Are KF94 Masks Effective—And How Are They Different From KN95 Masks?

by BE HEALTHY USA on Feb 01, 2021

Are KF94 Masks Effective And How Are They Different From KN95 Masks?

What do doctors think of KF94 masks?

Experts say they're worth trying. "Clearly, we need good masks now," Rajeev Fernando, MD, an infectious disease physician working in field hospitals across the country, tells Health. "N95 is the gold standard, followed closely by the KN95 and KF94."

But Dr. Adalja points out that KF94 masks—along with N95s and KN95s—can be harder to breathe in than cloth face masks. "They're more difficult to wear," he says, adding, "I don't think that the general public needs to wear a mask at this filtration level." Still, he says, a KF94 "doesn't take away from hospital supplies," which is important for the medical community.

In general, Dr. Andrabi says that "wearing masks help slow the spread of COVID-19" and the KF94 mask is "another type of mask that is available to the public." KF94 masks aren't perfect, though. "They don't last as long as a cloth mask and cannot be washed," Dr. Andrabi. But, she adds, "The most important thing is to 'mask up,' so wearing the mask you feel comfortable keeping on is of utmost importance."

How to buy KF94 masks

There are some KF94 masks for sale at Amazon, but Collins is concerned about potential counterfeits, given that this has been a problem for the site with other mask styles. "Amazon doesn't have any method of qualifying the vendor," he points out. "But, if you go to Target, Walmart, Lowe's, Ace Hardware, or a store like that, you know there was someone affiliated with the company who purchased those."

Right now, major retailers don't sell KF94 masks due to an export ban from South Korea that lasted until the end of July, Collins says, adding, "we're just now starting to see them come in."

Bizarrely enough, Collins says his tests have found the highest quality KF94 masks through Korean beauty websites like BeHealthyUSA.net. "These sites are the first to import these masks in the US," he says.

Pro tip, per Collins if you decide to try out KF94 masks: Do a small order and make sure the masks fit your face before ordering more. "If you find out they don't fit, you're going to be left with 99 other masks that don't work for you," he says.

The information in this story is accurate as of press time. However, as the situation surrounding COVID-19 continues to evolve, it's possible that some data have changed since publication. While Health is trying to keep our stories as up-to-date as possible, we also encourage readers to stay informed on news and recommendations for their own communities by using the CDC, WHO, and their local public health department as resources.