FAQ's

What is a KN95 mask?

Here is a teardown of a typical KN95 mask. Layers 1 and 4 are the outer non-woven and layers 2 and 3 are meltblown polypropylene. Sometimes you will also have a layer of loose electrostatic cotton but the filtration that matters is the meltblown.

Compared to a more traditional cup style N95 it does not have the outer layer that forms the cup. This is a heat set plastic "felt" that gives it the shape. It also does some filtering - but not small particles. The cup style N95 is a great match in a dusty environment where you can use the outer felt type layer to capture the sawdust and not clog the inner filter.

When all you are worried about is small particles than the outer cup does not help. It also leads to fit issues - if the N95 cup does not fit your face it is not flexible enough to bridge any gaps. The metal staples used also cut into the skin and the sharper hard edge starts to cut into the skin with extended wear.

The KN95 works on a larger variety of faces and from those that have fit test the ones we have sent all report it fits well and passes the test. 

What looks like holes in the mask are not. The machine that makes these combines the 4 layers and uses a heated stamp to join the layers so what you are seeing is clear polypropylene as the layers are melted together.

In summary, it seals better than a disposable 3 ply mask, fits better than a cup N95, is more comfortable, and has the same small particle filtration. Most of the world including China is still using disposable 3ply masks but I think this style will continue to grow in popularity.

Our current recommendation is if you are ok and so is your household then wearing 3ply masks is a good option balancing cost, convenience, etc. If you are, sick, are caring for someone sick, or forced to work at a place where customers could be sick then the KN95 is a better choice for the superior filtration and fit.

GB2626-2006 is the filtration standard for a KN95 mask

What testing standards are used for KN95 and 3 ply masks?

For KN95 folding and cup style masks the standard is GB2626-2006. This compares to the NIOSH N95 standard.

No filter is 100% - it is important to wear consistently, protect the inner surface of the mask, and make sure it seals well - especially around the nose.