3M N95 (United States NIOSH-42CFR84) is considered the benchmark U.S. standard. However, due to lack of availability of supplies during the COVID-19 crisis, the KN95 can be considered as a suitable equivalent according to both 3M and the CDC.

According to industry leader 3M’s guidance on N95 (United States NIOSH-42CFR84) vs other standards found in Industry leader 3M Technical Bulletin January, 2020 Revision 2 “Comparison of FFP2, KN95, and N95 and Other Filtering Facepiece Respirator Classes”: “Based on this comparison, it is reasonable to consider China KN95, AS/NZ P2, Korea 1st Class, and Japan DS FFRs as “equivalent” to US NIOSH N95 and European FFP2 respirators, for filtering non-oil-based particles such as those resulting from wildfires, PM 2.5 air pollution, volcanic eruptions, or bioaerosols (e.g. viruses). However, prior to selecting a respirator, users should consult their local respiratory protection regulations and requirements or check with their local public health authorities for selection guidance.

Click here for more information from 3M

Click here for more information from CDC