The Importance of N95 Masks in the Face of COVID-19 US Surge

Just when you thought it was over, COVID-19 comes back with a vengeance in the United States. With the new Omicron BA.2 variants, health officials are yet again scrambling to get a handle on the situation and contain the spread of the virus.

Yesterday, Forbes reported U.S. Covid Hospitalizations Surged 29% In Two Weeks as cases continue to spike. The article, (originally published as a New York Times analysis) goes on to say that ”forty-seven states reported increased Covid-19 hospitalizations, with the largest increases recorded in Wyoming, where hospitalizations increased by 141%, in New Mexico, where they increased by 114%, and Louisiana, where they increased by 94%.”

With numbers like these, it’s more important than ever to take precautions and do everything you can to protect yourself and your loved ones from the virus. And one of the best ways to do that is by wearing a high-quality N95 mask or KN95 mask.

What Is an N95 Mask?

An N95 mask is a type of respirator that filters out harmful particles in the air. It’s designed to provide protection against certain types of infections, such as tuberculosis and anthrax. N95 masks are also often used in construction and other industrial settings to protect against dust and other airborne particles.

Covid-19 is a respiratory illness, which means it can be spread through the atmosphere. And while N95 masks are not 100% effective at preventing all respiratory viruses, they are much more effective than a regular surgical mask. In fact, studies have shown that N95 masks can reduce the risk of infection by up to 95% (or 0.3-micron particles, to be precise).

N95 masks are known as the gold standard when it comes to personal protective equipment (PPE). Not only are they highly effective at filtering out tainted particles, but they’re also comfortable to wear and don’t cause as much breathing resistance as other types of masks.

What Is a KN95 Mask?

A KN95 mask is very similar to an N95 mask. It works in much the same way, filtering out unhealthy particles to protect the wearer. The main difference is that KN95 masks are designed to meet the Chinese standards for respiratory protection, while N95 masks are designed to meet the American standards for respiratory protection.

Both N95 masks and KN95 masks are made of multiple layers of filtration material, but there are minor discrepancies that may be tedious to the average user. For example, N95 masks have more stringent pressure drop limits when breathing in. As a result, they must be more breathable than KN95 masks.

As a shortage of PPE continues across the country, the CDC authorized the use of KN95 masks as a substitute for N95 masks in all settings. This is not to say that KN95 masks are inferior to N95 masks, but rather that they’re a more readily available option for those who may not have access to N95 masks as the deficit persists.