N95 and KN95 Masks Difference

N95 masks refer to masks with a non-oily particulate protection efficiency of not less than 95% certified by the US NIOSH agency.

Neither N95 nor KN95 medical face masks are the names of specific brands or products, but represent the level of protection of the masks. Among them, "N" or "KN" means that it is used to protect non-oily particles (such as viruses, bacteria, dust, etc.); "95" means that under the testing conditions specified in the standard, the filtration efficiency of the mask is ≥95%. Whether it is the Chinese national standard or the American NIOSH test standard, the protection levels of N95 and KN95 are equivalent in terms of product classification and filtration efficiency.

In addition, equivalent to the protection level of N95 and KN95 disposable non woven face mask, there are FFP2-level masks certified by the European EN149 standard, that is, the filtration efficiency of the mask is ≥94% under the testing conditions specified by the European standard. The masks that have passed the European standard EN149 certification and reach the FFP2 level are marked with the words "EN 149:2001+A1:2009 FFP2".

The difference between an N95 and a KN95 mask is where the mask is certified. Much like other industries, respirators/masks have different approval sources and names.

Australia/New Zealand- P2

Brazil- P2

China- KN95, KP95

Europe-FFP2

Japan-DS2, DL2

India-BIS P2

Korea- 1st class

US- NIOSH N95, R95, P95