Frequently Asked Questions about KN95/N95/KF94 Masks

Most manufacturers will not clearly state this. However, many public health experts agree that in a non-health care setting these masks can be reused until visibly worn, dirty, or damaged. Do not wear these masks if they are wet. It is recommended that people have a few that they can rotate through to extend the usage – i.e., #1 on day 1, #2 on day 2, # 3 on day 3.

Rotating these types of masks as described above and storing them in individual paper bags or mesh fabric bags in between uses to protect them will extend their lifespan. The paper or mesh bags keep them protected between uses while also letting the masks air out.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention do not recommend layering (double masking) KN95, N95 or KF94 masks. The only masks that CDC recommends layering are disposable surgical masks under cloth masks. If layering a cloth mask over a surgical mask, the cloth mask should push the edges of the disposable mask against your face.

Because KN95, N95 and KF94 masks are preferred rather than required in non-health care settings such as at Ohio University, a fit test is not required.

KN95, N95 and KF94 masks are designed for protection and will fit tight. They often are warmer to wear than other types of masks such as a surgical mask. Be prepared for them to fit and wear differently than a surgical mask.

Yes. KN95, N95, KF94, and surgical masks are preferred at Ohio University. The CDC has a video that shows how to improve the fit of a surgical mask with a “knot and tuck.” Adding a well-fitting cloth mask over a surgical mask also can improve protection.

• Students in residence halls will be provided a limited supply of KN95, N95 or KF94 masks by Residence Life. They will receive them when they check in to their residence hall.
• Off-campus students can pick up masks in Baker Center, Alden Library or the Ping Center.
• Regional campus students can access masks through Student Services.
• Departments do not need to request masks for students or student employees as they can obtain masks at one of the locations listed above. 
• Faculty/Staff – masks will be ordered and distributed by the planning unit PPE contact. 

Each employee can receive up to 3 masks (but no more than 3 masks). Orders will be filled as supplies allow (meaning you will receive either a KN95, N95 or KF94 mask but can’t request a specific type of mask).

The intent of this distribution is to make sure each student, faculty and staff member receives an allotment of at least 3 masks to get them started for the term. However, it is not the intention to provide replacement masks to each employee once these three masks have been used. However, we will make them available as we have inventory to share.

All three masks offer a high degree of filtration and provide some of the best level of protection from disease transmission when worn properly. Both the KN95 and the N95 are both designed to filter at least 95% of airborne particles. The primary difference is the way that the masks are certified. N95 masks are NIOSH certified which means that the quality is certified by the National Institute of Occupational Health & Safety (NIOSH), which is relevant in health care settings rather than for everyday use. Some N95 masks are medical grade, but others are not; OHIO’s N95 inventory available to students, faculty, and staff, and students are non-medical grade. KN95 masks are not certified by NIOSH but offer equal filtration rates for airborne particles. KF94 masks are similar to KN95s, offering 94% filtration efficiency and a fit that some people prefer.