N95 mask, also known as an N95 respirator, is a respiratory protective device designed to achieve a very close facial fit and very efficient filtration of airborne particles, according to the Food and Drug Administration.The edges of the respirator are designed to form a seal around the nose and mouth.
N95 particulate respirators are arranged for a photograph in Hong Kong, China, on Monday, April 6, 2020 (Credit: Justin Chin/Bloomberg via Getty Images) According to the CDC, the mask is called an N95 because it is the U.S.
standard that requires masks to be able to filter out at least 95% of very small particles — including droplets from the coronavirus.
With such similar-sounding names, it can be confusing to understand the difference between N95 and KN95 masks. Earlier this month, the CDC updated its masking guidelines stating respirators such as N95 and KN95 "offer the highest level of protection".