N95 vs. KN95 Masks: Everything You Need to Know About Their Differences

Trying to keep up with changing masking guidance from public health officials has been challenging to say the least. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) first said that masks weren’t necessary to help fight the spread of COVID-19, then said they were but stressed that N95 masks should be reserved for healthcare workers. Now, the CDC says that N95 masks and KN95 masks are some of the best ways to protect yourself against the spread of COVID-19—including the Omicron variant and its symptoms, “stealth” variant and more—and opened them up to everyone. But, with that, many people are weighing N95 vs. KN95 masks: What’s the difference? Here’s what you need to know, plus where to find them.N95 vs. KN95 masks: What’s the difference?N95 masks are the gold standard of face masks and are highly protective against COVID-19 when they’re used properly, says Thomas Russo, M.D., professor and chief of infectious disease at the University at Buffalo in New York.N95 masks are particulat...