We hope this guide on KN95 vs Cloth Masks comparison will help you understand the benefits of wearing a mask. Ever since the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic, a debate started among scientists and healthcare officials over the correct measures to prevent the spread of the disease. Early recommendations -such as going against the use of face masks- got confirmed and debunked faster than Lionel Messi’s rumors of leaving Barcelona; as more information about the disease appeared. But apparently many people didn’t get the memo.
Why weren’t face masks recommended in the first place?
At the beginning of the pandemic; institutions like the WHO (World Heath Organization) recommended the use of face masks only for physicians, nurses, and people working at the front line of hospitals and clinics; as experts didn’t know the extent to which people with COVID-19 could spread the virus before symptoms appeared. Nowadays, it’s very clear that there are people with symptoms and people who never develop symptoms but are equally capable of transmitting the disease. Therefore, face masks are an incredibly good measure to slow the spread of COVID-19.
So, what should I use?
There are many types of face masks. For example, institutions such as the CDC recommend the use of cloth masks for individuals without symptoms; and many people all over the world use them. However, there are far better alternatives -such as KN95 respirators- to provide you and others protection against the virus. Let’s see how effective cloth masks are compared with KN95 respirators when it comes to containing the spread of particles!
Cloth masks
Cloth masks are usually made of any type of washable, breathable fabric. They are easy to buy or make, but their effectiveness depends on many factors; such as thread count, the number of layers, type of fabric, and water resistance. Generally masks made of cotton and towel provide better protection than masks made of other materials, such as gauze. By using a cotton face mask with multiple layers and snug fit; scientists proved that droplets traveled only about 2.5 inches (6.35 centimeters) forward from the face of the individual. Furthermore, many people might have difficulty breathing through cloth masks; especially if they have multiple layers of material.
KN95 Respirators
KN95 respirators are professional devices, specially designed with a comfortable ear loop and a mold-able nose bridge to achieve a very close facial fit and very efficient filtration of airborne particles. As suggested by their name; they are capable of filtering 95 percent of particles, even small ones, up to 0.3-μm size particles. KN95 respirators have up to 5 layers of protection made from a light, easy to breathe material. KN95 masks must go under different types of tests to prove their efficiency; such as fluid resistance, filtration efficiency (particulate filtration efficiency and bacterial filtration efficiency), flammability, and bio-compatibility. Properly worn KN95 face masks can protect very well against PM10, PM2.5, and smaller particles with up to a 95% Bacterial Filtration Efficiency.
Final verdict
KN95 respirators undoubtedly have the best type of protection against infection agents, including COVID-19 particles. Many people are under the assumption that a cloth mask will protect them from the virus, yet it’s simply not true. A cloth mask, even with multiple layers has a maximum BFE (Bacterial Filtration Efficiency) of only 30-50%. This is very low when compared to a KN95 that has 95% BFE or Greater! Thus, KN95’s are far better at protecting people than cloth masks; and you can purchase one right here!
Did this guide on KN95 vs Cloth Masks help you understand the benefits of wearing a face mask? If you are a front line worker risking your life during this pandemic please contact us for special discounts! Thank you for all of your bravery and hard work!
Hi I’m Julio Alfonzo a Venezuelan comedian and writer. Also a surfer, bodybuilder, 2-time Emmy nominee, and a liar.
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