The main difference between an N95 respirator and a surgical N95 mask lies in their intended use and additional testing:

1. N95 Respirator: Primarily designed for occupational use, this mask provides a high level of filtration efficiency, filtering out at least 95% of airborne particles. It's used in various industrial and healthcare settings to protect the wearer from inhaling hazardous particles. N95 masks must meet NIOSH standards for filtration, fit, and breathability, but they are not fluid-resistant.

2. Surgical N95 Respirator: This is a specific type of N95 mask that provides the same 95% filtration efficiency but is also approved for use in surgical environments. In addition to meeting NIOSH standards, it is tested and certified by the FDA for fluid resistance to protect the wearer from splashes, sprays, and other bodily fluids. These masks combine the protection of an N95 with the barrier properties required in surgical settings.

In summary, while both types filter airborne particles effectively, surgical N95 masks offer added protection against fluids, making them suitable for healthcare professionals performing surgeries or working in environments where exposure to bodily fluids is likely.

The difference between an earloop surgical mask and an N95 respirator lies in their design, fit, filtration capability, and intended purpose:

1. Earloop Surgical Mask:

   • Design: A loose-fitting mask with elastic earloops, designed to cover the nose and mouth.
   • Filtration: Provides basic protection against large respiratory droplets, splashes, and sprays, but does not offer effective filtration of smaller airborne particles.
   • Fit: Does not form a tight seal around the face, allowing air (and particles) to enter around the edges.
   • Purpose: Primarily protects others from the wearer’s respiratory emissions and offers some protection against large droplets, but it is not intended to filter out small particles.
   • Common Use: Worn in surgical settings or everyday public use to prevent the spread of large respiratory droplets.

2. N95 Respirator:

   • Design: A tight-fitting mask designed to form a seal around the nose and mouth.
   • Filtration: Filters at least 95% of airborne particles, including small particles like viruses, bacteria, and dust.
   • Fit: Designed to fit snugly on the face, minimizing the chances of air (and particles) bypassing the filter.
   • Purpose: Protects the wearer by filtering both large and small airborne particles. It is designed for environments where high protection is required, such as healthcare settings or hazardous work environments.
   • Common Use: Used in industrial settings and healthcare environments where protection from airborne particles is essential.

In summary, while surgical masks are meant to prevent the spread of large droplets and protect others, N95 respirators provide a much higher level of personal protection by filtering out both large and small particles, including airborne contaminants.

The difference between N95 and KN95 masks lies in their certification standards, design, and some aspects of their performance:

1. Certification:

   • N95 Mask: Certified by the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) in the United States. It must meet strict U.S. standards for filtration, fit, and breathability, filtering at least 95% of airborne particles.
   • KN95 Mask: Certified under Chinese standards (GB2626-2006 or GB2626-2019). It also provides at least 95% filtration efficiency but follows a different regulatory process.

2. Design:

   • N95 Mask: Typically designed to have head straps for a tighter and more secure fit. It forms a tight seal around the nose and mouth when properly fitted.
   • KN95 Mask: Often features earloops, which may make it more convenient to wear but can result in a looser fit compared to the head straps on an N95 mask.

3. Fit Testing:

   • N95 Mask: Requires rigorous fit testing for use in occupational settings. This ensures a tight, protective seal around the face, reducing the risk of exposure to airborne particles.
   • KN95 Mask: Fit testing is not required for KN95 masks under Chinese standards, though some models may still provide a good seal.

4. Regulatory Differences:

   • N95: Subject to NIOSH testing and certification, which includes rigorous testing of filtration efficiency, fit, and breathability.
   • KN95: Certified according to Chinese regulatory standards, which are similar but not identical to NIOSH standards.

5. Exhalation Resistance:

   • N95 Mask: NIOSH standards require testing for both inhalation and exhalation resistance, meaning the mask ensures good airflow in both directions while maintaining filtration efficiency.
   • KN95 Mask: Chinese standards focus primarily on inhalation resistance, with less stringent testing on exhalation.

Key Similarity:

Both masks provide 95% filtration efficiency against airborne particles, including viruses and bacteria, but their regulatory certification and design features differ. N95 masks are preferred in U.S. healthcare and occupational settings due to their stricter testing and head strap design, while KN95 masks are commonly used in many other countries and may be easier to wear for short periods due to earloops.

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1. All returns must be authorized by our office.
2. Unauthorized returns will not be accepted.
3. If you need to return a product call: 1-800-263-7402.
4. Credits for returned goods are issued only after the goods are received in our warehouse in a good and resalable condition.
5. Returns resulting from customer error will not be eligible for credit on freight charges, this includes inbound and outbound freight charges.
6. When return freight charges are the responsibility of the customer, shipping can be arranged through Surgo Surgical Supply to take advantage of our reduced courier rates. Returns arranged in such a manner will have the freight charges deducted from the credit note.
7. Only returns resulting from a Surgo Surgical Supply error will have outbound and inbound freight charges credited.
8. To qualify for a refund, items must be returned in good and resalable condition.

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