F.D.A. to Allow Use of KN95 Masks Approved by China

On Friday, the F.D.A. issued an emergency use authorization for KN95 masks. Regulated by the Chinese government, they are almost identical in performance to N95 masks. There are slight differences in their specifications, like a variation in the maximum pressure the masks must be able to withstand as a person inhales and exhales.

The C.D.C. lists KN95 masks as a suitable alternative when N95s are not available.

The F.D.A. said KN95 masks were eligible for authorization if they met certain criteria, including documentation that they were authentic.

But many hospitals have not been willing to order KN95 masks because of uncertainty over whether imports would be allowed into the United States, as well as potential liability if they turned out to be counterfeit. But for some institutions, that may be a worthwhile risk if the alternative is no masks.

3M , famous manufacturer of N95 face masks, published a table comparison of different face masks specs here.

As one can see the KN95 face masks perform nearly identically to N95 masks. 

And here is a further more detailed analysis of KN95 masks performance vs N95 face masks.

Bottom line: N95s and KN95s are both rated to capture 95% of particles, although only KN95 masks are required to pass fitness tests. N95 masks have slightly stronger requirements for breathability.