27-Jun--2025The outbreak of the novel coronavirus pneumonia has made masks, which were usually overlooked by the public, a hot commodity in the market.
Generally, there are various types of masks available on the market, such as cotton masks, paper masks, activated carbon masks, sponge masks, surgical masks and N95 masks. However, it is surgical masks and N95 masks that can provide protection against infectious diseases. Here, we have sorted out the small knowledge about masks that we have collected to share with everyone.
Production Standards of Masks \ nMasks are classified into three standards: The N series is the American standard. For example, N95 is produced in accordance with the American standard NOISH (National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health), and the manufacturers are 3M and Honeywell. The FFP series is a European standard. For example, FFP2 is the European standard EN149. The KN series is a Chinese standard. For example, KN95 is the Chinese standard GB2626. All masks with the execution standards of these three printed on them are qualified masks. The larger the number, the higher the protection level. It is easier to understand with a formula: FFP3 > FFP2=N95=KN95 > KN90. If the number ends with a "V", it indicates that there is a valve. The N95 mask is one of the nine types of particulate respirators certified by NIOSH. The meaning of "N" is that it is not suitable for oily particles (the fumes produced when cooking are oily particles, while the droplets produced when people speak or cough are not oily). "95" means that under the testing conditions stipulated by the NIOSH standard, the filtration efficiency reaches 95%. N95 is not a specific product name. As long as the product meets the N95 standard and passes the NIOSH review, it can be called an "N95 mask". All those starting with 95 are of the N95 series. The 90 series is also fine. It doesn't have a higher protection level than the 95 series, but it can still resist over 90%, which is much better than ordinary masks. Under normal circumstances, the N95 series is sufficient for resisting viruses and influenza.
The Chinese standard GB2626 refers to the standard for ordinary KN95 masks. The standard for medical KN95 masks is GB19083. Medical staff and ordinary people who do not come into contact with high-pressure liquid splashes can use ordinary KN95 masks. Another common question is whether to choose a mask with a valve or one without a valve? Ordinary masks with valves are more comfortable. Medical masks are not allowed to have valves. When ordinary people are infected or suspected of being infected, they must choose medical masks without valves. Medical surgical masks, the common standard is YY0469-2010 or YY0469-2011, which is printed on the individual outer packaging of each mask.
How should masks be chosen to prevent novel coronavirus pneumonia? Medical surgical masks are generally used in high-demand environments such as medical clinics, laboratories, and operating rooms, and are the masks worn by medical staff during work. The safety factor is relatively high, and the resistance to bacteria and viruses is also strong. Medical surgical masks can also be used to prevent the flu. "Medical Surgical Masks" is (YY 0469-2011), and "Disposable Medical Masks" is (YY/ T 0969-2013). Disposable medical masks can prevent common splashes of droplets, but they have no protective effect against smog, aerosols, etc
How to wear a mask correctly? It is understood that medical surgical masks have three layers, from the outside to the inside, they are the waterproof layer, the filter layer and the comfort layer. The comfort layer is a layer of non-woven fabric. When wearing it, the white non-woven fabric should face inwards, the blue waterproof layer should face outwards, and the side with the metal sheet should face up. Do not wear it upside down. After hanging the rubber band around your ears, pinch the metal sheet tightly to fit your nose, smooth your cheeks, and try to leave as little gap as possible between the mask and your face. Steps to wear a mask: (1) Pull the mask aside to both sides. Loosen the straps every 2 to 4cm to position the nose clip above the mask. (2) Press the mask against your chin, put it on upwards, and place the straps on the top of your head and the back of your head respectively. (3) Pull the earrings behind the ears and then adjust them. (4) Press the nose clip with both hands to make it fit your nose perfectly, so that the mask fits your face shape. (5) Check the mask's airtightness and adjust it to the most comfortable state.
