N95 or KN95

They are all the same thing.

There are lots of over-the-ears FFP2 masks around. I use those all the time. Not sure what the difference is to KN95.

We used the KN95 masks all the time we were is Spain last month and they worked fine. A true N95 mask has to be fitted to your face and checked for air leaks with a special apparatus and are not comfortable to wear for extended periods but are the best protection you can get unless you got a full respirator. We had no problems wearing the KN95 masks on the plane and we were able to sleep with them on.

A true N95 mask has to be fitted to your face and checked for air leaks with a special apparatus and are not comfortable to wear for extended periods

Actually the N95 only indicates that it is for Non-Oily particulates and is 95% efficient at filtering out particles above a certain size. It is a rating controlled by OHSA and applies to masks manufactured or certified in the US.

KN95 are manufactured to the same specifications, but are specific to a Chinese standard, since they are usually manufactured and certified there.

FFP2 is again essentially the same, but manufactured and certified to a European Standard.

Basically any are interchangeable for the consumer, and for Covid purposes, any of the three are accepted.

For Germany, I believe just the paper surgical mask is allowed in most settings, there may be some instances on Public Transport where an N95/KN95/FFP2 mask is required. Best to have a small stash of both, masks are easily available there, so no need to pack dozens.

Fitting is a separate issue, if you are required to wear a mask in a work environment, then OSHA requires that the employer prove the level of protection and assure that masks are worn properly, so you are fitted to a mask and tested. For personal use, that is not required.

I'm wearing a KN95 mask which goes around my ears - that seems to be the norm of the sytle I can buy online in NZ.

They are far more comfortable than the blue surgical masks or cloth marks in my experience.

Does Europe not allow cloth masks?

Does Europe not allow cloth masks?

I am not aware of any general rules for all of Europe, but in Germany at least, FFP2 or surgical masks became mandatory last fall when the numbers were increasing badly. Cloth masks are not considered to provide enough protection. They are legal only for children up to the age of 12 or 14 (not quite sure which).

I believe some US airlines also prohibit cloth masks. They're not very effective and too many homemade ones made without any standards.

We returned from a three week Germany/Austria trip two weeks ago. Everyone was wearing KN95 masks and they are available to buy there. It was €1.95 for two. Masks over your ears are just fine. Just not cloth.