Overview:
The need for safety masks is on the increase day by day as the conclusion of the COVID-19 pandemic is not in sight. People are searching for the best mask choices, particularly now that the WHO has provided preventive measure recommendations with masks being a requirement. Not only should a face mask be able to shield you from all pollutant spores, bacteria, and viruses, but to increase its defensive performance, it also needs to be well-made and well-fitted. The Kn95 Mask is one such form of a face mask of many; a filtering respirator face mask that is utilized in this time of the pandemic as a protective measure.
Quick Information about KN95:
KN95 Mask represents the legal standard certified in China for the filtration of facepiece respirators. The Govt Regulatory guarantees efficient infiltration, face fitting, and minimal leakage against non-oily particulates. These Certifications should be extended for the present use against COVID-19. It is very vital to state that the requirements for KN95 are mostly the same As the U.S N95 face respirators. That is why, following international requirements and certifications, both KN95 and N95 have the same security.
How a Kn95 Protects the User:
The KN95 face masks are supposed to provide more effective respiratory protection against all sorts of particles, including bacteria and viruses. KN95 offers 95% protection from all microbes and particles that are bigger than 0.3 µm in diameter.
Raw Materials Utilized to Make a Kn95 Mask:
Multi-layer masks that usually feature 5-layer security are the KN95 masks. High-quality, nonwoven silk, hot air cotton, and melt-blown fabric make up the layers. The nonwoven fabric is stream- and droplet-proof and is hydrophobic. In comparison, the cotton in the hot air is soft and guarantees lower air velocity. More layers ensure the filtration of particles and hypoallergenic, skin-friendly fabrics. These Layered fabric structures lead to the Face mask’s filtering ability, which helps to provide better quality. The KN95 mask has a 3D fold-able feature, as well as an interchangeable nose bridge clip to suit the face smoother and firmer, speaking of design. KN95 also provides the features of Earloop, unlike most of the masks, that guarantees tight-fitting from nose to chin
Are Kn95 Still Effective When Reused:
The US N95 and Chinese KN95 masks are both produced and designed for single use (disposable design). It suggests that it will need a new face mask for any use. However, the CDC has suggested the reuse of the disposable filtering facepiece respirators as a crisis capability technique due to the scarcity of the N95 and KN95 masks. At the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, the various techniques for prolonged use of Masks such as N95 or KN95 are available (NIOSH). Masks like N95 and KN95 can be reused (only if properly stored between applications and only if used by the same person) and used for an extended period, according to NIOSH. We can also say that if an individual wears the same mask at different times in one day, it should be disposed of immediately because of continuous Exposure and near contacts, and the fact behind not using a Mask regularly is that the filtration efficiency reduces to 50% after regular use.
Is Kn95 Mask as Effective and Efficient as N95?
KN95 is prepared to provide at least 95% prevention that is the same as N95 and makes it a much better choice from Surgical Masks. In general, these masks are always considered the best option to prevent viruses and bacteria. Their efficiency has already been tested by different agencies like FDA, CDC, and many more.
How To Do Decontamination for Kn95 Masks?
There are some various steps which are given by the CDC for the decontamination of masks properly that we will discuss below:
1) You should scrub your hands with soap and water, or with alcohol-based sanitizer with at least 60 percent alcohol, before and after handling or changing the respiratory mask.
Avoid the interior of the mask being touched.
Be sure to use a pair of clean (non-sterile) gloves while touching and changing the mask.
Often check the respiratory mask externally to see if it has damaged its composition and fitting.
Often make sure that the mask components such as nose bridge, straps, and nose foam material have not degraded (which can compromise the mask efficiency, quality of the fit, and seal).
Often ensure that a used respiratory mask is correctly recycled and never left uncovered, so other individuals can access or use it.
Conclusion
In this article, we discussed the various questions related to the KN95 mask, because it is vital to know about the product you are choosing to use daily. And you have to always keep in mind there are many counterfeit masks available in the market because of the shortage of masks, So there are several methods for this you can use to check whether it’s a face mask or an authentic product. Some tips to know about the fake mask are to check its permeability, flammability, and liquid resistance.