200 Good Manner KF94 masks, Large in white, each individually wrapped. Made in South Korea by Handa Health Care and approved by Korea's Ministry of Food and Drug Safety as a quasi-drug in the health mask category, item code 202000037.

Construction

Three-panel horizontal folding design. The centre panel is four layers: a polypropylene nonwoven outer, a nonwoven support layer, the filter, and a nonwoven lining. The upper and lower panels, which sit against the nose and chin, are three layers: outer, filter and lining.

The filter is electrostatically treated meltblown polypropylene, made without adhesives or fragrances under the approved raw material specification. A shapeable plastic nose piece runs along the top edge, and the mask has soft elasticated earloops.

Tested performance — this is the variant that was tested

The Large White was tested by KOTITI Testing & Research Institute in Korea against the MFDS guideline for KF94 masks.

Results shown for both untreated and pretreated samples. Report 82211509103328-001, issued 6 July 2021, on lot 21120F2. Read the full report (PDF).

To be straight about the scope: this tested a 2021 production lot, and the Korean approval has been varied since. We are seeking current reports and will publish them here.

Independent testing

In testing commissioned by CBC Marketplace and published in April 2021, three samples of the Good Manner KF94 tested at the University of Toronto's Dalla Lana School of Public Health recorded filtration efficiencies of 99.2%, 99.6% and 99.9%. CBC tested 14 KN95 and KF94 brands bought at retail; half did not meet their stated filtration standard.

CBC tested the black version of this mask rather than the white, on samples bought in Canada in early 2021 that predate later changes to the approved materials and manufacturing method. We cite it as independent corroboration of the brand rather than as testing of this variant or of current stock. CBC and the University of Toronto tested the mask. They did not endorse or rank it.

Fit and wear

The three-panel fold opens into a shaped cup, so the mask sits away from the mouth rather than flat against it. Many wearers find this more comfortable than a flat pleated mask over longer periods.

If you wear glasses: the fold directs more of your breath forward than a flat mask does, but the mask is breathable across the nose panel and the nose piece is plastic rather than a mouldable metal wire, so it will not stop lenses fogging for everyone. Our FAQ goes through this properly, including when to buy something else.

Specification

Raw materials are manufactured to the specifications in the Korean approval, which include purity testing for formaldehyde, fluorescent whitening agents, colourants and acid or alkali residues. The inner fabric has undergone skin-compatibility testing at an accredited institution.

Use and care

Single use. Shape the nose piece to the bridge of your nose and adjust the earloops so the edges sit against your face without gapping.

Replace the mask when it becomes soiled, damp or damaged. Do not share a mask, and do not wash or reuse one. Wash or sanitise your hands after handling a used mask, and place it in a bin. Keep unused masks in their wrapper, away from heat and direct sunlight, and check the printed expiry date.

Do not use in enclosed spaces where the oxygen concentration is below 18%. If wearing the mask makes breathing difficult, stop using it and speak to a doctor if you need to.

Made in South Korea. Korean approval certificate (PDF) · This pouch, translated · FAQ