Know which mask will best prevent the spread of COVID-19.

Understand the difference between N95, KN95 and KF94 masks. The one in the picture is KN95.

A year has passed and we are all wearing masks, which most of us never imagined last February. Health experts now even recommend wearing two masks at the same time. With more and more COVID-19 variants appearing, wearing high-quality masks is more important than ever.

We already know that not all masks are the same. There is a difference between medical-grade respirators and cloth masks. Now as the pandemic continues, professional-grade masks are receiving attention again, especially because they filter particles better than cloth masks. This guide compares three popular protective masks, N95 masks, KN95 masks, and KF94 masks, to help you make smart mask purchase and wear decisions. 

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Since the beginning of the 2020 pandemic, N95 masks have been very popular. Thanks to the elastic headband and the adjustable metal seal above the nose, these masks fit very closely, keeping the mask close to your skin. 

They can filter 95% of particles as small as 0.3 microns. (Although the SARS-CoV-2 virus particle itself is about 0.1 microns in size, remember that the virus particle usually attaches to larger objects, such as respiratory droplets when speaking).

N95 has passed the strict inspection and certification of the National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health of the United States, and was recognized as a medical-grade mask after passing the certification. A study in the Journal of the American Medical Association called N95s "a pillar against airborne pathogens."

Unfortunately, these masks have been in short supply for nearly a year because they are part of the personal protective equipment that medical staff need to treat COVID-19 patients. Therefore, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends that N95 should only be used by medical staff and not reserved for the general public. 

KN95 masks are considered to be the Chinese equivalent of N95 masks. They are characterized by a tent-like shape, forming a small air bag between your nose and the fabric, which makes them attractive to many people: they feel easier to breathe, less obstructed and choked. 

However, because KN95 masks are not regulated by the US mask regulator NIOSH, they are not considered as effective as N95 masks. Manufacturers of KN95 can seek emergency use authorization from the FDA for use in healthcare environments. In fact, the FDA has granted EUAs to several KN95 masks.

In September 2020, a report from the Institute of Emergency Care raised concerns about fraudulent KN95 masks. According to reports, up to 70% of KN95 masks imported from China cannot achieve the same filtering effect as N95 masks. ECRI issued an alert because many hospitals are ordering these masks, which may pose a risk of contamination to the medical centers of patients undergoing COVID-19 treatment.

Outside of healthcare and high-risk environments, this is not necessarily a big problem. The general public can benefit from wearing KN95 masks. Even KN95 masks that do not meet the NIOSH filter efficiency standards may be more protective than basic surgical masks and cloth masks made of cotton, nylon or other non-medical fabrics. 

KF94 masks are now becoming more and more popular. "KF" stands for "Korean filter", and 94 stands for the filtering effect of masks. According to the standards of the Korean government, these masks can filter 94% of particles as small as 0.3 microns. They have ear hooks, adjustable nose bridges and side wings to create a close-fitting effect. 

In a very small study (only 7 people) in August 2020, researchers found that KF94 masks are as effective as N95 masks in filtering SARS-CoV-2. However, unlike KN95, which meets the Chinese government's certification standards, KF94 masks have not yet obtained EUA approval from the FDA and can be used in healthcare environments.

Nevertheless, like the KN95s, the KF94s is a steep upgrade of the single-layer cotton mask that you may walk around.

Counterfeit masks have become a problem for Amazon and other large online retailers. Manufacturers claim to sell N95, KN95 or KF94, but in fact the masks they sell have different standards than masks inspected by the US, Chinese or Korean governments. CDC has an operating list of non-NIOSH approved KN95, KF94 and other filter-tested protective masks. The list also includes known counterfeit products. 

It is almost impossible to spot counterfeit masks, especially when shopping online, but there are some steps you can take to ensure the best protection: 

Other COVID-19 frauds and scams include price fraud, false reports about the virus, and vaccine-related scams and myths.

The information contained in this article is for educational and information purposes only, not as health or medical advice. If you have any questions about your medical condition or health goals, please consult a doctor or other qualified health provider.