Originally published as What's the difference between N95 and KN95 masks? Can they all be used for medical protection? An epidemic has made almost everyone aware of the various standards of masks, the most popular of which are N95 and KN95. What is the difference between N95 and KN95? Can these two standard masks be used for first-line medical protection? Let's take a look at the answer in this article. 1. Is there any difference between KN95 and N95 mask? N95 is the certification grade for respirators in the United States and is certified by the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH). This kind of mask can filter out more than 95% of non-oily particles (aerosols) under the condition of specified airflow (85L/min), so it is named N95. If it can filter more than 99% of particulate matter (aerosol), it is called N99 mask. In addition, corresponding to N95, KN95 is a mask certified by China's GB2626-2006 Respiratory Protective Equipment Self-priming Filter Particulate Respirator Standard. KN95 has the same level of protection as N95 mask, but it follows the test standards of different countries. KN95 masks follow Chinese standards and N95 mask follow American standards, both of which have a protective efficiency of no less than 95% against non-oily particles (sodium chloride particles for experiments). 2. Can KN95 mask be used for first-line protection? KN95 respirators and N95 mask include both medical and non-medical types. Among them, KN95/N95 mask masks with "medical" logo can be used for first-line protection of medical staff during the anti-epidemic period, masks without "medical" logo are not recommended for medical staff, ordinary people can use them. Masks conforming to GB19083 above Grade 1 can not only achieve 95% filtration, but also prevent liquid penetration,Full Body Disposable Coverall, and can be used for various operations in medical institutions. 3. Why is KN95/N95 mask anti-virus? Viruses usually do not exist in the air alone, but are attached to particles such as droplets, dust and dander. The filtering mechanism of KN95 and N95 mask is to block these fine particles through the high-performance filter layer in the mask to build a protective barrier. Therefore, when wearing KN95/N95 respirators, namely self-priming filter particulate respirator masks, attention should be paid to the tightness, KN95 Face Mask with Five Layers ,Against Bacteria Breathable KN95 Face Mask, which should be close to the face, and never leave a "convenient door" for viruses and bacteria. It is recommended to use masks with "exhalation valves" with caution. 4. What is the difference between medical and non-medical masks in KN95/N95 mask? The main difference is that the outer surface of the medical mask is hydrophobic, while the surgical mask of GB19083-2010 and YY0469-2011 clearly put forward the requirement of "synthetic blood penetration" and the parameter index of "surface moisture resistance", which clearly define the protective effect of medical protective masks on blood, body fluids and other liquids. Generally speaking, just like a drop of water falling on a lotus leaf, the liquid cannot be soaked on the surface of the mask, which can block alcohol, blood and the like frequently touched by medical staff and prevent the rapid penetration of the alcohol and the blood; and a non-medical type KN95/N95 mask is not subjected to the special treatment. The filter layer of KN95 and N95 protective masks has the most protective function. The filter layer is made of polypropylene melt-blown superfine fiber electret material. The outer surface of the mask has not been hydrophobic treated. When it comes into contact with water and alcohol, the structure of the material will be destroyed and the filtering effect will be greatly reduced. Moreover, blood often contains bacteria, viruses and so on, and the application scenarios of hospitals determine that medical staff are likely to be exposed to the blood environment of patients. Therefore, hydrophobic treatment on the surface of medical masks is indispensable. Ordinary people are not likely to encounter alcohol and blood, as long as they change their masks regularly, it is not harmful to their outside without this treatment. 5. What is the protective effect of KN95/N95 mask with breather valve? KN95/N95 mask is also divided into breather valve and non-breather valve. For masks, permeability and filtering efficiency are always a pair of contradictions, if the filtering effect is good, they often feel more suffocating. Breathing valves are designed to relieve breath-holding. The exhalation valve and the inhalation valve are a mechanical switch, the valve is closed when inhaling and opened when exhaling, the air is "screened" by the filter layer, and the valve is opened when exhaling to reduce the sense of resistance. The problem is that it is not clear whether the mechanical switch will suddenly break down when worn,Full Body Disposable Coverall, or whether it will be stuck by fine particles, allowing harmful particles carried by air that have not passed through the filter layer to enter. Therefore, medical masks do not have breathing valves. Return to Sohu to see more Responsible Editor:. zjyuan-group.com