Jakarta – Respirator The N95 and KN95 are similar with the same 95 percent filtration efficiency. The main difference between the two is which country or organization certifies the quality standards mask.
N95 is NIOSH certified, while KN95 according to the records of the United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is manufactured in China and meets China-specific standards.
While the KF94 with a different shape compared to the N95 and KN95 is produced in South Korea and meets the requirements of Korean standards.
However, some people may prefer KN95 and KF94 for daily use in non-medical environments. While the N95 can feel limiting to some because of its protective layer construction.
Therefore, KN95 or KF94 is said to be an alternative for those who are not comfortable wearing the N95 for a long period of time.
“I recently increased the use of more KN95 for indoor public settings,” said Dr. Sabrina Assoumou, an infectious disease doctor at Boston Medical Center, was quoted as saying by USA Today, Friday.
“If you can wear the KN95 or KF94, then that really helps because it’s a little more comfortable and tolerable,” he added.
Previously, the CDC considered recommending people wear N95 or KN95 in line with the Omicron variant, which transmits so rapidly that it spurred record infection and hospitalization rates.
Health experts recommend masks of better quality than cloth masks to protect the body from airborne viruses.
The updated guidelines are expected to confirm that masks are the best when used consistently and correctly. It is also hoped that people can tolerate wearing a KN95 or N95 mask all day long especially when in a place with a lot of people.
“If people want an extra layer of protection, the KN95 or N95 offers that,” said CDC Director Rochelle Walensky as quoted by The Washington Post.
“But what I also want to emphasize, you have to be able to maintain it (fit in the face). KN95 and N95 are often not that comfortable,” he added.
The mask you use should fit snugly, have two layers of fabric that can allow you to breathe with a wire brace around your nose.
“Omicron is highly contagious through the air. A mask-wearing policy that ensures people with Covid-19 and those around them wear high-quality masks is the best way to reduce the spread of Covid-19,” said an assistant professor at the Boston University School of Public Health, Julia Raifman. (ant/ade)
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