FIGHTING AGAINST
COVID-19
CAN A RESPIRATORY FACE MASK
STOP THE CORONA VIRUS?
Yes, respiratory face masks (they fit tightly around your nose and mouth) , commonly know as N95 face masks can protect against the virus if you wear and use them correctly. You need to fit them correctly so they are fitted tight to the face.
SPECIFICATION COMPARISON
Based on this comparison, it is reasonable to consider China KN95, AS/NZ P2, Korea 1st Class, and Japan DS FFRs as “equivalent” to US NIOSH N95 and European FFP2 respirators, for filtering non-oil-based particles such as those resulting from wildfires, PM 2.5 air pollution, volcanic eruptions, or bioaerosols (e.g. viruses). However, prior to selecting a respirator, users should consult their local respiratory protection regulations and requirements or check with their local public health authorities for selection guidance.
| Certification/ Class (Standard) | N95 (NIOSH-42C FR84) | Korea 1st Class (KMOEL – 2017-64) | KN95 (GB2626-20 06) | FFP2 (EN 149-2001) |
| Filter performance – (must be ≥ X% efficient) | ≥ 95% | ≥ 94% | ≥ 95% | ≥ 94% |
| Test agent | NaCl | NaCl and paraffin oil | NaCl | NaCl and paraffin oil |
| Flow rate | 85 L/min | 95 L/min | 85 L/min | 95 L/min |
| Total inward leakage (TIL)* – tested on human subjects each performing exercises | N/A | ≤ 8% leakage (arithmetic mean) | ≤ 8% leakage (arithmetic mean) | ≤ 8% leakage (arithmetic mean) |
| Inhalation resistance – max pressure drop | ≤ 343 Pa | ≤ 70 Pa (at 30 L/min) ≤ 240 Pa (at 95 L/min) | ≤ 350 Pa | ≤ 70 Pa (at 30 L/min) ≤ 240 Pa (at 95 L/min) ≤ 500 Pa (clogging) |
| Flow rate | 85 L/min | Varied – see above | 85 L/min | Varied – see above |
| Exhalation resistance – max pressure drop | ≤ 245 Pa | ≤ 300 Pa | ≤ 250 Pa | ≤ 300 Pa |
| Flow rate | 85 L/min | 160 L/min | 85 L/min | 160 L/min |
| Exhalation valve leakage requirement | Leak rate ≤ 30 mL/min | visual inspection after 300 L /min for 30 sec | Depressurizatio n to 0 Pa ≥ 20 sec | N/A |
| Force applied | -245 Pa | N/A | -1180 Pa | N/A |
| CO2 clearance requirement | N/A | ≤ 1% | ≤ 1% | ≤1% |
WHAT IS A RESPIRATOR?
A respirator is a personal protective device that is worn on the face or head and covers at least the nose and mouth.
WHAT IS A KF94 RESPIRATOR?
The N95 is the USA Code, KN95 is China code, KF94 is Korea code and FFP2 is the EU code.
WHEN DO I NEED A KN95 OR KF94 RESPIRATOR?
The role of facemasks is for patient source control, to prevent contamination of the surrounding area when a person coughs or sneezes. Patients with confirmed or suspected COVID-19 should wear a facemask until they are isolated in a hospital or at home. The patient does not need to wear a facemask while isolated.
MY RESPIRATOR HAS AN EXHALATION VALVE, IS THAT OKAY?
An N95 respirator with an exhalation valve does provide the same level of protection to the wearer as one that does not have a valve. The presence of an exhalation valve reduces exhalation resistance, which makes it easier to breathe (exhale). Some users feel that a respirator with an exhalation valve keeps the face cooler and reduces moisture build up inside the facepiece. However, respirators with exhalation valves should not be used in situations where a sterile field must be maintained (e.g., during an invasive procedure in an operating or procedure room) because the exhalation valve allows unfiltered exhaled air to escape into the sterile field.
PREVENT AND PROTECT FROM COVID-19 WEARING
RESPIRATORY MASK
PROTECT YOURSELF AND YOUR LOVED ONES!