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Are KN-95 masks considered "respirators", even though they do not have head bands (but ear loops) and do not provide the same fit on a wearer's face, as achieved when using an N-95 respirator?

Updated on May 18, 2020, the NIOSH webpage entitled Counterfeit Respirators / Misrepresentation of NIOSH-Approval states as follows:

Signs that a respirator may be counterfeit:
• No markings at all on the filtering facepiece respirator
• No approval (TC) number on filtering facepiece respirator or headband
• No NIOSH markings
• NIOSH spelled incorrectly
• Presence of decorative fabric or other decorative add-ons (e.g., sequins)
• Claims for the of approval for children (NIOSH does not approve any type of respiratory protection for children)
• Filtering facepiece respirator has ear loops instead of headbands ¹

The complete webpage can be accessed at:
https://www.cdc.gov/niosh/npptl/usernotices/counterfeitResp.html ¹

NIOSH has further issued International Assessment Results – Not NIOSH-approved which can be accessed at:
https://www.cdc.gov/niosh/npptl/respirators/testing/NonNIOSHresults.html ²

NIOSH has indicated that they welcome providers to send a sample of an international n95 or k95 that they have purchased, to their lab for testing and NIOSH will verify the actual filtration rate.

Further information available at:
https://www.cdc.gov/niosh/npptl/respirators/testing/default.html ³
https://www.cdc.gov/niosh/npptl/ppeconcerns.html ⁴

Additionally, it should be noted that the ADA has issued Tips to Avoid Counterfeit Masks. ⁵

Resources

1) National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health. Counterfeit Respirators / Misrepresentation of NIOSH-Approval. https://www.cdc.gov/niosh/npptl/usernotices/counterfeitResp.html Accessed on May 19, 2020.

2) National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health. International Assessment Results – Not NIOSH-approved.
https://www.cdc.gov/niosh/npptl/respirators/testing/NonNIOSHresults.html Accessed on May 19, 2020.

3) National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health. NPPTL Respirator Assessments to Support the COVID-19 Response. https://www.cdc.gov/niosh/npptl/respirators/testing/default.html Accessed on May 19, 2020.

4) National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health. PPE Concerns?.
https://www.cdc.gov/niosh/npptl/ppeconcerns.html Accessed on May 19, 2020.

5) American Dental Association. Tips to Avoid Counterfeit Masks. Accessed on May 19, 2020.

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