
You don’t want to buy fake face masks. With more people wanting to buy N95 or KN95 Face Masks, you need to do your homework.
It’s important to make sure that you purchase from a reputable and trusted supplier, and know the official terminology.
Fake face masks ‘FDA approved’
Any packaging that states a mask is ‘FDA approved’ is a red flag. An N95 is approved by NIOSH, not the FDA (although a surgical N95 must also be ‘authorized’ or ‘cleared’ by the FDA).
NIOSH or the FDA do NOT provide ‘certificates of approval’ – so if your mask pack has an enclosed letter of certification, it is most likely false.
Face mask terminology used incorrectly
Packaging may often state that KN95s or KN94s are ‘FDA-registered’ or ‘FDA-listed’ but this doesn’t really mean that much.
It is simply that the manufacturer has filed the paperwork to make the FDA aware of its existence. It doesn’t mean the masks have been tested or authorised.
International regulatory standards
Particulate respirator face masks come in a variety of models, and demand for them has been high. They are identified by which international regulatory standard they meet:
- KN95 is the Chinese respiratory standard
- N95 is the United States respiratory standard
- P2 is the Australia/New Zealand respiratory standard
- FFP2 is the European respiratory standard
Buy from a trusted supplier – ZOOM Pharmacy
ZOOM Pharmacy is proudly New Zealand owned and operated.
We have been serving thousands of Kiwis since 2017, providing a world class service nationwide. Our mission is to help you live a healthier, happier, longer life.
SHOP NOW at the ZOOM Pharmacy COVID Home Care SHOP
References:
- KN95 or surgical face mask NZ – which to buy? – ZOOM Pharmacy
- Face Masks Can Be Confusing! KN95, FFP2, N95 or P2? – ZOOM Pharmacy
- The best masks for the Omicron outbreak – Consumer NZ
- Types of Face Masks – Unite Against Covid New Zealand Government
Written by Paul Taylor
Paul Taylor is a New Zealand–based healthcare content writer with 5+ years’ experience creating patient friendly articles for online pharmacies and health platforms. He specialises in accessible condition guides, prescription FAQs, OTC advice, and health & wellbeing tips, translating complex medicines or health condition information into clear, actionable content. Paul collaborates with the ZOOM Pharmacy clinical team and bases every article on authoritative sources, peer reviewed journals and national clinical guidelines to ensure evidence based, up to date content. His goal is to help readers feel empowered to make informed decisions about their medicines and wellbeing. This content is general information only and does not replace professional medical advice.