Which Mask Is Right For Me?

Why wear a face mask?

  • When in combination with other safe practices such as physical distancing and proper hygiene, wearing a mask can help to flatten the curve.
  • When an infected individual coughs/sneezes, they shoot out thousands of tiny infectious droplets known as aerosols.
  • Aerosols can last both in the air, and on surfaces for several hours. Wearing a mask helps to prevent these aerosols from being breathed in, as well as preventing individuals from touching their faces. 

Which mask is right for you?

KN95 Mask: FDA approved, tested and certified KN95 masks as a suitable alternative to the N95 mask.

  • KN95 masks have a filtration rate of 95%, just like the N95 (our type A mask actually tested for 98%). Our masks are equipped with an adjustable metal nose strip for a snug fit, and elastic ear loops which provide optimal comfort. KN95s are suitable to be worn in indoor public environments where social distancing may be more difficult such as grocery stores, retail stores, public transit, and your workplace.

Surgical Masks: 95-99% 

  • These masks have an adjustable metal nose strip, and elastic ear loops, however they are more of a lose fit. Surgical masks are suitable to wear in public environments such as the workplace, only if everyone in the closed environment is also wearing a mask. These masks are single use. 

What is the difference between N95 vs. KN95?

Certification/Class

(Standard)

 N95 (NIOSH-42CFR84) KN95 (GB2626-2006)
 Filter performance- (must be ≥ X% efficient)
≥ 95%
≥ 95%
Test agent NaCl
NaCl
Flow rate 85 L/min
85 L/min
Total inward leakage (TIL)- tested on human subjects each performing exercises  N/A
≤ 8% leakage (arithmetic mean)
Inhalation resistance- max pressure drop 
≤ 343 Pa
≤ 350 Pa
Flow rate 85 L/min 85 L/min
Exhalation resistance- max pressure drop
≤ 245 Pa
≤ 250 Pa
Flow ate 85 L/min 85 L/min
Exhalation valve leakage requirement Leak rate ≤ 30 mL/min Depressurization to 0 Pa ≥ 20 sec
Force applied -245 Pa -1180 Pa
CO2 clearance requirement  N/A

≤ 1%

 

Specifications for Disposable Surgical Masks 

Test

Typical Canada/US ASTM F2100

EN 14683

Level 1

Level 2

Level 3

Type IIR

Bacterial Filtration Efficiency %

≥95

 

≥98

 

≥ 98

 

≥98

 

Differential Pressure mm H2O/cm² (Pa/cm²)

<4.0

<39.2

 

<5.0

<49.0

<5.0

<49.0

<5.0

Submicron particulate filtration efficiency at 0.1 micron, %

≥95

 

 

≥98

 

≥98

 

Not Required

Splash Resistance/Synthetic Blood Resistance, mmHg

80

120

160

120

(16.0kPa)

Flame Spread

Class 1

Class 1

Class 1

N/A

 https://buyandsell.gc.ca/specifications-for-COVID-19-products#200

 Steps to putting on a face mask

  1. First, wash your hands for at least 20 seconds with soap and water or an alcohol based hand sanitizer.
  2. Inspect the mask for any damage.
  3. Position the mask so the blue fabric is on the outside (surgical) or the cup is facing inward (KN95).
  4. If present, make sure the metal strip is at the top of the mask and positioned against the bridge of your nose. 
  5. Hold the mask by both ear loops, and wrap them behind each ear. 
  6. Mold the bendable metal strip to the shape of your nose by pinching and pressing down on it with your fingers. 
  7. Stretch the mask to make sure it is covering both your mouth and nose completely. 
  8. Be sure the mask fits snug.
  9. Don't touch the mask while in position.
  10. Once worn, throw the mask away. 

Do's:

 
Don'ts: 
 

If you have any other questions, please feel free to send an email to info@shipmedicalsupply.com