Haze: Which Mask To Choose?
No one wants to talk about masks anymore. Especially after years through the pandemic where masks have been the symbol of freedom restriction and despair.
Gladly and sadly, people are once again focusing on face masks not due to COVID-19 but due to the haze. Before the COVID-19 pandemic, surge in face mask demand was mainly due to the haze in Malaysia.
Returning to ‘normal’ also means we are once again facing the haze problem that has been troubling us for years.
Everyone is a face mask expert after going through the pandemic. However, does the same apply to the haze? Is KF95 still more superior than other masks when it comes to the haze?
Let’s find out!
N95
N95 masks are known for their excellent filtration rate in exchange for comfort. N95 was uncommon among Malaysians during the pandemic. As masks were compulsory during those times, wearing N95 for long hours was not preferred by Malaysians compared to N95’s counterparts – KF95 and KN95.
N95 is still the best mask out there and recommended by most if not all professionals for haze purposes.
N95 can filter 95% against particles that are about 0.1 micron to 0.3 micron. In other words, N95 is very effective in filtering fine particles.
KN95
KN95 is very similar to N95 in terms of filtration of particles. The main difference being they receive certification from different countries. KN95 receives the certification from China.
KF94
Similar to the difference between the two aforementioned, KF94 is certified by South Korea to filter at least 94% of small particles. KF94 has an easily distinguishable look from other masks.
3 Ply Mask
3 Ply Mask is not recommended for the haze. These ‘regular’ masks do not have a fitting fit to prevent the flow of haze particles.
You might feel comfortable with these masks but that is because these masks are allowing all air particles to pass through!
Conclusion: N95 masks are still the best option when it comes to the haze. KN95 and KF94 masks are good options for the haze too as they offer better comfort. Want to know more about the tips to protect yourself from the haze? You may explore more in this article.
Want to know more? Visit your nearby CARiNG, Georgetown or Welling’s Pharmacy. You can also ASK US through our Facebook Livechat here!
References:
- Lai A. Don’t be hazy when it comes to using the right face mask [Internet]. 2023 [cited 2023 Oct 3]. Available from: https://www.thestar.com.my/news/nation/2023/04/26/dont-be-hazy-when-it-comes-to-using-the-right-face-mask
- Maddipatla M, Leo L. Explainer: N95? KF94? which mask is best at protecting against covid-19 [Internet]. Thomson Reuters; 2022 [cited 2023 Oct 3]. Available from: https://www.reuters.com/business/healthcare-pharmaceuticals/n95-kf94-which-mask-is-best-protecting-against-covid-19-2022-01-18/
- FAQs on Haze Health Advisory [Internet]. [cited 2023 Oct 3]. Available from: https://www.moh.gov.sg/resources-statistics/educational-resources/haze/faqs-on-haze-health-advisory
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