Infographic | Know Your Mask

February 2022

Find out the differences between Surgical N95, Industrial N95, and KN95 masks in terms of their particle and fluid protection, regulatory approval, where they’re used, and how they seal onto the face.

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Surgical N95 Industrial N95 K95 mask
Surgical N95
Industrial N95
KN95
Particle Protection
Filters at least 95% of airborne particles, including viruses and bacteria Filters at least 95% of airborne particles, including viruses and bacteria May not provide the wearer with reliable respiratory protection due to looser fit*
Fluid Protection
Yes No No
Regulatory Approval
FDA, NIOSH NIOSH Chinese National Medical Products Administration
Used In
Medical settings where fluid exposure is possible (e.g., some surgeries) Medical settings where fluid resistance is not required Not approved for use in U.S. medical settings
Face Seal
Head straps, adjustable noseclip help provide a tight face seal Head straps, adjustable noseclip help provide a tight face seal Ear loops, looser fitting
* “ECRI reported 60-70% of KN95s it tested didn’t properly filter 95% of particles as they claimed.”
Beckers Hospital Review, 2.1.2022
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