Health Protection

Air Purity Showdown: Tested KN95s Versus N95s For 2024

In a world where breathable air feels increasingly precious, distinguishing mask efficacy can be a globalscape tangled in hope and hydraulics. This year, we ventured into the fray, testing a frontline army of respirators designed to navigate the invisible battlespace of airborne particles. Among the quartet we deployed were titans of differing origins: the venerable 3M N95 (model 8511PB1-A-PS and 9511PA1-2A-PS) and its subtle cousin the Cool Flow Valve variant, alongside a roster of KN95 masks from BNX, LEVENIS, and LEMENT. Each unit carried its own uniform – from NIOSH approval to the comforting patina of "Made In USA" etchings – but the true test awaited in the crucible of our evaluation. How did their filters fare when faced with simulated challenges, and did the subtle differences translate to the drier, more constant draw of long-term wear? The dust devils began to spin.