Cloth masks have gotten us through the thick of the COVID-19 pandemic, but with Covid’s highly
transmissible omicron variant raveningly spreading across the country, for safety reasons we might all need to upgrade. This is major because KN95 masks are better at protecting us from the virus than any standard mask can. This is because they are purposefully made to filter the air we breathe. Surgical masks also provide an elevated level of protection against the delta and omicron variants but cannot match the efficiency of the KN95 masks, which at the beginning of the pandemic were reserved for healthcare professionals and high-risk individuals.
KN95 masks filter a higher percent of particles
KN95 are called so because they are an international standard that requires face masks to be able to filter out at least 95% of small particles in your immediate environment. This is why they are common in the construction industry and among employees at factories and plants that are exposed to paint or industrial chemicals among other hazardous airborne materials. The high level of filtration efficiency makes KN95 suitable for filtering biological elements like particulates, viruses, and microbes.
Edge Fitting and seal formation
The FDA official website defines the standard surgical mask as “a loose-fitting physical barrier placed between the mouth and nose”; this means surgical masks do not form any seal with your mouth or nose. Surgical masks are not as effective at protecting the wearer from potential contaminants in the immediate environment. This is especially true for particles that are as small as 0.3 microns. KN95 which in itself is a professional filtration device holds a different standard. KN95 masks are designed with comfort in mind, they are easy to use with flexible ear loops and an inbuilt, flexible metallic nose bridge ensuring a snug but tight fit. The respirator effectively provides a close facial fit. See more where you can buy KN95 masks.
Higher levels of thickness (multi-layer design)
Many KN95 masks come with multiple layers of protective material. This makes them significantly thicker than the standard face mask. Some KN95 masks come with up to 5 layers of protection. The latter includes two non-woven outer layers and two melt-blown inner layers. Between the two layers is a non-woven middle layer that absorbs particles. The 5 ply KN95 mask provides superior protection compared to a cloth face mask or standard 3-ply disposable surgical mask.
Medical Grade Materials
KN95 masks are made of synthetic materials. KN95 respirators are intended for use in medical care. Polypropylene plastic polymers which are used in the manufacture of KN95 masks have very small pores and are typically layered. This strong material is good at preventing any airborne particles from getting to your mouth and nose. The multiple layers of a professional respirator also include melt-blown non-woven fabric and skin-friendly cotton.
Electrostatic properties
High-grade KN95 masks depend on two physical processes to achieve high filtration efficiency: mechanical filtering by mask fibers which is conventional and electrostatic filtering, which involves stationary electric charges that attract and trap tiny 0.3-micron particles such as fluid droplets potentially containing viruses.
Tested and approved
KN95 masks go through rigorous testing by international bodies such as ECRI. International assessments from other bodies like the NPPTL have put in place quality assurance measures. Rating such as the US NIOSH N95 has been conducted on the mask and is confirmed to capture 95% of the particles.Can 3d printing mold improve the sealing performance?
Designed to meet international standards
KN95 masks available for procurement meet most of the international set standards. These respirators are also labeled to indicate what standards they meet. Our KN95 Face Mask is certified to standards and has been whitelisted by the FDA. This standard is analogous to the EU FFP2 certification, and the US N95 approved mask.
Conclusion
The KN95 respirator is better than the standard surgical mask, as it was designed solely to be a protective device. It has proven to effectively reduce the chance of viral and respiratory infection. Hopefully, you have understood the clear benefits of the KN95 mask over the standard mask.
