N95 RESPIRATORS
A N95 respirator is a respiratory protective device designed to achieve a very close facial fit and very efficient filtration of airborne particles. The 'N95' designation means that when subjected to careful testing, the respirator blocks at least 95 percent of very small (0.3 micron) test particles. If properly fitted, the filtration capabilities of N95 respirators exceed those of surgical masks.
The N95 respirator and its alternatives are:
i) N95 (United States NOSH-42CFR84)
ii) FFP/CE certified (Europe EN 149-2001)
iii) KN95 (China GB2626-2006)
MEDICAL MASKS
medical mask (face mask) is a loose-fitting, disposable mask that creates a physical barrier between the mouth and nose of the wearer and potential contaminants in the immediate environment. While a medical mask may be effective in blocking splashes and large-particle droplets, it does not filter or block very small particles in the air that may be transmitted by coughs, sneezes, or certain medical procedures. Medical masks are made in different thicknesses and with different ability to protect you from contact with liquids.
CLOTH MASKS
A cloth mask is a mask made of cotton or any other material worn over the mouth and nose. These are NOT the same as respirators or surgical masks.These are usually washable and reusable and recommended for usage by general public for day-to-day use. It is important to remember these cloth face coverings should be regularly washed and air-dried to avoid any infection.