[ad_1]
Yahoo Life is committed to finding you the best products at the best prices. We may receive a share of purchases made through links on this page. Prices and availability are subject to change.
When the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention first announced that N95 masks should be reserved for healthcare workers, many people turned to KN95 masks for help. But now there is a new high performance disposable mask that people are getting hold of: the KF94s.
It is easy to confuse the two masks, given that their names are quite similar. But, while masks have some things in common, there are many differences between them. Here’s what you need to know.
First of all, what is a KN95 mask?
A KN95 mask is a disposable face mask regulated by the Chinese government, says Dr. Cedric Dark, assistant professor of emergency medicine at Baylor College of Medicine, at Yahoo Life. When the pandemic first hit the United States, N95 masks were scarce. As a result, the Food and Drug Administration has granted what’s called emergency use authorization for certain KN95 masks, essentially giving them the FDA seal of approval. KN95 masks were even used by some hospital staff where medical staff did not have access to N95 masks. But, now that masks are more readily available, they are more accessible to the general public.
What is a KF94 mask?
A KF94 mask is the South Korean version of a KN95 or N95, says Dr. Mitchel Rosen, associate professor and director of the Center for Public Health Workforce Development at the Rutgers School of Public Health, at Yahoo Life. “A KF94 is a Korean filter facepiece that is at least 94% effective at filtering airborne contaminants,” he explains. “A KF94 meets the standards and specifications of the Korean Ministry of Food and Pharmaceutical Safety.”
A KF94 is “probably as efficient as the N95”, says Dark, adding that it is “difficult to validate”. Note: “No KF94s are covered by the FDA’s emergency use authorization,” says Dr. Lewis Nelson, professor and director of emergency medicine at Rutgers New Jersey Medical School and chief of service emergency department at the university hospital, says Yahoo Life.
KN95 vs. KF94
The look and fit of these masks are slightly different. KN95 masks have a front pouch that fits your nose and mouth perfectly. They feature a metallic thread for the nose and earrings to help you achieve the perfect fit.
The KF94 masks are similar, with some modifications. While these masks also have a metal nose bridge and elasticated earrings, they also have a wide band on the front and side flaps that hug your face.
While the KF94 masks filter 94 percent of particles and KN95 masks filter 95 percent, experts say they’re basically the same thing. “There is little difference between 94% and 95% efficiency,” says Rosen.
The KF94 and KN95 masks offer higher levels of protection, but Nelson says you really don’t need something this powerful every day. This means that a three-layer mask can help protect you while you socially distance yourself from others, but a KN95 or KF94 may be more useful when you need to take public transport or go shopping.
Whatever you choose, Rosen says it’s crucial to find a mask that’s right for you. Overall, “the best protection requires a properly fitted respirator, ie an N95, KN95 or KF94 – all should be equivalent if they are certified and properly fitted,” Nelson says.
Do you want to try a KN95 or a KF94? Here are a few options to explore.
Powecom’s KN95 masks are approved in the United States by the FDA. Tests have shown that the Powecom KN95 mask filters at least 95% of particles. “My wife is a nurse and she felt it tasted as good as an N95 mask she uses in the hospital,” wrote one five-star reviewer. “I feel more protected than with a surgical or cloth mask, but it’s more comfortable than an N95 – a happy medium,” said another fan.
These masks match all black and feature the unique KF94 stripe on the front. A five-star reviewer said these masks are “of high quality,” adding, “I have tried a number of disposable masks and this one seems to be the best yet.”
Buy: LG Health Care Airwasher KF94 Black Particle Mask, $ 4, amazon.com
Ready to stock up? This pack of 50 KN95 masks is made for you. “They’re high quality, snug, cover the nose, mouth and chin, and are very sturdy,” one satisfied customer wrote in reviews. “You can easily breathe through them and keep them comfortably for a long time.”
Buy: N95 Mask Co. KN95 Face Mask, 50 pack, $ 130 (was $ 150), n95maskco.com
The reviews cited above reflect the most recent versions at the time of publication.
Learn more about Yahoo Life:
follow us on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter and Pinterest for uninterrupted inspiration delivered to your flow, every day
Want the daily pop culture news delivered to your inbox? register here for the Yahoo Entertainment & Life newsletter.
[ad_2]
Source link