KF94, FFP2, KN95 and N95 Tri-folds! Which was 100x Better According to Science?
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- Опубліковано 25 сер 2024
- Some call them “fish masks” or “boat style” masks, but whatever you call them, tri-fold masks are some of the most comfortable masks around that can also provide N95 level protection - if they fit you well.
I used a PortaCount mask fit testing machine to test a variety of trifolds, from uncertified AirQueen Nanos, to KF94s, a KN95, an FFP2 and N95s. One was a 100x better than others. Really. 100x. Fit matters.
02:22 Flex Fold 8862 KN95
03:26 Flex Fold 8862 KN95 with Hook
04:31 Flex Fold 8862 KN95 with Fix the Mask
06:28 BNX F95B
08:04 BNX F95B N95 with 3M Aura Nose Wire
09:38 AirQueen Nano
11:21 AirQueen Nano with Fix the Mask
11:55 AirQueen Breeze FFP2
12:59 AirQueen Breeze with Hook
13:40 AirQueen Breeze with Fix the Mask
14:27 AirQueen Breeze - Hacked
15:39 AirQueen Breeze - Hacked + Hook
16:07 AirQueen Breeze - Hacked + Hook + Fix the Mask
16:56 LG Airwasher KF94
17:57 BOTN Large KF94
19:34 3M Aura 9205+ with Hacked Earloops
20:50 3M Aura 9205+
The 3M Aura earloop hack is not 3M or NIOSH approved. It can't be used for occupational use because hacking a mask negates its NIOSH certification. You should fit test it before carefully deciding if it works for you or not.
Fit Factor
Fit factor is the the concentration of particles outside the mask divided by the number inside the mask. So if there were 100 particles outside and 10 inside, 100 divided by 10 is 10, so the air inside the mask is 10 times cleaner and the fit factor is 10. If there are 100 particles outside and only 1 inside, the mask would be a 100x cleaner inside, for a fit factor of 100.
Home Fit Testing
You can do mask fit testing at home by checking your mask with an aerosol that you can taste if your mask leaks.
You can do a professional fit test by purchasing a complete Alegro, MSA, Moldex or 3M fit test kit with a hood, two nebulizers and either saccharine or Bitrex solutions. I got one of these aerosol fit test set ups for $50 on eBay, but it took some looking before finding one at a discount. A discounted pro fit test set up cost me less than some people pay just to get a nebulizer to make a home kit.
This is a long instructional video by someone who has helped write the standards for doing fit testing with these kits, Dr. Roy McKay:
• Respirator Fit Testing...
The professional version of fit testing shown in the Dr. McKay video is approved by OSHA. Dr. McKay's video can help you learn how to do the pro version correctly for reliable, repeatable results.
For a less accurate version that nonetheless can still help you identify some masks that leak there are home brew versions of mask fit testing.
You can do a version at home using a single nebulizer and a commercial saccharine or Bitrex fit test solution under a large plastic bag - using commercial fit testing solution. Be aware of the possible suffocation hazard of using a bag over your head - the commercial hoods are stiff have a lower suffocation hazard. *You should not cover your head with a plastic bag without another person to supervise and help you keep safe.*
You can dilute some of the commercial saccharine Fit Testing solution 1 part fit testing solution to 100 parts water to create Threshold check solution to make sure you can taste it without a mask. Then you use the full strength solution for when you wear the mask. (This dilution ratio only applies to saccharin Fit Test solution. Bitrex is different.)
www.zoro.com/3...
u/philipn Has done improvised fit testing with sweet n low and a nebulizer which I have not tried.
• How to do a DIY mask f...
Sweet n Low is mostly filler, so you can't make the solution as strong as commercial fit test solution. The stronger concentrations help you find smaller leaks. But any fit testing is better than none, especially if you don't assume the fit tested mask is perfect nor that it makes you invulnerable.
Keep in mind that only the professional method of using 2 solutions as approved by OSHA and shown in the Dr. McKay video will confirm fit. The simpler home versions will help you identify masks that leak, but can't guarantee that masks that pass that simple testing are completely safe.
Thanks Gerard! Awesome video! Sharon Soleil
You are doing such a valuable public service with these experiments, thank you so so much! The 3M auras have been such a lifesaver for me. Up to this point having worked with COVID patients I trust those masks the most. However they do leave significant lines on my face and can be a bit too hot to wear outside in the summer so I was hoping these KN95s would be better for less risky environments...
Hi and thank you for your good work. I really wish mask manufacturers would use a stiffer nose wire. That alone would make the masks so much more effective. The 3m Aura remains awesome as always.
Agree pretty strongly with your main points about nose wires, and fit factor. My nose bridge is not quite as prominent, but I still have similar disappointing seal problems with many Tri-folds made of very decent filtering material. I watch videos of Korean residents often leaving the nose-bridge area loose, and un-molded, just like many casual Americans. I find that baffling, not just for the reasons you very properly demonstrate, but it just gets so annoying when streams of breathed-air keep assaulting your eyes. Simple "cup" styles tend to fit my face a bit better.
Loved your hack for 3m aura earloops. Can you please post a closer photo of how you fit the earloops instead of the Staples. Thanks for this video.
Thanks for doing these.
darn the n95 auras just convince over and over again... i'm considering "allowing myself" to use them more instead of the n99 aura versions because it's such a financial strain in the long run... would love to see a comparison from your end between the n95 and n99 auras at some point, i really have no idea what the difference even is if the n95 versions already consistently have that kind of filtration and fit factors. too bad there's really no way to find a quantitative fit test as a private customer in germany, but thank you so much for your videos, they're really driving home what the critical factors are with fit (and how good the auras seem to be for most people)
the Bluna Face Fit have been the best fitting from the masks I've tried so far. Unfortunately I lack the budget to try a whole lot and do proper fit testing. The nose wire on the Bluna has been solid for me to keep it on my face though and after properly adjusting that and the tension on the ear loops I can't feel any air passing by it. I am still looking into other options though, both to maybe get something even better and since the Bluna has been a pain to get (had to have it shipped from Korea and customs here does not like masks that aren't FFP certified even though there aren't any legality issues around having them).
Could you try a hot-glued coffee-bag sealing wire above the nose wire sometime? It’s a hack I think works well, but it would be nice to have empirical confirmation.
It's not something I've tried. I bought a roll of 1mm x 5mm aluminum. I used it as a replacement for weak nose wires in KF94 masks. It generally works pretty well and stays conformed. And that is a big part of a good nose wire, staying where you put it. Some nose wires spring back.
Thank you so much for this information. It's really clear and useful.
Awesome work. Wish 3M would offer colors and earloop options (even if technically classified as sub-N95s).
May I ask:
Do you share anywhere your steps to make the hacked aura? I’m specifically interested in the type of wire you use, as my hacked auras take quite a toll on the ears after a while and I’m sure there’s a better method…
I haven't done a detailed Aura hacking video or written instructions. It's in my cue of things I'd like to do.
Good Manner KF94s have Aura-tier nose wires IMO, PFE and breathability are similar to the Aura as well. And only about 25 cents each on gmarket, which is a plus
I've tried Good Manner KF94s, and I did not have your results with the nose wires. Unfortunately, they were not sufficient to prevent leaks for me.
Unfortunately, I'm in the the same boat as GH on this. I know Good Manner fit great on many people, just not me. In fairness, MOST tri-folds fit me poorly. Surprisingly, Savewo Ultra fits me a good bit better than most. I still need to add one of those adhesive nose clips, but after that, not so terrible. Even IF the GManner nose clip was comparable to 9205, problems with the earloops, and lack of the Aura's huge, honkin' nose foam might make it different. I'm surprised how often I personally also have chin issues with the tri-folds.
I was unable to find a mask to fit my face, including the aura, so I finally picked one that tested well and was breathable and used mask tape strips on the inside edge to ensure fit. This was the 3M vflex. However, I developed a reaction to the straps. Not sure what chemical is on them but it doesn't agree with me and I don't usually have sensitive skin. I am now wearing the Blox surgical duckbill which is a breathable mask with elastic straps. I am wondering if you have tested mask with tape on the inside?
Hi, I have had success with fit testing the ReadiMask, the self adhesive N95. But I''ve not tried it over time. Different people have varying experiences with how well the adhesive stays stuck to their skin. Skin prep may help. And some people say the acrylic adhesive works better than the silicone adhesive version (the packaging on the listings says which kind of adhesive they use).
Have you tested an Aura after using it for several hours? Curious to see if the fit factor drops much. 🤔
I have not. But @FitTestMyPlanet on Twitter has done a great extended fit test of the Aura. It does lose fit over time if you don't readjust it. But the fit is restored when you re-adjust it.
Where can I get the flanges and the tool from 1:25? (I just got an 8020A off ebay)
I got mine from eBay. A private seller had a couple of "refill" kits that had just the flanges and speed nuts, the "8025-N95R" which has 500 of each, for $125. He later reduced the price down to 90 after I bought mine. But they don't come up on eBay often, so you'll probably need to buy from an on-line TSI reseller or from TSI themselves - they have a store front that sells some of their items, including the probe refill kits for $175. TSI really charges a lot for consumables.
The refill kit does not include installer tools. I used an awl and a rivet setter for a while, which worked, but the hole in the rivet setter was a bit too small to let the speed nut flex open easily. I could have just drilled a hole in a block of wood instead.
If you want the official installer tools, you need to buy the "8025-N95" kit which includes the new one-piece installer that is safer than the old two piece installer tool set. It only includes 100 flanges and speed nuts for $245. You may be able to find slightly cheaper prices from other retailers, but the prices tend to stay high.
There is nothing magical about the flanges. They are "flat flanges" that are 4mm OD, and 11mm from the flange up to the top of the post ("Length Under Flange" in flange terms). But I was never able to find those exact dimensions from a flange supplier or as a snap post (which use very similar flanges).
@@gerardhughes Yeah only refills on ebay right now. Thank you! I just ordered an 8025-N95 stapler-looking thing for $330 off TSI. The wife would kill me if she knew I paid that much 😅
@@minRef
I think the new tool a lot safer than the two handheld tools I have of the older design. I'm pretty sure I'm going to stab myself with the awl at some point.
I've only seen a few 8020 kits that came with probes. I think most people who sell their older models for surplus keep the probes to use with their new one they are buying to replace the old one.