These face masks are almost similar having 95% filtration of particles >0.3 microns in size. Different countries use different codes and numbers to name their respiratory face masks.
- The N95 face mask is the USA standard, (95% filtration)
- The KN95 face mask is the Chinese standard, (95% filtration)
- FFP2 face mask is the EU standard. This includes the UK. (94% filtration)
N indicates that the mask is non resistant to oil, these face masks can be used to protect non-oil suspended particles; 95 defines that the filtration efficiency is greater than or equal to 95%, indicating that this respirator can block at least 95% of very small (0.3-micron level) test particles. The KN95 face masks still creates a seal around a wearer’s mouth to block dangerous particles, but it was manufactured under slightly different regulatory and testing standards than N95 face masks masks.