N95, FFP2, KN95 face masks — What’s the difference?

In short, different countries have different standards for these respirators, so there are corresponding face masks manufactured under the relative standard. But they all have an efficiency of filter protection of 94% and above. You are recommended to select a face mask according to your work and daily usage.

N95 face mask meets NIOSH-42CFR84 standards of the USA.
FFP2 face mask meets EN 149-2001 standards of EU.
KN95 face mask meets GB2626-2006 standards of China.

Difference about FFP2 and FFP3 face masks?

The European FFP2 mask complies with EN 149 and EN 143 standards. The “filtering facepiece” score (FFP) is derived from EN Standard 149:2001. The product strength classes P1, P2, and P3 are distinguished according to the EN 143 standard. Both these standards are maintained by CEN (European Committee for Standardization).

P1 means 80% filtering of particle
P2 means 94% filtering of particle
P3 means 99% filtering of particle

What type of masks should children wear?

For your child’s face mask selection, you should pay attention to comfort and fit. Also you,r child need time to learn and practice wearing a face mask before they can pick up new habits. There are many different types of masks for parents to choose from, including medical-surgical masks, KN95, and cloth masks. Each type of mask has its advantages and disadvantages. The most important thing is to choose a qualified mask that your child can tolerate.

How to wear a mask correctly?

First, choose the right size mask for your face. When wearing a mask, keep the mask fit the face, and squeeze the aluminum sheets on both sides of the nose with the index fingers of the left and right hands. Disposable medical masks consist of inner and outer layers. The light-colored inner layer is hygroscopic. It should be close to your nose and mouth, and the darker surface, which is the outer layer, should face outward. Protective masks take N95 masks as an example. The side with the logo on the mask is facing out and the side with the metal sheet is facing up. After wearing the mask, avoid touching the mask. If you touch the mask, wash your hands before and after touching it.

How to avoid skin damage caused by wearing a mask?

Choose a more suitable mask, such as one with a longer width, which has a lower partial pressure. You can choose the lace-up style instead of the ear-hook style, and the pressure will be lower. Change the position of the mask every 2 to 3 hours to reduce pressure. If the mask is used repeatedly or continuously for more than 6 hours, it is recommended to replace it.

What to do with used masks?

For ordinary people, used masks can be thrown into the “other garbage” trash can according to the requirements of waste classification. It is strictly forbidden to recycle and classify these masks. Medical waste masks should be put into medical waste garbage bags for collection and disposal as medical waste.

Will washed protective masks be disinfected?

Disposable masks cannot be used after cleaning, because cleaning usually leads to a decrease in filtration efficiency, deformation of the mask, aging of the headband, and sometimes disinfectant residues, posing a threat to the wearer.

Interchangeable respirator masks are airtight rubber or plastic materials with replaceable filters. These masks, in addition to the filter element, can be washed or sterilized according to the product instructions.