How much do you know about the use of KN95 masks?
Since the start of the pandemic, much has been said about masks, especially KN95s. However, have you ever wondered how much you know about them?
KN95 masks continue to be the fundamental pillar to prevent the spread of the pandemic virus. Recently, they have become a trend again due to a policy implemented by the United States.
CDC recommendations about KN95 masks
As far as biosecurity is concerned, the KN95 masks symbolize a good supplement for this purpose. Its high level of protection and filtration protect against saliva droplets that spread coronavirus disease.
The recommendations of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), guide the population towards a better use. In this way, a small but differential grain of sand is provided to put an end to the pandemic.
The CDC states that the best mask is one that provides protection, fit, and safety. In retrospect, they mention that it is always preferable to have one, regardless of the type, to get through the day.
It is also emphasized that they are not necessary in totally open spaces due to the low risk of transmission. Therefore, it is safe in those areas.
Individuals who are not vaccinated against the disease or are immunosuppressed must always remain with the mask. Otherwise, there is a higher risk of coinfection.
Its use is mandatory on planes, trains, buses and any means of transport. It is a promoted measure to prevent contagion in common collective units.
Both the FDA (Food and Drug Administration) and the CDC endorse the use of certified cloth masks. These and the N95 masks are direct alternatives to the KN95.
Among other points, it is positioned that non-approved cloth face masks or disperse fiber face masks are not effective. In contrast, the combination of surgical masks with N95, KN95 or NIOSH doubles the current level of protection.
KN95 vs. N95: Are they so different?
KN95 masks are the most common since the beginning of the pandemic act. Its distribution around the world is wide, but there have also been constant counterfeits that cast doubt on its true capacity.
In the face of that little tirade, the United States has spearheaded the production, development, and marketing of N95 masks. A variety of them that does not differ at all, only the supplier changes.
In other words, the N95s are assembled on American soil while the KN95s are assembled on Chinese soil. Otherwise, they meet the same qualities in terms of biosecurity and filtration power.
Still, another plausible difference is that N95s are certified by the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health. NIOSH stamps its distinctive seal on the product's structure.
At the same time, it shows other classic details such as the model and approval number. The latter consists of a prefix with the alphanumeric designation "TC-84-A...".
In that same group of details, you can see the filter class for the mask plus the traditional NIOSH abbreviation. In turn, it does not describe the usual straps or straps, positioning them in the opposite direction for the head instead of the ears.
KN95 Warnings
Although these masks are widely certified by target agencies in the ROC, there are other caveats. The first of these is its simplicity of imitation, flooding the market with prospects that do not meet the ideal measures.
The second admonition is a study promulgated by the CDC with deafening conclusions. In the essay it is postulated that up to 60% of the KN95 masks worn in the American nation are copies without security identification.
In short, its structure may be similar to the official ones, but it does not guarantee a true sense of protection against the coronavirus disease.
Recommended time to wear the same mask
The dawn of the pandemic brought with it studies and conclusions about the effectiveness of masks after a certain time. Preliminary data speak of a rational use of 4 hours maximum in order to change to another.
However, the human being has learned how to function and other perspectives are already known. For example, the one echoed by the expert Linsey Marr, Civil and Environmental Engineer.
"Many people believe that 40 hours is fine, but the reality is different. They will not degrade unless they suffer major damage from friction, punctures or cuts. That's when they lose their high filtration ability."
The 40-hour range is commented on because it is on average the limit at which straps and braces tend to fail. In other words, they are more likely to be discarded due to a failure in their structure than for their filtration limit to decrease exponentially.
Obviously, in special situations for health professionals exposed to the first line of contagion in hospitals, the verdict is different. In these cases, it is advisable to change the masks periodically, especially in contact with possible infected or sick people.
This is where the warning on masks in general is emphasized: "use only once". In this way, a less prone scenario for cross-contamination will be promoted.
Is it possible to reuse them?
The question of how long you can wear a mask is as common as the question of its reuse. The field of expertise recommends that as long as the front end is not contaminated, it is highly likely.
The population is encouraged to always remove the KN95 or N95 mask from the straps, without touching the mentioned area. Thus, the risk of contamination will decrease in favor of its repeated use.
It should be noted that the same specialist opinion gives way to safe reuse even after visiting closed spaces. If there was no unfortunate direct contact with a possible infected person, the filtering power of the mask will preserve it intact.
Vice versa, if the mask was contaminated by the "spray" of saliva droplets from a possible infected person, the horizon changes. Also, if it has been damaged in any way by getting wet, bent, wrinkled, torn or dirty.
Another predisposing factor that supports its reuse is conscious and consistent social distancing. At more than 2 meters between person and person, the efficiency of KN95 masks rises.
They can NOT be disinfected or washed
The masks of this class are designed so that their structure filters and traps particles from the environment. Microorganisms such as SARS-CoV-2 are prone to this effect, destroying themselves by continuous exposure to the temperature of the environment.
Not being able to infect and be chained to the KN95, simply with the passing of the hours it will be eliminated. The problem lies when it is thought that face masks can be washed or disinfected, harmfully affecting their conformation.
When they get wet and are subjected to the friction of a washing machine, the quality of the microfiber is reduced. It means that, for nothing in the world, can they be subjected to such daily processes.