Kayla Hui, MPH is the health and wellness commerce writer at Dotdash Meredith. She writes for Verywell Health.

Heather Mercer is native to Northwest Ohio (go Walleye!) and graduated from Loma Linda University with two doctorate degrees (psychology and public health). She is currently a professor at Owens Community College, as well as a fact-checker for Verywell Health. She has gained experience in a variety of settings, ranging from corporate wellness and preventive medicine, to mental health, chronic disease, and end-of-life care. 

Omicron’s highly transmissible nature has pushed public health experts to rethink masking guidelines. Experts are urging people to leave behind cloth masks for higher forms of protection like N95s.

However, the demand for N95 masks coupled with low supply has made way for the growing popularity of other types of high filtration masks like KF94s and KN95s.  All three are extremely similar, with just a few differences. We asked experts to explain how they stack up against one another.

According to Karl Minges, PhD, MPH, interim dean at the School of Health Sciences at the University of New Haven, two of the major differences between KF94, KN95, and N95 masks are the manufacturer location and filtration efficacy rates.

The “KF” in KF94 stands for “Korean filter” and the number 94 indicates the mask’s filtration efficacy. This means that KF94 masks were made in South Korea and can filter 94% of particles, Minges told Verywell. KF94 masks also look a little differently than traditional KF95 or N95 masks. Instead of sticking out in a beak manner, it folds flat while still contouring close to the face. Some say it creates more space between the mask and your mouth for a more comfortable fit.

KN95 masks, on the other hand, are manufactured in China, have a 95% filtration efficacy. N95s offer 95% filtration efficacy and are made in the U.S. or in a CDC-approved facility, which may be located overseas.

While some may assume that KN95 and N95 masks perform better due to the 1% difference, “all [KN95, N95, KF94] are effective at preventing COVID-19 infection and are considered high-quality masks,” Bernadette Boden-Albala, MPH, DrPH, director, and founding dean of the program in public health at the University of California, Irvine, told Verywell. 

Minges says that more research is needed to determine whether that one percent difference in filtration is meaningful.

Whether you’re purchasing a KF94, N95, or KN95 mask, experts recommend overall that your mask of choice has a snug fit, is breathable, and has been regulated by a federal or governmental agency.

Boden-Albala and Minges said that people can obtain these masks through state and local government distribution centers, or they can be bought at most major retailers like Amazon. However, they recommend checking the masks to ensure that they’re not counterfeit. 

One way to check if a KF94 mask is legit is by looking at its manufacturer location. “KN94s are highly regulated by the Korean government, thus if the product is manufactured in South Korea, it is likely a legitimate product,” Minges explained. 

For N95 masks, the easiest way to identify whether it’s counterfeit is by searching the testing and certification approval number on the Certified Equipment List (CEL). All NIOSH-approved respirators will be searchable on the CEL. Minges added that KN95 masks no longer have Emergency Use Authorization (EUA) from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration due to a sufficient supply of N95 masks for healthcare workers. But you can check this Food and Drug Administration (FDA) list on previous authorizations for KN95s as a starting point.

In the end, “what matters the most in mask selection is a snug fit,” Minges said.

The information in this article is current as of the date listed, which means newer information may be available when you read this. For the most recent updates on COVID-19, visit our coronavirus news page.

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Types of masks and respirators.

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. NIOSH-approved N95 particulate filtering facepiece respirators.

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Counterfeit respirators / misrepresentation of NIOSH-approval.

By Kayla Hui, MPH Kayla Hui, MPH is the health and wellness ecommerce writer at Verywell Health.She earned her master's degree in public health from the Boston University School of Public Health and BA from the University of Wisconsin-Madison.

Thank you, {{form.email}}, for signing up.

There was an error. Please try again.

By clicking “Accept All Cookies”, you agree to the storing of cookies on your device to enhance site navigation, analyze site usage, and assist in our marketing efforts.