An KN95 filter respirator, also commonly abbreviated as KN95 filter respirators, is a full-face particulate-filter respirator. There are four types of KN95 Mask respirators available to protect you from hazardous exposure to hazardous materials. The first is the basic hard hat respirator with face mask and throat guard. This is the most common type of KN95 respirators available for purchase. The wearer must still wear protective eyewear when working with hazardous substances. The other types are the disposable KN95 respirators that are worn under any type of facial mask; the silencers; the particulate respirators; and the personal protective equipment or PRU respirators.
Respirators and KN95 masks differ in several important ways. First, the protective factors are different. These differences also indicate the different testing methods. One may fail to protect a worker from chemical fumes and particulates while another will effectively prevent such particles from entering the lungs.
KN95 respirators are available in both hard and soft fabric face coverings. Most KN95 respirators are offered with both a hard face mask and a soft face mask. In addition to offering protection against chemical fumes and particulates, Kn95 respirators are also available with disposable or full face masks. While most KN95 respirators have been tested and found to protect the wearer against particles and gases, there are some respirators that were not tested and still provide protection to the general public.
While the KN95 respirators that are available for the general public are generally safe, some of these KN95 respirators are actually considered hazardous materials under federal law. As a result, when choosing this type of personal protective equipment, it is imperative that the wearer purchases a respirator that complies with all of the regulations.
Some general considerations of respirators include:
• Ease of Use. All individuals should have no difficulty finding appropriate and secure Kn95 respirators. The types of respirators vary based on what they are being used for, so there are several factors to consider before purchasing one. For example, if the respirator will be worn in a food processing environment or industrial setting, it will need to offer adequate comfort and protection from airborne particles as well as moisture. The size of the respirator should also be in accordance with its intended purpose. KN95 personal protective equipment should be properly fit for the wearer in order to avoid inadvertent exposure to particles and mist.
• Protection. Although many people associate KN95 personal protective equipment with strictly industrial and food processing environments, it is important to also consider what it can do in the event of a chemical spill or other emergency. Typically, KN95 decontamination units are available in both mobile and permanent versions that will provide complete safety for the worker. However, if the user will be using the respirators for more than just a single event, it may be more cost effective to purchase a portable unit that will last longer than the stationary variety. Portable units that feature a HEPA filtration system will likely need to be worn at all times in order to provide complete protection, but will allow the individual to use the respirators at any time, without having to worry about being adversely affected by the effects of airborne chemicals.
• Durability. This is another factor to consider when choosing between the many different styles and brands of KN95 respirators on the market today. There are disposable varieties available, as well as ones that are designed to be worn over multiple occasions, such as those that are disposable. There are also industrial and tactical masks that have been designed specifically to work with standard KN95 filters, providing more durable performance. All of these factors will help to determine which style of respirators will best suit your needs and your budget.
