What are KN95 masks?
According to the CDC, KN95 masks are a form of respirator mask that adheres to the GB-2626-2006 performance standard in China. It is the Chinese equivalent of the US NIOSH certification for N95 masks.
Why KN95 masks?
KN95 face masks are a form of personal protective equipment for filtering particulates, viruses, and microbes. KN95 Masks filter 95% or 0.3 micron particles. According to the CDC, KN95 are suitable alternatives to N95 masks in various healthcare fields including dentistry.
Can KN95 masks be reused?
Ideally, KN95 masks are replaced per use with a patient. During pandemic outbreaks, the supply of appropriate personal protective equipment may become depleted. According to the CDC, to conserve respirators, “extended use may be implemented when multiple patients are infected with the same respiratory pathogen and patients are placed together in dedicated waiting rooms or hospital wards.” Reuse may be indicated in certain cases.
Which KN95 masks are approved?
While the FDA does have an emergency authoirized use list with certain criteria, it changes frequently. It is key that the manufacturer is registered with the FDA and that the KN95 mask has FDA registration. The owner/operator number on the certificate should match the manufacturer. You can find this online.
Will KN95 masks stop Covid?
There is no solution that is 100% preventative available. According to 3M, KN95 masks will reduce 95% of the particulate matter and microbes that enter the respiratory tract, therefore greatly reducing the risk of an exposure.
How do KN95 masks work?
According to manufacturers, KN95 masks contain multiple layers, which each function to reduce the particulate matter that you breathe. The outer layer functions to filter large particles, often followed by an electrostatic meltblown layer to isolate PM2.5 dust. There is then a KN95 filter material that functions to reduce microbes, often followed by another electrostatic meltblown layer with enhanced filtering of dust. It is important to fit the KN95 tightly and accurately to the face for proper use.
Who should wear KN95 masks?
According to the CDC, KN95 masks are intended for use by healthcare institutions to protect health care workers from job-related risks of exposure to infectious respiratory illnesses, like Covid-19. People who are immunosuppressed, or otherwise at high risk, may also consider higher levels of protection.
