{"id":27524,"date":"2020-05-15T14:29:36","date_gmt":"2020-05-15T19:29:36","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.ipromo.com\/blog\/?p=27524"},"modified":"2023-02-10T10:48:53","modified_gmt":"2023-02-10T16:48:53","slug":"differences-between-kn95-vs-3-ply-disposable-face-masks-which-one-should-you-wear","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/blog.ipromo.com\/differences-between-kn95-vs-3-ply-disposable-face-masks-which-one-should-you-wear\/","title":{"rendered":"Differences Between KN95 vs 3 Ply Disposable Face Masks: Which One Should You Wear?"},"content":{"rendered":"

KN95 respirators and surgical 3 ply masks have been on the forefront of the public\u2019s fight against coronavirus. Perhaps one of the universal images coming out of this pandemic and beyond is going to be the face mask. Regulations<\/a> are requiring people to wear masks in order to enter different public spaces, but even when it\u2019s not a rule, it\u2019s a preference.<\/p>\n

At one point, confusion about their role and a rush for PPE meant that there were mask shortages across the country, but as that settles, the discussion is not \u201cCan I find a mask?\u201d but rather \u201cWhat mask is best for me?\u201d<\/p>\n

Complicating the fact is all the different masks out there on the market for people to choose from when they shop online. N95 masks, KN95 masks, 3-ply masks, surgical masks, disposable masks\u2014all of these offer different tiers of protection and can be ideal options for a different segment of the population. How do you know which one to choose? Here\u2019s a breakdown of all the various options.<\/p>\n

Masks Vs. COVID-19<\/h2>\n

Before comparing the different masks on the market, let\u2019s talk about the actual science<\/a> of why you want to have one in the first place.<\/p>\n

Viruses like COVID-19 are largely transmitted by microscopic particles in the air and on surfaces. While our skin is a bit of a natural barrier against viral particles, other parts of the body, like the nose, eyes and mouth, provide perfect points of entry.<\/p>\n

\"Why<\/p>\n

If you were to say, touch a surface with particles on it and rub your nose without thinking, you could expose yourself to infection, even if you thought you were being safe.<\/p>\n

This is what makes masks so important. It\u2019s not just about protecting you from obvious situations, like being in the vicinity of a coughing person, it also protects you from less obvious sources of infection, like lingering particles from someone who sneezed on a surface or particles that get on your hands. With that in mind, we can talk about some of the best masks on the market.<\/p>\n

KN95 Vs. Surgical Masks<\/h2>\n

Let\u2019s start the conversation by talking about the differences between KN95 vs. surgical masks. If you want to get technical, the options aren\u2019t even in the same category, at least, not completely. A KN95 respirator face mask<\/a> and other respirator masks are specifically designed to help reduce the respiratory exposure of the wearer to different airborne contaminants. This can include vapors and gases, but obviously, the main focus at the moment is particles, especially viral particles.<\/p>\n

\"KN95<\/a>Here are a few additional features on our KN95 masks:<\/p>\n