the head above the ears. It really comes down to personal preference in terms of which one is more comfortable for the wearer as well as the level of safety and protection one feels is necessary given the particular activity being carried out.

The difference between N95 Masks, KN95 Masks, FFP2 masks

On May 7, 2020, the FDA updated its April guidelines to restrict the use of certain KN95 masks in medical institutions as suitable NIOSH substitutes, approval of emergency use of KN95 masks and FFP2 masks in the absence of NIOSH approved N95 masks.

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