Differences in Masks and Facial Coverings

Rule Number One in Mask Wearing: Proper Fit

First and foremost, a mask must be worn properly to be effective. The mask should completely cover the mouth and nose and fit snugly to the face with no gaps or sagging. Choose a mask that fits comfortably but free of gaps to avoid allowing respiratory droplets to leak in or out of the mask.

Mask Types

Over the past two years, masks have varied from homemade variations to medical-grade protection. The different styles include:

      Cloth Masks - When the CDC first recommended mask use in April 2020, many Americans chose cloth masks. The material was readily available as masks could be made from bandannas and similar materials. Cloth masks are believed to offer some protection from the spread of germs but should be multi-layer and not made of a thin material.

      Disposable Medical Masks - Also referred to as paper masks or procedure masks. These masks are inexpensive and intended for one-time use. Disposable masks made of 3-ply woven material with a built-in filter are preferred. All disposable masks should have a nose wire for a close, gap-free fit. Individuals can wear two masks for extra protection. The disposable mask should be worn underneath with a cloth mask on top.

      Respirator Masks - Because of limited supplies, respirator masks like the N95 and KN95 were once recommended only for medical professionals and highly vulnerable individuals. Now, respirator masks are widely available and are recommended by the CDC because of their ability to filter out tiny particle like those associated with current variants of COVID-19. A recent study released by the CDC showed that wearing a N95 or KN95 respirator mask lowered the odds of testing positive for COVID-19 by 83 percent when compared to wearing no mask.

What is the Difference Between N95 and KN95 Masks?

N95 and KN95 masks are both rated to capture 95 percent of particles, so they are very effective in protecting against virus transmission. Both are made of a synthetic material that is layered for extra protection.

The biggest difference between the two mask types comes down to certification. While the masks are very similar, they must meet different sets of standards - the N95 is the U.S. standard while the KN95 is the China standard. Since the N95 follows a certain set of standards, it is the only mask of the two approved for healthcare use in the U.S. On the contrary, KN95 masks require more rigorous fit testing than N95 masks.

You'll often see the acronym NIOSH associated with N95 masks. It refers to the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, a part of the CDC that administers strict tests to N95 masks. KN95 masks do not need this approval but go through similar tests and certifications.

In its most recent study, the CDC points out that both N95 and KN95 are very effective at preventing the spread of viruses like COVID-19.

Conclusion

The topic of masks has changed often during the COVID-19 pandemic causing confusion on best practices. Check mask information on the CDC website for the latest information and studies.