KN95 Masks FAQs

Have a question about your FDA-Listed Masks with KN95 protection? See our below FAQ for more information. If you have additional questions, please feel free to contact us at [e-mail].

Questions about the Product:

What is a Recyclable Adult/Kid's Mask with KN95 Protection?

The Recyclable Adult/Kid's Mask with KN95 Protection is certified to USA standards and regulations and is made in the USA. Its filtration rate is over 95%, which is the same filtration rate as the KN95 Mask. This is under FDA Registered (FDA Owner/Operator #3017171515).

Here are the test results for your reference:

• NIOSH Inhalation Exhalation Resistance

• Sodium Chloride Aerosol Challenge

• Bacterial Filtration Efficiency (BFE%)

• Particulate Filtration Efficiency (PFE%)

What is the difference between the VIDA Recyclable Adult/Kid's Mask with KN95 Protection and a KN95 mask? Have they been independently tested? 

 KN95 is the Chinese standard for high-protection respirators filtering out at least 95% of 0.3 micron-sized particles. The Chinese test protocol for KN95 masks is GB2626-2019. Our masks are tested by Nelson Labs on the same criteria a mask would be tested in China. Our masks are Made in the USA but are meeting, and exceeding, the KN95 test standards and therefore offer our customers a mask that is protecting them at (more than) the same levels as a Chinese Made KN95 would. 

In summary, our masks, which are made in the same mold as the Chinese KN95, are tested on the same criteria and provide comparable if not greater filtration protection than the KN95 mask but because they are produced in the United States and not China, we named them this way as opposed to calling them KN95 masks with the goal of avoiding confusion. 

What is the filtration rate of the Recyclable Adult/Kid's Mask with KN95 Protection?

• • It is effective against 95%+* of airborne particles 0.3 microns or larger and includes superior droplet leak protection. You can see the test results here.
    
    *Particle count measured as a percentage of NaCl particles passing through the KN95 mask at an airflow rate of 85L/min following standard GB 2626-2019 Section 6.3.

What’s the difference between N95 and KN95 certification?

• • • Like many industries, masks have different names based on where they are certified. KN95 refers to the regulatory standard used in China for filtering face respirators (FFRs). N95 refers to the regulatory standard used in the US.
      
      According to Columbia University,  authentic KN95 respirators provide equivalent protection to an N95 respirator. However, an N95 mask is NIOSH-approved and for medical use.

Are these surgical masks?

No, they are not.

What is the mask made of?

Fabric: 100% nonwoven polypropylene/melt-blown filters

Each layer:

Layer1: Spunbond front layer 60gsm.

Layer 2: Meltblown AAA+ Supercharged 38gsm.

Layer 3: Polypropylene-Ethylene Corona-Charged 50gsm (was 110gsm non-charged)

Layer 4: Meltblown AAA+ Supercharged 38gsm.

Layer 5: Spunbond back layer hypoallergenic 30gsm.

Do these follow the CDC guidelines for face coverings?

Yes. They are not specifically CDC certified, but they follow the CDC's guidelines for face coverings.

How long does a mask last? 

A single 10-pack of masks will last one person for 30 days when used lightly (eg. going to the grocery store, running errands, etc.

What are some of the use case categories?
In a vast majority of cases, the masks are good for a normal day. While it is quite difficult to write down all the use case categories for our mask as it is very subjective to the environment of the one using it, we tried to categorize them into three; light use, moderate use, and heavy use.

What do you mean by light, moderate, and heavy use?

Light use can mean running errands, going to the grocery store, etc. in a very short period of time with less dense places.

Moderate use can mean the use of masks in places that have good ventilation such as schools. Most, if not all follow OSHA guidelines on good ventilation. In these circumstances, our masks will do really well for a 7-hour school day. They typically don’t scream/ sing in classrooms for hours and there should be some policy on keeping the distance at most schools. 

If you are in a densely populated area (i.e. in a crowd, at a music festival, etc), for long hours, this is heavier use. If, for example, you are going to an indoor concert where part of the audience is nonvaccinated, it’s difficult to keep your distance and ventilation is not good - it’s 4 hours that we recommend as it is considered “heavy use”. In these similar situations, you can use your mask for up to 4 hours. 

Tip: Once the masks are soiled, regardless of the use category, we recommend replacing the masks.

How often do I need to discard the product? For example, if I go to the store one day for 30 minutes, do I need to use a new mask?

No, in that case, you should take off the mask with the elastic and store it safely in a Ziploc bag. It can be reused again for another short trip. For second-time use, please take the mask by the earloops out of the bag. Don’t touch the outside front. 

Does this mask have a nose wire?

Yes, this mask has a nose wire to ensure a snug fit.

Does this mask come in different colors?

Yes. The available colors may change from time to time as these are produced in small batches. It's always good to check the website: 

adult: https://shopvida.com/products/kn95-protection

kids: https://shopvida.com/products/kids-kn95-protection-face-mask

Does this mask come in different sizes?

Yes. It comes in adult and kids sizes. Many of us at VIDA are parents with school-age children and are suiting up our kids in masks every morning. We know the importance of fit and also how different little faces can be. We recommend a certain type of mask based on your child’s age and preference. VIDA offers sample packs to test the fit of our different masks to choose the best option for your child. Our kid's XS mask is advised for kids ranging from 3-5 years old, and our kid's masks are for kids 5-12 years old. VIDA offers the option to include ear toggles to each order to be able to adjust earloops for an even better fit when needed.

Is this mask suitable for kids?

Our kid's XS mask is advised for kids ranging from 3-5 years old, and our kid's masks are for kids 5-12 years old.

What do I do if the mask is too large for me?

You can tie a knot in the elastic straps to make the mask fit your face size. VIDA offers the option to include ear toggles to each order to be able to adjust earloops for an even better fit when needed.

What are the dimensions of the mask?

The dimensions are available on the product page of the website

Adult

Kid

Questions about Recycling the Product:

1. Can I recycle this product at my local recycling service?
   • No. Due to regulations, FDA Listed (Kids & Adult) Mask with KN95 Protections cannot be recycled through your own municipal collection service, but only through this mail-back program.
2. How do I recycle my product safely?
   • Please place the used masks back in the envelope they arrived in, and place the pre-paid return shipping label over the original label on the envelope.
3. How are these masks safely recycled?
   • The mask is made of virgin plastics only and the materials will be decontaminated and separated to flow into normal processes for plastic recycling. They will be made into low-end industrial products (for example, shipping pallets). They will not be used to make another mask.
4. What do I do if I have lost my mailer or return label?
   • If you have lost your original mailer, please use any other envelope/mailer to return your masks to us using the provided return label. If you have lost your return label, you can reach out to us at [e-mail] and we will provide you with a new label to print out at home.
5. Are international orders eligible for the recycling program?
   • No, we only accept domestic orders for our recycling program. The carbon footprint for recycling international orders in the USA would be worse than recycling it in your home country.
     
     If you are an international customer who wants to recycle your mask, you will need to research recycling companies in your country to see if there are options for you to recycle your face masks safely.

Caring for my mask:

1. How do I properly care for my mask?
   • When using your mask, please try to keep it dry and be careful not to let it get damaged or bent. If you are reusing your mask a second time, we recommend safely storing it in a plastic Ziploc.
2. Can I wash this mask?
   • No. The mask's filter efficiency will decrease if it gets wet, so please keep it dry.
3. What do I do if my mask gets wet?
   • We recommend throwing away the mask and not reusing it, as its efficiency decreases when it is wet.
4. Can I disinfect my mask?
   • No. If you spray a disinfectant on the outside of your mask, it will get wet and consequently have a lower filter efficiency. It will not be as effective if you spray it with a disinfectant.

General Questions

1. Can I return the product if I am not happy with it?
   • Masks are a personal use item and cannot be returned. Please contact us at [e-mail] if you have additional questions.
2. I ordered other VIDA masks. Can I trade them for FDA Listed (Kids & Adults) Mask with KN95 Protection instead if they are unopened?
   • We unfortunately cannot accept returns or trade-ins in order to help keep everyone safe. Since masks are personal items, we are unable to verify if they are still safe to use if they are unopened or not. We will not allow you to trade them for these masks. Please reach out to us at [e-mail] if you have additional questions.
3. Can you expedite the shipping of my masks?
   • For one-time purchases, you can expedite shipping when you check out. At this time, expedited shipping is not available for subscriptions.
4. What are the earloops made of?
   • The earloops are made of nylon elastic.
5. Are the earloops adjustable?
   • They are not adjustable and do not include cord adjusters.
6. Can these masks be used during exercise?
   • These masks are unsuitable for exercise as they are made of firmer and thicker material. 
7. Are these masks packed individually?
   • No, they come in packs of 5 for adult and kid sizes and 10 packs for the XS kids masks.
8. How long can I store these masks before they lose their effectiveness?
   • The masks can be stored safely for two years without losing their function.
9. Will the dye from the black mask transfer or stain my face?
   • The inside lining of the mask is white, so the mask will not stain your face.