Can KN95 masks prevent droplets?

Jul 17, 2024 Source: Cainiu Health
Disease description:

I currently cannot purchase medical surgical masks, but I have a few KN95 masks at home. May I ask, can KN95 masks protect against droplets?

Doctor's answer (1)
Dr. Yang Ziqi
KN95 masks can protect against droplets. KN95 masks are manufactured according to international standards and have a filtration efficiency of over 95% for non-oily particles with a physical diameter of 0.075μm or larger. Since the physical diameter of most viruses is approximately 0.075μm, KN95 masks can effectively guard against the majority of viruses present in droplets. However, the filtration effectiveness is not 100%, and virus sizes may vary, so they cannot guarantee complete protection against all viruses. Additionally, attention should be paid to the duration of KN95 mask use. Continuous wear is generally recommended not to exceed 4 hours, and masks should be replaced promptly if they become damp or damaged. While wearing a KN95 mask, maintaining a safe distance from potentially infected individuals is also important to further enhance protective effectiveness.