Description
KN95 Mask vs N95 Mask – Current FDA Guidelines Surrounding COVID-19 Pandemic
KN95 masks are regulated by the Chinese government under regulation GB2626-2006 and are rated to filter 95% of particles and create an air tight seal around the face. In April of 2020, in order to help expand the availability of general use face masks for the general public and particulate filtering facepiece respirators for healthcare professionals during the COVID-19 pandemic, the FDA issued guidance authorizing the use of KN95 masks as suitable NIOSH alternatives under certain emergency circumstances (Source:FDA https://www.fda.gov/medical-devices/personal-protective-equipment-infection-control/faqs-shortages-surgical-masks-and-gowns and FDA https://www.fda.gov/media/136449/download)
N95 and KN95 masks both filter up to 95% of particles and create an air tight seal around the face. Under the current US regulatory framework mentioned above, as of April 8th 2020, the FDA has authorized the emergency use of KN95 masks and FFP2 masks where there is a shortage of NIOSH approved N95 masks (Source:FDA)