Korean-Made KF94 Masks: Experts, Parents' Top Choice to Be Used by Children

The Korean alternative to KN95 masks is proven to be not only effective but also readily available.

Most kids are back in school, and though the world is slowly returning to normal, the COVID-19 virus is still very much present. Thus, parents must ensure that their children, especially those under 12 years old and unvaccinated, are still protected by wearing the best possible face mask.

According to Sabrina Rojas Weiss of Parenting.com, both parents and experts, herself included, have found the smarter choice of face mask for their kids to use, the Korean-made KF94 masks.

What are KF94 masks; why are they better?

KF94 masks are manufactured in South Korea and regulated by the Korean Ministry of Food and Drug Safety. Technically, it is the equivalent of China's KN95 masks.

"KF" stands for Korean filter, and the number "94" implies the percentage of particles it can filter. Thus, it can filter 94 percent of the 0.3 microns in size, or probably larger, particles. Despite the SARS-CoV-2 virus having 0.1 microns, since it travels through larger droplets and aerosols, masks are still one of the best ways to prevent one from having and transmitting COVID-19.

The KF94 masks, which are made up of four layers of nonwoven material, have been proven through a study - "Performance Evaluation of Commercially Available Masks in Korea for Filtering Airborne Droplets Containing Bacteria'' published in the National Library of Medicine, to be almost a hundred percent effective in blocking the virus. It works nearly as effectively as the FDA-approved N95 masks worn by professionals in the medical field.

If only there were available N95 masks for kids, it would be the smartest choice for kids to use, but since there aren't, KF94 masks are the next best in line or the "exceptional option," as experts describe them.

Like N95 masks, KF94 masks provide a secure fit over the bridge of the nose through its adjustable bridge. They also have side flaps to contour the face, which help close the gaps around the face and limit the entry of unfiltered air, according to Dr. Sara Andrabi.

Moreover, KF94 masks have no counterfeit issues, unlike KN95.

Aaron Collins, a self-described "citizen engineer," and a real-life mechanical engineer, somehow made the KF94 masks famous. He has been using YouTube to inform people about the benefit of this mask by testing its filtration properties to find the best masks out there.

"I've been testing them and screening them and talking about them from the top of my lungs. In South Korea, if you put a KF94 stamp on your masks and don't meet the standards, the government will fine you heavily. I like these masks because of the quality system in place," Collins explained to Health as he takes pride in the "rigorous screening process" of KF94 masks.

Read also: Chelsea Clinton Says Mask Wearing Teaches Children about Kindness

Where can parents get KF94 masks?

Here are the top three best KF94 masks for kids.

3. Happy Life Kids KF94 Face Masks at $27.88 for a 20-piece pack

According to some feedback from Amazon customers, these masks run big. Thus, they are best to be used by tweens and pre-teens. They are guaranteed KF94s from Korea and have no counterfeiting reports. According to Collins, they have an efficiency of 98.5 percent filtration. 

2. The Bio For Preschool Kids 'U&I' KF94 Adjustable at $16.00 for a 10-piece pack

Collins reported a 99.3 percent filtration efficiency for this brand. Further, it has been highly appreciated and recommended by parents with preschoolers stating that it perfectly suits and stays in their kids' faces and that kids do not have any complaints about it. 

1. Dr. Puri KF94 Small White Mask at $27.99 for a 20-piece pack

According to NY The Strategist, this is the best KF94 mask for kids to wear, with the highest filtration efficiency of 99.4 percent, as reported by Collins. Moreover, this mask's design opens up like an envelope and "sit slightly off the face," allowing the kids more room to talk and breathe. It comes in three sizes.

Related Article: Best Face Mask for Kids: What Parents Need To Know Before Buying