PM2.5 vs. N95 Medical Respirators

The Coronavirus isn’t going anywhere anytime soon. And with different healthcare products manufacturers emerging, a large variety of products are being introduced as well – masks, hand sanitizers, protective gear, and more.

But the question with masks remains: which one is the best? Can the general population wear the same as medical professionals? And most importantly, what’s the efficacy of different masks available in the market?

Previously, we’ve discussed the best mask for wildfire smoke. So, if you haven’t checked it out yet, give it a read.

Another confusion most people have is while comparing PM2.5 vs. N95. With both masks highly effective against Covid-19 and wildfire smoke, some even resort to the question ‘are PM2.5 and N95 the same?’

For a detailed answer, let’s look into what the PM2.5 mask is.

What is PM2.5?

PM2.5, also known as particulate masks, are form-fitting face coverers. Meant to be reused, these masks are designed to protect you as well as others. PM2.5 also contains a filtered exhalation valve to ease breathing.

The 2.5 in the name indicates the particle matter present in the air with a diameter of less than 2.5 micrometers.

Now that you know what PM2.5 masks are, let’s dive into the pressing issue – PM2.5 masks vs. N95 medical respirators.

What’s the Difference Between PM2.5 and N95?

Typically, PM2.5 are particulate matters in the air comprising dust, soil, pollen, and various harmful chemicals. The size of these particles is thinner than a single human hair. That’s why PM2.5 masks are designed in such a way to capture these particles from entering the respiratory system. But the Coronavirus viruses are much smaller than these pollution particles, with a range between 0.06 to 0.14 microns in size.

Due to this fact, it’s safe to say that N95 masks are effective against blocking large pollution particles as well.

However, some factors differentiate PM2.5 masks and N95 medical respirators.

Material

PM2.5 masks are made of non-woven fabric, activated carbon, or cotton fabric. The tight-fitting and knitted diameter of several micrometers prevents particulate matter from damaging your respiratory system.

In comparison, N95 medical respirators are made of a material called polypropylene. Polypropylene is a synthetic plastic made out of fossil fuels, such as oil.

Gap

PM2.5 masks have been in use for years around Asia. Due to the high amount of pollution in the air, these masks are also called air filter masks, smog masks, reusable dust masks, etc. And since they are manufactured with a tight-fit in mind, there is little to no gap present while wearing. This feature is highly noticeable compared to surgical masks, which have a slight gap, leaving room for breathing.

N95 medical respirators provide a tighter fit than surgical masks, but they are loosely bounded than PM2.5 masks. Of course, the difference also varies whether the PM2.5 mask comes with a filter or without.

Breathing

There’s a reason why N95 respirators are recommended for medical professionals only. That’s because wearing a respirator for a longer duration can affect your heart and lungs, especially in a non-industrial setting. That’s why FDA only recommends using N95 masks by medical personnel.

A fitted particulate mask, i.e., PM2.5 mask, serves as the best alternative to avoid increased exertion with breathing. Although they aren’t as effective as N95 respirators in blocking out the fine particle Coronavirus, there is still some level of protection to get you through the day without straining your lungs unnecessarily.

Caution: People with breathing difficulties, such as asthma, or sinusitis may experience inhalation resistance after switching to PM2.5 masks. That’s why members of sensitive groups must consult a medical professional first before using PM2.5 masks.

Filter

PM2.5 masks safeguard against germs as well as the PM2.5 particulate matter, including wildfire smoke, industrial and agricultural emissions, and vehicle pollution.

The PM2.5 masks have denser filters to prevent the pollutants from getting through, which makes these masks work perfectly. The filter in itself is made up of three non-woven materials:

• Spun-bond fiber
• Melt-blown fabric
• Activated carbon fabric

And as we’ve discussed above, N95 respirators are made out of polypropylene, which is a synthetic plastic fiber. So, while comparing the PM2.5 filter vs. N95 filter, you should consider the level of efficacy they provide to evaluate which works best (more on it below).

Efficacy

As the name suggests, N95 respirators filter out 95% of the airborne virus droplets. However, PM2.5 masks only offer a 65% to 86% of efficacy against Coronavirus.

Is PM2.5 as good as N95?

N95 masks are effective against preventing PM2.5. That means these masks are better than PM2.5 masks.

Given all the differences, there’s no reason to doubt that N95 medical respirators provide a better fit, breathing resistance, and level of protection against Covid-19 and the particle matters.

So, although PM2.5 masks are widely used and highly effective against pollutants, the efficacy isn’t anywhere near 100%. That’s why FDA also recommends N95 medical respirators as the best masks for protection against the virus.

At Queen Industries, we manufacture high-quality disposable masks for individual and bulk usage. Check out our products to buy protective gear and more at affordable prices.