After a few months of "out of stock" responses, we finally got in a case of real N-95 masks. We've been using the KN-95 masks for months, and studies show little real world difference between the two. N-95s meet US standards, and are generally manufactured here (largely by 3M); KN95s come from China (no, the K does not stand for "Knock-off"), and there is a bit of variation in effectiveness between manufactures. Both stop 95% of particles in the 0.3 micron range but, interestingly, they work much better for both larger and smaller particles. At 0.1 micron, the size of a Covid virus, they only let through 0.1% of the particles - pretty darn good. (in passing, avoid the masks with an exhaust valve - they filter air coming in, but not air going out, so you don't protect anyone else should you be infected.)
We've used surgical masks for years, particularly for our crews cleaning health care facilities. The much more effective KN-95s have made a lot of sense; now, the N-95s will likely give us slightly better protection and, perhaps as important, will instill a bit more confidence in our staff and our clients. And, since we do a bit of emergency electrostatic Covid remediation, any extra safety we can provide is all to the good.
Here's a bit more on the KN-95 vs N-95 difference.
In passing, might be a good idea to cancel that trip to South Africa.....
