Whether you're wearing an N95, a KN95 or a KF94, it won't be effective unless the face mask fits your face properly and you can wear it consistently, the CDC says. Bob Bollinger, professor of infectious diseases at Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine and founder of Emocha Health. 'I would recommend a high-quality KF94 or KN95 for high-risk situations,' said Dr. (Neither KN95s nor KF94s are NIOSH-approved.) Another alternative is the KF94, the South Korean equivalent to an N95, which has a slightly different shape and 94% filtration efficacy. KN95s are made from the same material as N95s and are also designed to filter at least 95% of airborne particles. One popular alternative to the N95 is the KN95 respirator, which is the Chinese equivalent of the US standard. The CDC recommends N95s labeled 'surgical' for health care personnel. Joseph Health and author of Immunity Strong. Bob Lahita, director of the Institute for Autoimmune and Rheumatic Disease at St. 'An N95 is the best, if you can get it,' said Dr.

These include N95 respirators, a disposable face covering that filters out at least 95% of airborne particles.

cloth masksĪccording to the CDC's updated guidance, a well-fitting respirator that is approved by the the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health offers the 'highest level of protection' out of any face covering. Read more: 8 COVID-19 Mask Myths to Stop Believing Today Disposable N95, KN95, KF94 masks vs. Their advice is below, followed by some updated recommendations based on their expertise. We talked to two infectious disease specialists to determine the best face mask and face covering to protect yourself against the coronavirus in 2022, given the rapidly changing landscape. If you're higher-risk for COVID because of your job or health status, that's especially important information to keep in mind. Surgical masks and KN95s provide more protection than cloth face coverings, and approved well-fitting respirators such as N95s provide the most protection, according to the CDC. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's current mask guidance strongly advises against using any 'loosely woven cloth products,' which provide little protection against COVID-19. But if you're using a homemade cloth mask, you may be at higher risk than you think. With the highly contagious BA.5 variant now constituting the vast majority of COVID-19 cases, wearing a mask is key to slowing transmission and staying safe. For the most up-to-date news and information about the coronavirus pandemic, visit the WHO and CDC websites.

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