{"id":20865,"date":"2024-05-28T19:58:27","date_gmt":"2024-05-28T11:58:27","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/smartairfilters.com\/?p=20865"},"modified":"2024-05-28T19:58:28","modified_gmt":"2024-05-28T11:58:28","slug":"3-steps-to-find-authentic-kn95-masks-and-avoid-fakes","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/smartairfilters.com\/en\/blog\/3-steps-to-find-authentic-kn95-masks-and-avoid-fakes\/","title":{"rendered":"3 Steps to Spot Authentic KN95 Masks and Avoid Fakes"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>KN95 masks are one of the most popular respiratory masks on the market for COVID-19 protection. The CDC states that authentic KN95 masks provide the highest protection against COVID-19. The issue is the CDC stated that 60% of KN95 masks on the market do not actually pass KN95 standards. So how can you make sure you are buying effective and authentic KN95 masks?<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full is-resized\"><img fetchpriority=\"high\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"2560\" height=\"1707\" src=\"https:\/\/smartairfilters.com\/wordpress\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/02\/pexels-markus-winkler-5148352-scaled.jpg\" alt=\"How to find reliable, authentic KN95 masks?\" class=\"wp-image-20870\" style=\"width:607px;height:404px\" srcset=\"https:\/\/smartairfilters.com\/wordpress\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/02\/pexels-markus-winkler-5148352-scaled.jpg 2560w, https:\/\/smartairfilters.com\/wordpress\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/02\/pexels-markus-winkler-5148352-600x400.jpg 600w, https:\/\/smartairfilters.com\/wordpress\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/02\/pexels-markus-winkler-5148352-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/smartairfilters.com\/wordpress\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/02\/pexels-markus-winkler-5148352-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/smartairfilters.com\/wordpress\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/02\/pexels-markus-winkler-5148352-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/smartairfilters.com\/wordpress\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/02\/pexels-markus-winkler-5148352-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/smartairfilters.com\/wordpress\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/02\/pexels-markus-winkler-5148352-2048x1365.jpg 2048w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 2560px) 100vw, 2560px\" \/><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n<p>Many people are currently looking for reliable masks, but don\u2019t have the $5,000 needed for a Met One test device. As such, we\u2019ve put together this handy 3-step guide on finding reliable, authentic KN95 masks.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center\"><\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"text-align: center\" data-nosnippet=\"true\">\n<h3 style=\"text-align: center\">WATCH: How to Find Reliable N95 Masks<\/h3>\n<div class=\"lyte-wrapper\" title=\"How to Find and Source Reliable N95 &amp;amp; KN95 Masks?\" style=\"width:640px;max-width:100%;margin:5px auto;\"><div class=\"lyMe hidef\" id=\"WYL_cAL2vK9gPoU\" itemprop=\"video\" itemscope itemtype=\"https:\/\/schema.org\/VideoObject\"><div><meta itemprop=\"thumbnailUrl\" content=\"https:\/\/smartairfilters.com\/wordpress\/wp-content\/plugins\/wp-youtube-lyte\/lyteCache.php?origThumbUrl=https%3A%2F%2Fi.ytimg.com%2Fvi%2FcAL2vK9gPoU%2Fmaxresdefault.jpg\" \/><meta itemprop=\"embedURL\" content=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/cAL2vK9gPoU\" \/><meta itemprop=\"duration\" content=\"PT3M58S\" \/><meta itemprop=\"uploadDate\" content=\"2020-06-16T11:31:34Z\" \/><\/div><meta itemprop=\"accessibilityFeature\" content=\"captions\" \/><div id=\"lyte_cAL2vK9gPoU\" data-src=\"https:\/\/smartairfilters.com\/wordpress\/wp-content\/plugins\/wp-youtube-lyte\/lyteCache.php?origThumbUrl=https%3A%2F%2Fi.ytimg.com%2Fvi%2FcAL2vK9gPoU%2Fmaxresdefault.jpg\" class=\"pL\"><div class=\"tC\"><div class=\"tT\" itemprop=\"name\">How to Find and Source Reliable N95 &amp; KN95 Masks?<\/div><\/div><div class=\"play\"><\/div><div class=\"ctrl\"><div class=\"Lctrl\"><\/div><div class=\"Rctrl\"><\/div><\/div><\/div><noscript><a href=\"https:\/\/youtu.be\/cAL2vK9gPoU\" rel=\"nofollow\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/smartairfilters.com\/wordpress\/wp-content\/plugins\/wp-youtube-lyte\/lyteCache.php?origThumbUrl=https%3A%2F%2Fi.ytimg.com%2Fvi%2FcAL2vK9gPoU%2F0.jpg\" alt=\"How to Find and Source Reliable N95 &amp;amp; KN95 Masks?\" width=\"640\" height=\"340\" \/><br \/>Watch this video on YouTube<\/a><\/noscript><meta itemprop=\"description\" content=\"After doing tests on 31 masks from 19 suppliers in China, we discovered that half of them did not meet the N95\/KN95 standards in filtering virus-sized particles. In this simple 3-step guide, find out how to search for reliable N95 mask suppliers and do simple structural tests to assess the quality of the masks. Full Article on how to find reliable N95 mask manufacturers &amp; suppliers: \ud83d\udc49 https:\/\/smartairfilters.com\/en\/blog\/reliable-n95-mask-manufacturers-suppliers\/ FDA list of approved models of surgical, N95 and non-N95 masks: \ud83d\udc49 https:\/\/www.fda.gov\/medical-devices\/coronavirus-disease-2019-covid-19-emergency-use-authorizations-medical-devices\/personal-protective-equipment-euas Smart Air is a social enterprise dedicated to helping people protect themselves from the harms of air pollution through education and low-cost purifiers. \u2022 Subscribe: https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/SmartAirFilters \u2022 LinkedIn: https:\/\/www.linkedin.com\/company\/smart-air-filters\/ \u2022 Facebook: https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/smartairfilters \u2022 Twitter: https:\/\/twitter.com\/SmartAirFilters \u2022 Instagram: https:\/\/www.instagram.com\/smartairfilters\/ \u2022 Volunteer: https:\/\/smartairfilters.com\/en\/volunteer-at-smart-air\/ \u2022 Shop: https:\/\/smartairfilters.com\/en\/shop\/ For business enquiries, email us directly at info@smartairfilters.com.\"><\/div><\/div><div class=\"lL\" style=\"max-width:100%;width:640px;margin:5px auto;\"><br\/><span class=\"lyte_disclaimer\">Subscribe to <a href=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/smartairfilters?sub_confirmation=1\">Smart Air on YouTube<\/a> <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/smartairfilters.com\/images\/smartair_youtube.ico\" alt=\"Smart Air Youtube\"\/><\/span><\/div><\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-align-center\">How to Spot Real KN95 Masks<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-align-center\">1. Find the KN95 mask brand test results on the CDC website<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>The CDC website <a href=\"https:\/\/www.cdc.gov\/niosh\/npptl\/respirators\/testing\/NonNIOSHresults.html\">lists lab test results<\/a> of hundreds of KN95 masks. Find a kn95 mask by its manufacturer and model number. Avoid purchasing any KN95 masks that have a minimum filtration % under 95%. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-align-center\">2. Check the quality of the mask<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Do a quality check of a KN95 mask yourself by checking:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>a) <strong>Nose piece: <\/strong>Is the metal bar stuck down to the mask well? Does the metal bar snap easily after just a few bends?<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>b) <strong>Seals and joins of masks: <\/strong>Is the section where both sides of the mask join easy to come apart? Try gently pulling to see how well the mask pieces are stuck together<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>c) <strong>Strap and middle join areas: <\/strong>Are the masks thinner where the straps join the mask? Do the straps easily snap off if pulled gently?<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Here are some examples of masks that didn\u2019t pass our simple structural test:<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"2000\" height=\"912\" src=\"https:\/\/smartairfilters.com\/wordpress\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/05\/Split-masks-and-broken-metal-nose-clip.jpg\" alt=\"Split masks and broken metal nose clip\" class=\"wp-image-10737\" srcset=\"https:\/\/smartairfilters.com\/wordpress\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/05\/Split-masks-and-broken-metal-nose-clip.jpg 2000w, https:\/\/smartairfilters.com\/wordpress\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/05\/Split-masks-and-broken-metal-nose-clip-600x274.jpg 600w, https:\/\/smartairfilters.com\/wordpress\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/05\/Split-masks-and-broken-metal-nose-clip-1024x467.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/smartairfilters.com\/wordpress\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/05\/Split-masks-and-broken-metal-nose-clip-300x137.jpg 300w, https:\/\/smartairfilters.com\/wordpress\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/05\/Split-masks-and-broken-metal-nose-clip-768x350.jpg 768w, https:\/\/smartairfilters.com\/wordpress\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/05\/Split-masks-and-broken-metal-nose-clip-1536x700.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\" \/><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n<p>If the seals, nose pieces, or straps break easily, then it may be an indication that the masks are not made of high quality.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-align-center\">3. Check for mask certifications<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Check KN95 mask certification, and confirm the mask was tested by an ISO\/IEC 17025-accredited test laboratory in China (where the KN95 standard comes from). Make sure the laboratory is on the <a href=\"https:\/\/web.archive.org\/web\/20220324072502\/https:\/\/economie.fgov.be\/sites\/default\/files\/Files\/Entreprises\/laboratories-accredited-by-cnas-for-testing-of-maks.pdf\">list of known\u00a0ISO\/IEC 17025 accredited test laboratories in China<\/a> capable of evaluating the performance of KN95 masks<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>KN95 masks manufactured after July 2021 should have specific marketing on the mask, as shown below.<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image is-style-default\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"596\" height=\"348\" src=\"https:\/\/smartairfilters.com\/wordpress\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/02\/KN95-Markings-Graphic.png\" alt=\"KN95 mask markings\" class=\"wp-image-20868\" srcset=\"https:\/\/smartairfilters.com\/wordpress\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/02\/KN95-Markings-Graphic.png 596w, https:\/\/smartairfilters.com\/wordpress\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/02\/KN95-Markings-Graphic-300x175.png 300w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 596px) 100vw, 596px\" \/><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n<p>Note: While certifications are important in determining if a mask is an effective and authentic KN95 mask, they can not be solely relied upon. A NIOSH review of documents from Chinese companies found a significant amount of falsified documentation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-left\"><a href=\"https:\/\/smartairfilters.com\/en\/blog\/whats-difference-between-n95-kn95-masks\">Read More: What&#8217;s the Difference Between KN95 and N95 Masks?<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-css-opacity\" \/>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-align-center\">Conclusion on How to Find Certified Authentic KN95 Masks<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>It\u2019s important to do your checks prior to purchasing your masks. The three tips above can be considered initial steps in checking the source of your masks. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>If you would like help sourcing masks in China, Smart Air may be able to help. As a social enterprise, we can provide <a href=\"https:\/\/smartairfilters.com\/en\/product\/mask-effieicncy-test-certification\/\">mask testing services<\/a> to test the filtration performance of masks, and can also help provide information on the factories we tested. For more information, email&nbsp; <a href=\"mailto:info+mask@smartairfilters.com\">info+mask@smartairfilters.com<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>UPDATE:<\/strong> The Chinese Government has now put very strict regulations on which companies can manufacture and export masks. Only a handful of companies are now officially allowed to export masks. These can be found in the following two lists:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ol class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><a href=\"\/wordpress\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/06\/non-medical-mask-whitelisting.xlsx\">Whitelist of Non-Medical Grade Mask Companies Able to Export<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>A whitelist<a href=\"http:\/\/smartairfilters.com\/wordpress\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/06\/medical-mask-whitelisting.xlsx\"> of Medical Grade Mask Companies Able to Export<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-css-opacity\" \/>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-align-center\">WHAT NEXT?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Along with wearing masks, air purifiers with HEPA filters are also one of the best ways to stay safe from a variety of pollutants in our air including viruses and dangerous PM2.5. A recent CDC study confirmed significantly <a href=\"https:\/\/smartairfilters.com\/en\/blog\/cdc-study-hepa-air-purifiers-reduced-covid-19-virus-spread-schools\/\">lower COVID-19 infection rates in schools<\/a> that used HEPA air purifiers. HEPA filters can significantly <strong>lower the risk of a variety of deadly diseases<\/strong> including diabetes, heart disease, cancer, and high blood pressure.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/smartairfilters.com\/en\/blog\/four-steps-to-choosing-the-best-air-purifier\/\">Read More: Four Steps to Choosing the Best Air Purifier<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Smart Air is a certified B Corp committed to combating the myths big companies use to inflate the price of clean air.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p id=\"block-ca39512a-577d-40c9-829a-36731407238f\"><strong>Experience breathing truly clean air<\/strong> with gimmick-free, effective air purifiers that won&#8217;t break the bank. Join the clean air movement.<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"900\" height=\"500\" src=\"https:\/\/smartairfilters.com\/wordpress\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/CLEAN-AIR.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-28073\" srcset=\"https:\/\/smartairfilters.com\/wordpress\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/CLEAN-AIR.jpg 900w, https:\/\/smartairfilters.com\/wordpress\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/CLEAN-AIR-600x333.jpg 600w, https:\/\/smartairfilters.com\/wordpress\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/CLEAN-AIR-300x167.jpg 300w, https:\/\/smartairfilters.com\/wordpress\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/CLEAN-AIR-768x427.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 900px) 100vw, 900px\" \/><\/figure><\/div>\n\n<div class=\"gb-button-wrapper gb-button-wrapper-017c568a\">\n\n<a class=\"gb-button gb-button-e405a36e gb-button-text\" href=\"https:\/\/smartairfilters.com\/en\/product\/sqair-air-purifier\/\">Check out the Sqair!<\/a>\n\n<\/div>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>KN95 masks are one of the most popular respiratory masks on the market for COVID-19 protection. The CDC states that authentic KN95 masks provide the highest protection against COVID-19. The issue is the CDC stated that 60% of KN95 masks on the market do not actually pass KN95 standards. So &#8230; <\/p>\n<p class=\"read-more-container\"><a title=\"3 Steps to Spot Authentic KN95 Masks and Avoid Fakes\" class=\"read-more button\" href=\"https:\/\/smartairfilters.com\/en\/blog\/3-steps-to-find-authentic-kn95-masks-and-avoid-fakes\/#more-20865\" aria-label=\"Read more about 3 Steps to Spot Authentic KN95 Masks and Avoid Fakes\">Read more<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":9087,"featured_media":31259,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"_relevanssi_hide_post":"","_relevanssi_hide_content":"","_relevanssi_pin_for_all":"","_relevanssi_pin_keywords":"","_relevanssi_unpin_keywords":"","_relevanssi_related_keywords":"","_relevanssi_related_include_ids":"","_relevanssi_related_exclude_ids":"","_relevanssi_related_no_append":"","_relevanssi_related_not_related":"","_relevanssi_related_posts":"10248,9858,10649,22047,9995,10651","_relevanssi_noindex_reason":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[17,469,187],"tags":[487,808],"class_list":["post-20865","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-air-pollution","category-coronavirus","category-masks","tag-covid-19","tag-kn95-masks","resize-featured-image"],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/smartairfilters.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/20865","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/smartairfilters.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/smartairfilters.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/smartairfilters.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/9087"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/smartairfilters.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=20865"}],"version-history":[{"count":14,"href":"https:\/\/smartairfilters.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/20865\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":31260,"href":"https:\/\/smartairfilters.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/20865\/revisions\/31260"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/smartairfilters.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/31259"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/smartairfilters.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=20865"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/smartairfilters.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=20865"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/smartairfilters.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=20865"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}