For the first time ever, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has told Americans that respirators — among them N95 and KN95 face masks — offer more protection than cloth masks, stopping short of directly recommending one mask over another…

“While all masks and respirators provide some level of protection,” the CDC noted, “properly fitted respirators provide the highest level of protection.” (Most people use “mask” and “respirator” interchangeably, but when the CDC and medical professionals say “respirator,” they specifically mean specialized, fitted face coverings like N95s, KN95s and KF94s.)

In its latest guide to masks and respirators, the CDC further prioritized respirators above masks — with emphasis on a proper fit — and specified they’re better than cloth products.

Make your own decisions, folks. I decided on KN95’s a while ago. But, only started changing over recently.