A KN95 respirator is a respiratory protective face mask, designed to help reduce the user’s exposure to airborne particles including very small particles and large droplets. Specified for the Chinese government, hospitals and officials, they are also acceptable for frontline workers in the US & Canada. KN95 masks are rated to capture 95% of 0.3-micron particles. 

The Center for Disease Control includes KN95 masks manufactured in the People’s Republic of China under “Respirator-Cartridge Units Approved Under Standards Used in Other Countries That Are Similar to NIOSH-Approved Elastomeric Half Facepiece Respirators,” which may be used in lieu of N95 masks. In other words, KN95 masks are masks manufactured in China with similar standards and performance to N95 masks in the United States.

KN95 masks will filter out 95% of airborne particles. This helps protect against viruses, dust particles, pollution and more. While protecting against airborne particles, this also protects the wearer from releasing any particles into the environment.

Yes, per the FDA and CDC, KN95 masks are approved for use when treating patients with COVID-19.

A KN95 particulate mask blocks at least 95 per cent of very small (0.3 microns) test particles, and while a disposable surgical mask is fluid-resistant and protects the user against large particles (5 microns), droplets, sprays or splatter. 

Surgical masks are designed to be worn by healthcare professionals during surgery and nursing, to help prevent contamination of the surgical field or the patient by capturing liquid droplets that are expelled by the user.

Different from a loose-fitting, disposable surgical mask, a KN95 mask tight-fitting to achieve a very close facial fit, which guarantees a minimal leakage around the edges of the mask when the user inhales. If properly fitted, the filtration capabilities of KN95 respirators exceed those of disposable surgical face masks.

The KN95 Masks are foldable and flat packed whereas the N95 Masks are not.

To be certified as a KN95 mask, the Chinese government requires the manufacturer to run mask fit tests on people with an ≤ 8% leakage. The N95 mask standard does not require manufacturers to run fit tests. N95 masks have slightly stricter requirements for pressure drop while inhaling and pressure drop while exhaling. This makes N95 masks slightly more breathable than KN95 masks. 

All masks are designed to help reduce, not eliminate, exposures to airborne hazards. For example, N95-rated FFRs have a filtration efficiency of at least 95% against non-oily particles when tested using the NIOSH criteria. The particles used to test the filtration are in a size range that is considered the most penetrating. Therefore, the test methods ensure that the filter media can filter particles of all sizes with at least 95% efficiency. It’s important to remember that the filter efficiency alone does not determine the overall reduction in airborne hazards provided by a mask. There are two other key determinants in reducing exposure: fit and wear time.

We have chosen to sell KN95 masks because they have 5 protective filter layers and a filtering rate of 95% with anti-dust and anti-pollution protection. They are best suited for shipping and their flat design allows for more masks per box.

Keep your respirator mask clean and dry while wearing. Be sure to read and follow the manufacturer’s recommendations on use and storage. It is very important to follow the steps outlined below when wearing a mask and disposing of your mask afterwards. 

1. Thoroughly wash your hands with warm water and soap before applying the mask
2. Check that the mask is not defective or torn.
3. Place the respirator mask over your nose and under your chin. Be sure the nose clip bar is on your nose. Place the elastic bands around each ear.
4. Adjust the nose clip (thin metal bar at top of device) around your nose with your fingertips, pushing firmly to close against your nose.
5. Be sure to conduct a user seal check every time you put on the respirator mask. Facial hair will cause the respirator to leak, so users should be clean-shaven. Some types of facial hair are acceptable as long as the hair does not lie along or outside the seal. 
6. Discard the respirator:
   1. After each client you see 
   2. If it becomes more difficult to breathe through
   3. If the mask becomes dirty
   4. The respirator becomes damaged

Do not wear longer than 8 hours.

1. DO NOT TOUCH the front of the respirator during removal. It may be contaminated. Only touch the elastic straps to remove. 
2. Once the mask is removed, dispose of it in a plastic bag, tie it up and place the plastic bag into a garbage can or biomedical waste disposal unit.
3. Wash your hands thoroughly with warm water and soap

Keep in mind, most face masks are intended to be used once and replaced as needed. The length of time you can reuse a mask for is not specified by the CDC.

Rather than an exact count for how many times a mask can be reused, we can provide a guideline.  If you notice any deterioration of your mask in fit, performance and breathability, it should be discarded. You should thoroughly inspect the mask after each use and pay special attention to how well the mask is fitting—if your mask straps begin to lose elasticity it will no longer cover your face effectively and should be discarded.

Keep in a clean bag in a hazard-free environment and away from direct sunlight in a climate-controlled area with humidity and temperature range as specified on the packaging.

No, dispose of your mask once you are finished using it and when it becomes damaged or stained.