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Have you chosen the right non-woven mask? How to select a mask that’s right for us.
Release date:
2022/05/19
Common types of masks include: cotton masks, disposable masks (such as surgical masks), and medical protective masks (N95/KN95 masks).
Among these, medical anti-virus masks (N95/KN95 masks) and medical surgical masks have both been designated as medical products by the state since the SARS outbreak in 2003. They are designed to prevent the passage of liquids and droplets. When worn correctly, they can effectively help prevent the spread of droplet-borne diseases. These are our top choice for face masks. They typically consist of multiple layers of non-woven fabric.
Medical protective masks shall comply with China’s mandatory GB 19083-2010 standard, with a filtration efficiency of ≥95% (tested using non-oily particulates). They must pass the synthetic blood penetration test (to prevent splashes of body fluids) and meet microbiological criteria.
The N95 is one of nine respirator models certified by the U.S. National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, designed to protect against particulate matter. The “N” stands for non-oily particles—cooking fumes are oily particles, whereas droplets produced by speaking or coughing are not—and the “95” indicates a filtration efficiency of 95% according to NIOSH standards. Moreover, this mask fits very closely to the wearer’s face. It can filter out airborne particles and block contaminants such as droplets, blood, bodily fluids, and secretions. It is a commonly used personal protective equipment for guarding against airborne diseases.
N95 is not a specific product name. Products that meet the N95 standard and are approved by NIOSH can be referred to as N95 masks.
Microorganisms are classified as non-oily particulate matter. In the NIOSH standard classification used for particulate respirators, the "N" category is designated for filtering non-oily particles. For example, soot generated during frying is an oily particulate, whereas droplets produced when speaking or coughing are not.
In China, it is the national standard KN95, which refers to the classification of non-oily particulate matter masks according to the national standard GB2626-2006. The KN rating is applicable for filtering non-oily particulate matter. The numerical part of the rating is standardized identically in both countries. The “95” indicates a filtration efficiency of ≥95%.
The three standard filtration efficiency testing methods described above are identical, and therefore the filtration efficiency levels are consistent.
In addition, there are FFP2 masks conforming to European standards (providing protection against both oil and non-oil particles, as well as protection against viruses and bacteria, with a filtration efficiency of approximately 94% to 95%) and FFP3 masks conforming to European standards (also providing protection against both oil and non-oil particles, as well as protection against viruses and bacteria, with a filtration efficiency of around 99%).
Medical masks are used in environments where there is a risk of splashes of bodily fluids and blood. Like commonly used masks, these masks—when contaminated by bodily fluids—can prevent the wearer from continuing to use them. They offer a bacterial filtration efficiency of over 95%, but their particle filtration efficiency is relatively limited. Most medical masks have a rectangular design that ensures a snug fit against the face and provides the same protective function as medical protective masks. Common types of surgical masks include those with ties and those with ear loops.
Viruses are the smallest particles we come into contact with every day. We’re familiar with PM2.5—particles with a diameter of 2.5 micrometers or smaller—but viruses have diameters ranging from 0.02 to 0.3 micrometers. Given how tiny viruses are, aren’t they actually not very dangerous?
A common misconception is that a mask functions like a sieve: particles smaller than the sieve’s openings can pass through, while particles larger than the openings are blocked. In reality, the N95 mask is most effective precisely in the range between large and smallest particles.
The mask is a multi-layer composite structure. The N95/KN95 mask consists of an innermost and an outermost nonwoven layer, an intermediate electrostatic layer, and a meltblown nonwoven layer, whereas the medical surgical mask comprises a nonwoven layer and a meltblown nonwoven layer. In addition to providing structural support, the nonwoven layers also act as partial filters, effectively blocking particles of larger diameters. The meltblown nonwoven material features an ultrafine fiber structure and excellent filtration performance, enabling it to capture particles of medium size. Moreover, the electrostatic layer plays a crucial role in electrostatic adsorption—particularly for very small particles that are extremely lightweight, which are then efficiently captured by the layer.
The larger the particles, the better the filtration effect; the smaller the particles, the better the adsorption effect. Medium-sized particles are most likely to escape through the filter. According to extensive experiments, the particle size range falls between 0.2 and 0.8 micrometers. Therefore, in GB 2626-2006 “Respiratory Protective Equipment—Self-Contained Filtering Respirators for Particulate Matter,” the leakage detection requirements specify a particle size range of 0.02 to 2 micrometers, with a median size between 0.3 and 0.6 micrometers.
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John Han
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