A Brief Guide to Buying Face Masks in Covid Times

The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare in India recommends wearing face masks to protect against seasonal influenza and any other infection that is air-borne. Additionally, the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare recommends the N95 respirator as an effective protective measure against airborne infections. 

On a global level, the World Health Organization deems wearing masks to be integral in pandemic times, which has led WHO to implicitly state that wearing masks can literally “save lives”. 

Having established the importance of mask use from health experts in India and the world, and knowing that the N95 mask is recommended by the Ministry of Health and Family, here’s a brief guide to buying face masks in Covid times. Furthermore, let’s take a brief look at the N95 vs. KN95 mask debate, and arrive at a viable choice. Read further to know more. 

N95 or KN95 Masks; Which to Buy? 

The N955 vs. KN95 debate revolves around whether the Chinese-certified KN95 mask is better than the US-certified N95 mask, or vice-versa. With many similarities between the two, consumers want to know which mask is better. Read further for KN95 and N95 similarities and differences to help you choose between the two. 

KN95 and N95 Similarities

  • Both N95 and KN95 masks are rated to block particles as tiny as 0.3 microns from entering the respiratory system through the nose or mouth
  • Both N95 and KN95 masks are tested for effectiveness using salt as a particulate agent for filtration testing at a flow rate of 85 L per minute

KN95 and N95 Differences 

  • N95 requirements for pressure drop while inhaling is stricter than the Chinese-certified KN95 mask, in turn ensuring more breathability than the KN95
  • N95 requirements for pressure drop while exhaling is stricter than the Chinese-certified KN95 mask, facilitating greater ease in breathing with a N95 mask on

The N95 mask is likely to offer more comfort to consumers, as it offers more breathability. The N95 mask is also widely recommended by health experts, including the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare. Differentiating between a KN95 and an N95 face mask is easy, as the N95 face mask comes with ‘NIOSH’ or the NIOSH logo printed on it. 

One can easily buy the best N95 masks in India online. Ideally, your N95 mask should be well-fitted and worn in a manner that the nose and the mouth get complete coverage. 

FAQS

Q: Which is the best N95 mask in India for protection against Covid? 

A: Any well-fitted, authentic, NIOSH-certified N95 mask protects against Covid, according to health experts. 

 

Q: Which are better, N95 or KN95 masks? 

A: While both the N95 and KN95 masks are rated to block particles as tiny as 0.3 microns, N95 requirements for pressure drop while inhaling and exhaling are stricter. The KN95 mask and N95 mask offer equal protection against infections, while the N95 mask offers more breathability.

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