Thread by @CherryRonao

Many people have been asking about KF94 masks lately.

I lived in South Korea for ~4 yrs, and since early last year, I regularly bought KF94 masks from South Korea.

Here are a few tips on buying KF94 masks in PH. A thread.🧵 1/

First, what is KF94?

It is the Korean standard high-filtration mask. "KF" in KF94 stands for "Korea Filter" and "94" indicates the 94% filtration efficacy of the mask. It's comparable to KN95s from China and N95s from the US. 2/

Why upgrade your mask?

Here's a very informative CBS interview video with @masknerd: cbsnews.com/video/some-exp…

For some time now, more and more scientists are calling for #N95sForAll and #BetterMasks, esp since delta/omicron and that there are more supply now on the market. 3/

KF94s are available on Shopee/Lazada w/ price range typically around P30-P60 per individually packed mask. Several masks in 1 pack are cheaper.

Beware of fakes. KF94 is a Korean standard mask so it should be made in Korea. Koreans are very particular w/ this. 4/

KF94 manufacturers get approval from the Korean Ministry of Food and Drug Safety (식약처) or KFDA. Those approved should be able to show their KFDA certifications (식약처허가/인증완료); see samples below. In Korea, sellers always include them in the product listing. 5/

For some brands, KF94 comes in different sizes: large (대형), medium (중형), and small (소형).

Large is recommended for adults,
Medium, for small-faced adults and teens,
Small, for kids.

Small-faced adults like me can get away with using large ones by knotting the earloops. 6/

KF94s also come in 2 different structures: fish-shaped (pic 1) and bird beak-shaped (새부리형, pic 2). The latter is usually bigger in size than the former. Keep this in mind while mask shopping. Remember, the mask should fit your face well! 7/

Some brands on Shopee/Lazada that are FDA approved:

Always - KR, PH, US FDA approved
Airish - KR, PH FDA approved
Good Manner, Kleenex, Tamsaa, Airdays, (New)CleanWell, EG Guard - KFDA approved

Note: If there is no "KF94" anywhere on the packaging, it is NOT a KF94. 8/

Beware of fakes. Watch out for:
1. Korean version
2. Korean style, Korean fish style
3. No brand
4. Too cheap
5. Any KF94 not made in Korea
6. No "KF94" on the packaging

Ask for:
1. Copy of KFDA certification
2. Picture of the mask pack, front and back
3. Where they are made
9/

KF94s are expensive. Can I reuse them?

https://twitter.com/AbraarKaran/status/1476806887878258690?t=klxMAx48DJ6QMH3WFvqOew&s=19

10/

CDC also has recommendations for reuse: cdc.gov/coronavirus/20… 11/

Moreover...

https://twitter.com/masknerd/status/1474091515689504768?t=iVsaJsCbUTNSCayUWDejWA&s=19

12/

My experience:

I find it easier to breathe with a KF94 than an N95 or double-mask (fit cloth mask over surgical). KF94 brands come in slightly diff sizes (even if both are L size) so it's best to try diff brands and see which one works for you. 13/

Right now, I use Welkeeps (black, M) and Good Manner (pink, L); I knot the earloops when I use the latter. I previously used All Guard (white, M) and that's good as well. I prefer fish-shaped ones bec they're comfy, M size fits me well, and I like the look. 14/

Also, a friend uses earsavers to tighten the fit of the mask.

Early last year, there were so few KF94 options in PH. I'm glad that prices are more competitive now and that there are more choices available. (end)

Nice tip:

https://twitter.com/zaredbella1/status/1478528008017571840?t=qRSJP94g98AOf2fjzPoByA&s=19

Follow the steps to check KFDA certification:

https://twitter.com/hellokidneyMD/status/1478601744447725570?t=Rj7IaRwFIY5mibHFAhyTwA&s=19

For more (geeky) info on masks and ventilation, follow aerosol, mask, and wind scientists/engineers :
@linseymarr @masknerd @jljcolorado @HuffmanLabDU @CathNoakes @CorsIAQ @claire_horwell @JoshuaCAgar