Now that new and more infectious COVID-19 variants are emerging all over the world, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) continues to amplify the need for universal mask-wearing to further slow down the spread of the coronavirus. Despite encouraging both healthcare sectors and the general public to go for medical-grade masks like N95 or KN95 respirators which block 95% of nanoparticles in the air, such personal protective equipment (PPE) remains in short supply. 

While American manufacturers are stepping up their production for N95 and KN95 respirators, the CDC published new research material on the effectiveness of layering cloth over a surgical mask or double-masking. Any other layer combination is not recommended. Aside from adding a layer of protection of up to 70-90%, resorting to double-masking will improve how face masks can fit wearers properly and be more efficient in filtering air particles.

On the other hand, healthcare workers who are more prone to COVID-19 exposure will be better protected in wearing authentic and preferably American-made PPEs including N95 and KN95 respirators that pass national health standards than double-masking. These filtering respirators have larger breathing chambers for comfortable breathing while also providing at least 95% filtration efficiency of 0.3-micron particles.  

While having the same properties, KN95 respirators are more available to the general public than the N95 variety which has been initially reserved for healthcare practitioners. 

KN95 respirators from American manufacturers like The USA Mask Company have been approved by the Food and Drug Authority (FDA) and the CDC after undergoing stringent efficiency tests from independent ICS laboratories. The company is likewise on track to secure certification from the National Institute For Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) for its N95 respirator prototype aimed to give medical professionals better protection.  
Learn more about The USA Mask Company and how their American-made respirators can protect you from COVID-19.