N95 face masks—also called N95 respirators—give individuals increased face protection from particles or liquids. However, people have also used KN95 masks, the Chinese equivalent of N95s, and KF94 masks, the Korean version of an N95 mask.
KF94 stands for Korean filter 94, which refers to its 94% filtering efficiency. Though KF94 masks differ slightly from N95s and KN95s, they still offer the same high-level protection. Here's what you need to know about using a KF94 mask, including how to tell if you have a real one and tips for buying them.
One of the benefits of wearing masks is source control. Source control refers to using a mask to help lessen the risk of transmitting infections through coughing, sneezing, or talking.
However, masks, barrier face coverings, and respirators are also beneficial for other purposes. For example, N95 masks provide respiratory protection from dust. Also, surgical masks act as barriers from large particle droplets, liquid splashes, or sprays during medical procedures.
Wearing a mask may be helpful if you have pollen-related allergies as well. N95 and KN95 masks can filter out pollen, potentially reducing allergy symptoms.
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KF94 vs. N95 Mask and KN95 Mask
While KF94, N95, and KN95 masks have similarities, they also have some differences. The following is a brief overview of the comparison between the three types of masks:
| Comparison of KF94, N95, and KN95 Masks | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Features | Filtration Level | Emergency Use Authorization (EUA) | National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH)-Approved | |
| KF94 | - Adjustable bridge on nose - Ear loops - Side flaps | 94% | No | No |
| KN95 | - Adjustable bridge on nose - Ear loops - Side flaps | 95% | No | No |
| N95 | - Adjustable bridge on nose - Elastic around-the-head bands - Side flaps | 95% | Yes | Yes |
Similarities
Like N95 and KN95 masks, KF94s have an adjustable bridge that gives you a secure fit over the bridge of your nose. They also have side flaps to contour your face. "These [flaps] help close the gaps around the face and limit unfiltered air entry," Sara Andrabi, MD, assistant professor of emergency medicine at Baylor College of Medicine, told Health.
Differences
An N95 mask is a respiratory protective device designed to achieve a close facial fit and effective airborne particle filtering. These masks filter out at least 95% of airborne particles. Similarly, KN95 masks are the Chinese equivalent of N95 masks.
However, KF94 masks only offer 94% filtration. It's also important to note that KF94 and KN95 masks are not on the FDA's list for emergency use authorized face masks.
The shape of KF94 masks is different from N95 masks, too. Aaron Collins, a mechanical engineer in Minnesota and self-described "citizen engineer," described it as having a "boat-style design" with a wide band that wraps around the center of the mask.
N95 masks, on the other hand, have either a cup or duckbill style. "The KF94 mask hits a much wider distribution of faces due to its shape," said Collins.
Additionally, only KN95 and KF94 masks are made for children. N95 masks do not come in children's sizes. Only adult N95 masks are NIOSH-approved.
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There are a few ways to determine if a mask is an authentic KF94 or another type of mask. You want to pay attention to the following features:
- Branding: You should see a brand name or trademark.
- Quality: The masks should be usable without defective parts like broken elastic bands and without decorative pieces.
- Specific markings: There should be approval numbers and NIOSH markings for N95s. There should also be GB markings—which indicate masks manufactured to fit Chinese respirator standards—for KN95s.
Packaging matters as well. You want to ensure that the packaging is tamper-proof. It should also have company or location information, an expiration date, and appropriate grammar, spelling, and terminology use. For example, the packaging should have a genuine website listed, but it shouldn't use words to describe the masks' reputability.
Other Considerations
There have been KF94 masks for sale on Amazon, but Collins was concerned about potential counterfeits. This has been a problem for the site with other mask styles.
"Amazon doesn't have any method of qualifying the vendor," said Collins. "But if you go to Target, Walmart, Lowe's, Ace Hardware, or a store like that, there was someone affiliated with the company who purchased those."
Tips for Buying KF94 Masks
If you're considering using KF94 masks, knowing what and how you should purchase them is a good idea. The primary tips for buying KF94 masks involve:
- Checking the authenticity of the masks using the information above
- Researching sites, like Korean beauty websites (e.g., BeHealthyUSA.net), to find high-quality masks
- Ordering a small number of masks to see how they fit before ordering more
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Wearing a mask, in general, can help keep you safe from infections and reduce the likelihood of symptoms such as allergies. With that in mind, KF94 masks are good to use alongside N95 and KN95 masks because of their high filtration.
It's important to determine if you have a real KF94 mask by looking at its quality, appearance, and packaging. You also want to use reputable sites to order the masks if doing so online and start with a small order to ensure their quality and effectiveness.
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12 Sources
Health.com uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read our editorial process to learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
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