Standards for grades of N95 masks and KN95 masks

Masks are in short supply during the epidemic, and wearing masks is a common practice. Apart from ordinary disposable medical masks, the N95 and KN95 masks with the highest roll call rate have attracted the most attention. So, what are the differences between N95 and KN95 masks?

 

Masks are classified according to their filtration efficiency for different types of particulate matter. The meaning of N95 and KN95 masks is: N is the Classification standard of masks in the United States, KN is the classification standard of masks in China. They all meet the classification standard of filtering ≥95.0% non-oily particulate matters, with filtering efficiency ≥95.0%. Therefore, their filtering effect is the same.

 

N95 mask/respirator

Masks are classified by the National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) as N95, which means they're classified as N and have a 95 percent efficiency of filtration.

 

N95 respirator is classified as N respirator with filtration efficiency ≥95.0%; Similarly, N99, which is N classification, filtration efficiency ≥99.0%; N100, N classification, filtration efficiency ≥99.97%.

 

The classification of masks in the United States includes N, R and P, and their meanings are as follows:

 

Class N: Suitable for filtering non-oily particles; Class R: Suitable for filtering oily and non-oily particles, but the time limit for oily particles shall not exceed 8 hours; Class P: Suitable for filtering oily and non-oily particulate matter. The use time for oily particulate matter must refer to the manufacturer's recommendation.

 

KN95 masks

KN95 is the classification standard for masks in China, KN is the classification, and 95 is the percentage of filtration efficiency.

 

KN95 mask, which is classified as KN, filtration efficiency ≥95.0%; Similarly, there is KN90, which is N classification, with filtering efficiency ≥90.0%; KN100, N classification, filtration efficiency ≥99.97%.

 

In Addition to KN, there is also KP, the classification of masks in China, which means:

 

KN class: Suitable for filtering non-oily particulate matter; KP class: Suitable for filtering oily and non-oily particles.

 

Masks that comply with BOTH THE American and Chinese standards have labels on their packages or masks, including THE American NIOSH N95 standard and the Chinese GB19083 Technical Standard for protective masks for medical use.