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We have added another NIOSH approved N95 recommendation: WellBefore WB-N-200 N95 respirator mask.
We have added another NIOSH approved N95 recommendation: WellBefore WB-N-200 N95 respirator mask.
The BYD Care disposable surgical mask is no longer available, so we have removed it as an option. (If our recommended DemeTech DemeMask surgical mask is not available, please consider Medline ASTM Grade 1 surgical mask with earrings.) Finally, we added a new section on reusing disposable masks.
Although vaccinations are now widely available, recommendations and regulations are still changing, and masks are likely to remain a part of people’s lives for a period of time. Although it was almost impossible to find medical masks in the early days of the pandemic (most masks were reserved for frontline workers), they are now easier to obtain-and in some cases, they are your best bet on the most. Protective mask. Nevertheless, it can be difficult to distinguish between good choices and bad choices. In the past few months, we have tried 37 models and verified their filtration requirements through laboratory tests conducted by government agencies or our own cooperation with Colorado State University. Here, we recommend the genuine N95, KN95 and surgical masks that you can buy from trusted retailers now.
I spent a few months browsing dozens of masks on the Internet, carefully read the CDC National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) and FDA documents, and was confused about the small half-written Chinese certification form (childhood The value of Saturday morning) Chinese school did not help). I did this as part of a report for Wirecutter’s cloth mask guide, but also for personal reasons: my husband (teacher) and children attended school in person for most of the school year ending in June 2021, and we With older parents, we have been working hard to ensure safety. At this point, we adults are fully vaccinated, and we are eager to spend time with friends, get haircuts, arrange doctor visits, and catch up with all the other activities we missed.
However, it is frustrating that these disposable masks that are now ubiquitous have not made it easier to find suitable masks, especially in terms of KN95 masks (the Chinese equivalent of N95 masks). Yes, there is a problem of impersonation. Moreover, KN95 and surgical masks do not always fit well. As Loretta Fernandez, associate professor of civil and environmental engineering at Northeastern University in Boston, explained: "KN95 is nothing magical. The edges still need to form a good seal with the face for protection." The truth is. , Any medical mask-no matter how good the filtering effect-if you can let most of the air you breathe bypass the mask instead of through the mask, its effect is not much better than the high-quality cloth mask. Proper cooperation is essential.
In this guide, we tracked legal respirators and masks and reliable retailers that sell them. We also tested the fit, comfort, and (for those who want to layer) the compatibility with our cloth mask choices. In addition to consulting with five scientists, five manufacturers, three importers, two retailers, an e-commerce expert and two government agencies, we also personally tried 23 respirators and 14 surgical masks. See what might work for you and adjust the fit as much as possible. It is very likely that you will end up with a mask that you can confidently wear when you need it most.
For recommendations on the best disposable and cloth children's masks, please refer to our children's mask buying guide.
This odd-looking and extremely comfortable N95 is a non-medical respirator approved by NIOSH. Its headband is soft but helps to form a tight seal, and its long nose line reduces the fogging of the glasses.
*At the time of publication, the price was $58.
Despite its strange duckbill shape, the Kimberly-Clark N95 bag respirator is the real deal. Its malleable material and soft headband form a good seal for most faces. The wide cut of this mask allows more air to filter in, making it easier to breathe.
The sturdy headband and ample clearance above the nose and mouth create a comfortable fit while still breathing easily. But this N95 is more expensive than our other respirator options.
The WellBefore WB-N-200 N95 respirator mask feels heavier than a typical disposable bi-fold respirator. Its adjustable headband helps prevent gaps, but it is not too tight to make it uncomfortable. In addition, this respirator tent is tall and wide, away from the face, so there is more breathing space. However, its cost is more than twice that of our other respirator options.
The earrings of this easy-to-wear and easy-to-remove KN95 respirator mask can stretch well to provide a wider fit, but can also be knotted easily to get a more fitting earring.
*At the time of publication, the price was $10.
If you prefer headbands to earhooks, you may find this respirator mask that fits your ears more fit.
Powecom KN95 is designed in ear-hook and headband versions, so you are more likely to find something that feels right. If you need to adjust the fit, its round (rather than flat) fasteners are easier to knot than most fasteners. Both versions are also available in black.
This lightweight surgical mask is also very suitable for stacking, with particularly soft ear hooks and foldable edges. It is more expensive than most disposable pleated masks, but it is often discounted.
The very soft earrings on the DemeTech DemeMask surgical mask are gentle on the ears, making this mask an unobtrusive option that can be layered under a fitted cloth mask. DemeMask is also spacious enough to be knotted, with soft edges and easy folding; therefore, you can achieve a proper fit even without layering a mask on it. This FDA-approved mask meets ASTM Level 3 standards, which means it can block 98% of particles as small as 0.1 microns in diameter. It also offers a small batch of 10 pieces, both in regular size and small size, and comes with straps instead of loops.
This odd-looking and extremely comfortable N95 is a non-medical respirator approved by NIOSH. Its headband is soft but helps to form a tight seal, and its long nose line reduces the fogging of the glasses.
*At the time of publication, the price was $58.
The sturdy headband and ample clearance above the nose and mouth create a comfortable fit while still breathing easily. But this N95 is more expensive than our other respirator options.
The earrings of this easy-to-wear and easy-to-remove KN95 respirator mask can stretch well to provide a wider fit, but can also be knotted easily to get a more fitting earring.
*At the time of publication, the price was $10.
If you prefer headbands to earhooks, you may find this respirator mask that fits your ears more fit.
This lightweight surgical mask is also very suitable for stacking, with particularly soft ear hooks and foldable edges. It is more expensive than most disposable pleated masks, but it is often discounted.
The term "medical mask" refers to the type of mask you usually see in healthcare settings. These include respirators, such as respirators labeled N95 (designed to comply with American standards), KN95 (Chinese standards), KF94 (Korea standards), and FFP2 (European standards), as well as surgical masks-type of folds with ear loops or A tie usually packed in a box of about 50 pieces. All these mask types are composed of high-efficiency filters designed to protect the wearer in high-risk situations. (In contrast, cloth masks were originally designed to protect other people from the wearer, although depending on their materials and design, they can also work the other way around.)
If you spend time indoors, go to a hospital or clinic, or take care of a COVID-19 positive person (or someone who is prone to severe COVID-19 infection), you may consider wearing a breathing mask or a surgical mask that has been modified to form a better seal , Or layer under a fitted cloth mask. In fact, a CDC paper reports that fixing a surgical mask on the face (by tying earrings and tucking them into the sides, as shown in this video, or adding a fitted cloth mask to it) may Reduce your exposure to tiny air droplets called aerosols that can be infectious by approximately 95%, which is also related to the expected performance of the respirator.
Linsey Marr, a professor of engineering at Virginia Tech and aerosol science expert, said that the level of filtration of medical masks (assuming they are genuine) is better than almost all cloth masks. In fact, when Wirecutter commissioned a cloth mask filter efficiency test, a double-layer cloth mask without a filter can filter up to about 47% of 0.5 micron particles (flow rate is similar to normal call volume). If you haven't been vaccinated, Marr "strongly recommends" strengthening your fitted cloth mask, whether it's wearing a surgical mask under it or putting a good filter inside. The vaccinated person may also choose to do so, depending on the circumstances.
The N95 mask is composed of multiple layers of non-woven fabric, which can block at least 95% of particles as small as 0.1 microns in diameter. The surgical N95 respirator also provides an additional benefit, that is, it has passed tests for factors such as fluid resistance, biocompatibility, and flammability. All legal N95 masks are approved by NIOSH as respirators; surgical N95 models have undergone additional NIOSH testing to meet specific FDA requirements.
The N95 mask is wrapped around the back of your head with two straps and is tightly fixed on your face. As with cloth masks, some people find that straps are easier to adjust than earrings-you can create a good seal by tying and positioning them. However, the elastic band of N95 tends to be tighter than the elastic band on cloth masks, and some wearers may find this suffocating. Some N95 masks, such as Wirecutter's picks for handling smoke and dust, have valves to facilitate exhalation, but because they allow unfiltered air to escape, they have no effect on preventing the spread of the coronavirus.
Because N95 respirators are in short supply, in the early stages of the pandemic, the FDA issued an emergency use authorization (EUA) for internationally sourced, non-NIOSH-approved respirators sold in the United States (such as KN95, KF94, and FFP2 models). State whether they meet certain standards. These authorizations are intended to purchase masks for use by health care workers in health care settings. Now that NIOSH-approved masks are more widely available, the FDA has revoked its EUA (PDF), and health care workers are now advised to use NIOSH-approved N95. As for others, the previously authorized masks are still sufficient. The FDA recommends that "healthcare personnel and facilities...consider reallocating respirator stocks that are not currently approved by NIOSH" for use in non-medical environments.
KN95 mask (equivalent to China's N95) should be able to block 95% of 0.3 micron particles; KF94 and FFP2, 94%. All products are made of similar high-filtration non-woven material layers.
Unlike N95 masks, these other respirator masks usually have earrings instead of headbands. When people buy KN95, they often encounter a situation where the filtration is good but not fit. The same is true for uncustomized N95 masks (because they are usually used in hospital settings). The January 2021 PLOS One article on the issue of mask wearing reported that KN95 was not suitable for all 7 study participants, while the 5 N95 masks in the experiment were slightly more effective-not suitable for 4 of the 7 participants . The author points out that even a little extra fat on the chin or a few millimeters of the nose width can affect the fit of the respirator.
Loretta Fernandez of Northeastern University found that inappropriate KN95 may only block 0.3-micron particles as effectively as inappropriate surgical masks—about 72% rather than the promised 95%. This level of performance may be problematic for people working in the ICU, but it may not be that serious for people who quickly rush to the post office. Still, from an economic point of view, it doesn't make sense to spend extra money on the KN95 just to make it work as efficiently as a cheaper mask. Fernandez, who has been evaluating masks (PDF) since the beginning of the pandemic, pointed out that a dentist shared with her a simple repair method: by cutting the earrings on the KN95 mask and reconnecting them to form a headband, the dentist was able to achieve enough Firmly to push the filtration back to more than 90%.
"Generally speaking, if your glasses are fogged, it is not a perfect seal." —Hana Akselrod, George Washington University School of Medicine
Surgical masks are medical devices regulated by the FDA. These masks are designed to prevent liquids from leaking into the mask (for example, spilled due to medical procedures) and possibly injuring the wearer. Since they do not fit the face, they are not designed to protect the wearer from inhaling potentially infectious small particles. Nevertheless, in order to obtain FDA approval, either through 510(k) or the agency’s previous emergency use authorization (now revoked because NIOSH approved N95 masks have been supplemented to medical staff), surgical masks are tested to comply with ASTM International (Formerly known as the American Society for Testing and Materials) voluntary consensus standards, some of which include a certain level of filtration efficiency. Level 1 means that after another set of challenges, the mask can block 95% of particles with a diameter of 0.1 to 5 microns at certain flow rates. Levels 2 and 3 indicate at least 98% for the same particle size range.
Medical-grade masks should be waterproof and should hold their shape better than most cloth masks in the rain. However, no matter what type of mask you manage to obtain, in real life you will not approach the prescribed filter value unless you ensure a perfect facial seal around the entire periphery of the mask. Hana Akselrod, an assistant professor of medicine in the Department of Infectious Diseases at the George Washington University School of Medicine, said: “Generally speaking, if your glasses are fogged, they are not a perfect seal.” (If you Do not wear glasses, please wear a mask and exhale-if you feel a puff of air on the skin near the edge of the mask, you need to fit it better.)
We set out to identify and search for genuine disposable masks that are reasonably priced and well-made from reputable sellers. We will continue to test the fit and comfort of these masks on various faces and will try them when other options are available. We will continue to test the fit and comfort of these masks, and we will try them when other options become available.
This odd-looking and extremely comfortable N95 is a non-medical respirator approved by NIOSH. Its headband is soft but helps to form a tight seal, and its long nose line reduces the fogging of the glasses.
*At the time of publication, the price was $58.
What we like: This duckbill mask is a NIOSH approved N95 respirator made in the United States. It is also our favorite because it is the only product of its kind that really suits us, and it feels very comfortable. Due to its soft and flexible structure, the Kimberly-Clark N95 bag respirator should be suitable for most people. Kimberly-Clark is a mature manufacturer of diapers, tampons and other personal care products that humans use to combat the body. Now the company has used this technology to expand the range of mask products (before the pandemic, Kimberly-Clark's manufacturing staff had already Use this technique) inside the mask). Since it is a non-medical respirator, the mask has not been tested to protect you from potential splashes of body fluids.
The soft headband can be easily knotted and stretched at various positions on the head to form a good seal and is very comfortable to wear for a long time. A more spongy cut (about an inch wide on each side compared to a typical respirator) means more filtered air can be drawn in. According to our experience, a long and strong nose bridge also helps to minimize fogging of the glasses. I was able to put the lower strap on my head to prevent air from escaping around my chin (this is a pain point for me using other respirators). This mask feels not the easiest to breathe-but it shows a certain degree of filtration efficiency. ("I'm always skeptical of masks with little or no breathing resistance," Christian L'Orange, assistant research professor of mechanical engineering who conducted filter tests on cloth masks at Colorado State University, told us.) Kimberly-Clark masks are completely Closed flat (no need for you to pinch the nose line, like many other foldable masks), and the price of the mask is about $1, it is also the cheapest NIOSH approved N95 we have seen so far.
What we don’t like: This mask looks ridiculous, especially when compared to the smooth cloth mask. "Our initial focus was to provide performance and comfort, not form," said Rob Hughes, vice president of PPE at Kimberly-Clark Professional. He added that the company is currently evaluating other designs. This mask is truly one-time use: excessive wear or rough use, the strap may tear, and the top nose line may loosen.
The sturdy headband and ample clearance above the nose and mouth create a comfortable fit while still breathing easily. But this N95 is more expensive than our other respirator options.
What we like: Many of the NIOSH approved N95s and headband KN95s we have tried were either too big or too tight. The sturdy WellBefore WB-N-200 N95 respirator mask also felt big on some of our team members, but not so big, and more importantly, although it was well sealed, it did not feel suffocated. Part of the reason is that the plastic brackets on both sides of the mask allow you to tighten the headband as needed. But this is also due to the fact that the mask provides sufficient clearance on the nose and mouth, and provides enough space for the filtered air to circulate. The foam strip on the bridge of the nose provides some cushioning.
What we don’t like: “It’s a lot of masks,” several testers commented, noting WellBefore’s plastic and foam features, wide headband and waist circumference. The price of this mask is more than twice the price of our other respirator options, the lighter but weird-looking Kimberly Clark N95 and the easy-to-wear, easy-to-remove but difficult-to-adjust Powecom KN95. These respirators are sold in packages of five or more, as well as individual packages (some people may find it beneficial to throw in a bag or glove box, but others may find it unnecessary).
The earrings of this easy-to-wear and easy-to-remove KN95 respirator mask can stretch well to provide a wider fit, but can also be knotted easily to get a more fitting earring.
*At the time of publication, the price was $10.
If you prefer headbands to earhooks, you may find this respirator mask that fits your ears more fit.
What we like: This previously FDA-authorized KN95 mask offers a variety of options-you can choose ear hooks or headbands, as well as black or white. We purchased Powecom masks directly from importers and distributors through Bona Fide Masks. This is a legal website that belongs to Ball Chain Manufacturing. It is the world's largest manufacturer of ball chain related products-you know, a string of metal beads puts the key together, turns the lights on and off, and fixes the military dog tag. . Thanks to its ball chain business, the company has reliable sources in China to help it get in touch with the reliable mask manufacturer Guangzhou Powecom.
Powecom was founded in 2009 and has become a well-known brand of masks made in China even before the pandemic. Its KN95 is listed in Appendix A of the emergency use authorization for non-NIOSH-approved respirators made in China that has been revoked by the FDA. Although the supply of N95 has been replenished and is no longer recommended for medical staff, they are still helpful to others. We like that the fasteners of the mask are firmly attached (more secure than most fasteners) and they are easy to knot for adjustment. They are also slightly rounded instead of flat, so they feel more gentle on the ears. We also like that you can choose to buy a minimum of 10 masks in a pack (although you can order up to 10,000 masks). For most of our testers, the size is neither too big nor too small, but it is also suitable for people with beards (of course, facial hair itself will reduce the tightness).
What we don’t like: Like almost all KN95 masks we’ve tried, it’s difficult to fit the ear-hook mask of this mask perfectly. Without the cord lock and stretchable fabric, the respirator cannot be adjusted. Wearing earrings helped prevent air from escaping from my chin, but somehow increased the fog on my glasses. In contrast, the headband provides a comfortable fit. A tester found that the headband version of this mask was too tight and uncomfortable (the earhook version is highly recommended).
Surgical masks are cheaper and thinner than the N95 design and other respirators, but because their sides tend to splay, some adjustments are required for optimal protection. As the CDC recommends, you can knot the earrings and tuck them on the sides (this New York Times video shows you how to do this) or add an adjustable cloth face mask on top (like one of our choices). You can also do both. In the past few months, we have tried 14 types of surgical masks, but in most cases, the difference is almost invisible. DemeTech DemeMask surgical masks are our favorite because the level of protection it provides is worth the money compared to other reliable masks we have seen in stock.
This lightweight surgical mask is also very suitable for stacking, with particularly soft ear hooks and foldable edges. It is more expensive than most disposable pleated masks, but it is often discounted.
What we like: Most disposable pleated masks have roughly the same feel and function, but DemeTech DemeMask surgical masks have passed FDA 510(k) certification and meet ASTM Level 3 standards because they can block 98% of particles as small as 0.1 micron (Assuming good sealing). We like its extremely soft earhooks, which feel like knitting and won't stick into the ears like most other elastic bands. The loops are also firmly connected together, so when you put on or take off this surgical mask, the fasteners are less likely to fall off (as we found in some cheaper models). With its soft edges, DemeMask is easy to knot and fold, and it fits securely when worn alone. We also like that it has a small size (may be suitable for some older kids) and a tie version, which may be especially helpful for people wearing hearing aids.
What we don’t like: DemeMask is more expensive than most pleated masks you find online or in pharmacies, although its price is about the same as masks with similar filtering certificates, such as CVS Health surgical masks. If you only use these masks occasionally, you can choose 10 pieces for $7.50. (If you use them frequently, you can get a 30% discount when you sign up for a monthly subscription from DemeTech.)
Finding a reliable respirator or surgical mask at a reasonable price during the pandemic is the most difficult shopping experience I have ever experienced. It's like trying to find the last Lego Star Wars Advent calendar three weeks before Christmas-but it's worse. In addition to navigating retailers that have been selling out for a long time or driving up prices, you also need to compete with fraudulent sellers, fraudulent products, or both: CDC reports that approximately 60% of KN95 masks sold in the United States are fakes. More importantly, there are also size issues. Oh, no matter what you buy, it is usually non-refundable.
As for disposable pleated masks, it seems to be sold in every block store and online supplier, but not all of them are real surgical masks-only surgical ones, which is why their prices are often the actual authorized prices One-third or half of surgical masks. Most packages simply say "mask". In this case, you can't expect the mask to filter like the kind of mask worn by medical staff in the hospital. In fact, L'Orange of Colorado State University has tested thousands of masks, including the masks we selected. He told us that the most serious failure comes from surgical masks, not respirators. Some have a filtration rate of only 20% for small particles, but most show slightly less than the shocking 70% to 80%. He said that other people seem to have no hierarchy at all. One way to detect counterfeit products is to place them top-up under a dripping faucet: if the water droplets penetrate rather than completely beading, it is not a real surgical mask, and it has a certain degree of water resistance by default.
The CDC reports that approximately 60% of KN95 masks sold in the United States are fake.
We decided to start with retailers we trust, including Costco, CVS, and Office Depot. We also read online business news articles about American companies producing or selling masks, or both. Linsey Marr of Virginia Tech recommends buying directly from reputable suppliers whenever possible, and not just anything you find from third-party sellers (the fewer middlemen, the less likely it is for mischief). Therefore, we checked each company’s e-commerce website and confirmed that each respirator or surgical mask of interest is included in one of the following:
The "same" masks sold by the same company may vary from retailer to retailer.
Sometimes, we cannot cross-check until we receive the mask and find the certificate of conformity for the product-a small piece of paper in the package, which contains detailed information about the product and its manufacturer, usually half of it is in the language of the country/region The mask written comes from. We have also contacted some manufacturers or sellers to understand the review or manufacturing process, especially if we cannot find the manufacturing company in any of the above lists.
For masks sold on Amazon, we have confirmed with the manufacturer that we have a legal link with the products they sell. If we cannot contact the manufacturer (and if the masks are sold out in all places except Amazon), we will The inspection masks are sold and shipped directly by Amazon. Although this factor may unnecessarily limit your choice, as Kathy Cummins, Head of Marketing and Analysis at Hinge Global, pointed out, we like Amazon’s own assurance of reviewing products’ specific inventory, and we thank Amazon Shipping for eliminating middlemen. Ensure timely delivery. Warning: The "same" masks sold by the same company may vary from retailer to retailer. For example, the masks made by the Chinese company Winner Medical that we bought on Amazon consist of a thinner and less flexible mask material than the Winner Medical masks we once sold on CVS, even though they have the same product name ("Medical Masks ")"), standard certification (ASTM level 1) and materials listed on the certification list ("non-woven fabric 66%; meltblown, 34%"). Winner Medical confirmed to us that it specifically designs masks according to customer specifications , While still ensuring the same protective effect.
Once we tracked down a few masks that we thought were actually medical grade, our work had just begun. We also need to evaluate each mask in terms of fit and comfort-this is impossible for anyone to judge in a general sense. Despite this, we are still doing our best to distribute masks to nine team members (two of whom are my husband and me).
When we encounter masks that fit and feel good but are not approved by NIOSH or FDA, we have sent samples to the Colorado State University Energy Development and Health Center for filtration efficiency and air permeability testing.
As with our cloth mask guide, as new and better options emerge, we will continue to add to this list of trusted respirators and surgical masks. Please stay tuned for future updates.
Safety comes first during the pandemic, which is why some experts urge people to choose disposable masks with high filtration efficiency as much as possible. However, more people-not just health care workers-wear masks made of non-recyclable materials and the environmental impact is significant. It is estimated that the pandemic generates up to 7,200 tons of medical waste every day, a large part of which is disposable masks. The authors of a study published in the British medical journal Open in July 2021 found that compared to disposing of N95 masks after each use, decontamination of N95 masks worn multiple times can reduce the amount of environmental waste associated with the pandemic 75% or more. (Researchers have been working to develop a completely reusable and easy-to-sterilize silicone mask suitable for medical staff.)
For the rest of us, the risk of their exposure is usually much lower and there are more sustainable options, including reusable cloth masks with high filtration efficiency (such as Enro masks, in our guide to the best cloth masks) One of the choices, or Happy Masks Pro, a well-known competitor). Another option is to wear disposable masks multiple times.
Yes, outside of the medical environment, most of us can safely reuse some disposable masks. Although it is generally recommended that health care workers throw away their masks after using them once, it is not always necessary for others. This is especially true when considering additional layers of protection (such as vaccines, social distance, and good ventilation). Therefore, experts tell us that it often makes sense to reuse our disposable masks-carefully, drawing inspiration from the work done by medical staff during the N95 respirator shortage in the early days of the pandemic.
As the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention pointed out, a one-day mask can be "stored in a ventilated paper bag until next week." (The expected survival time of SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19, is 72 hours.) It is better to consider exposing worn masks to the sun, as this may help speed up the inactivation process. In my home, I have seven paper bags, each paper bag is marked with a day of the week, arranged next to the sunny window sill. At the end of each day, I put the used mask in the corresponding bag. Five days later (because I prefer to be safer), I moved the mask to the eighth bag, which was marked "ready to wear".
The CDC guidelines are aimed at medical staff in situations where the risks are much higher than those I encounter in my daily work, stating that masks should not be used more than five times. However, masks worn by most people when the risk is relatively low may be worn for a longer period of time. “There is no time limit for the working hours of the filter,” explains Ron Shaffer, former research director of the NIOSH National Personal Protection Technology Laboratory. He recommends throwing it away when it gets dirty or worn, no longer fits, or has difficulty breathing. If in doubt, throw it away.
These masks stand out from other competitors because we have received positive responses from a relatively wide range of panel members and performed well in our filtration efficiency tests. However, they are not as affordable as our current options-depending on your needs, you may find them worth the extra money.
Thanks to its patented nanotechnology, the 4CAir AireTrust nano mask is one of the thinnest KN95 masks we have tried. Unlike fillers, more like paper, the mask feels very light when worn on the face, and it can be said to have better breathability. A group member wore it to participate in Pilates: "My face did not sweat under it because it is very light," they said. "After two minutes, I forgot that it was there." Since this mask has not yet been approved by the FDA, we conducted our own filtration test in collaboration with researchers in Colorado and confirmed that, as advertised, it is as small as 0.5 Micron particles have a filtration efficiency of 99%. Respirators usually come in one size, so we like this one in three sizes: small (children), medium, and large; the small size even has cord plugs in the earrings. All of our group members have found a size that suits them, although some sizes fit better around the nose (so there is no fogging from the glasses) than at the chin. We would choose this, except that each is over $3, which is much more expensive than our choices, Powecom (75 cents for a mask) and Kimberly-Clark (approximately $1 for a mask). But we will spend $17.50 to buy 5-piece masks to deal with rare situations where we may particularly like to be lighter than most masks, such as long-distance flights or long-term doctor visits.
Due to the more structured "boat" shape of the KF94 masks (a horizontal rectangle that can fix itself on the bridge of the nose and chin), they are a bit difficult to adjust, and different team members have different opinions on which is best. But if you want to give it a try, Kyungin Flax KF94 may be a good choice. Like most KF94s, which did not enter the US market until the latter part of the pandemic, Kyungin Flax has not yet undergone the NIOSH approval or FDA approval process. Therefore, in cooperation with Colorado State University, we conducted a filter test on the mask ourselves and found that it can block 99% of particles as small as 0.5 microns.
In general, most KF94s feel thinner than the N95s and KN95s we tried (except for the Kimberly Clark mask we recommend and the 4CaireTrust Nano Mask, which we also like). And their boat shape can be said to provide a more reliable gap between the nose and mouth. Kyungin Linen is no exception. We also like this. The price of a package of 20 dollars is about 24 dollars, which is about one-third to one-half the price of many other products we have seen. However, this mask has only one size, which makes it more difficult for some of our team members to achieve a strong seal. If you prefer the KF94 mask with a narrow chin or a smaller face, then a Dr. Puri, Blue Mask or Etiqa mask may be better.
The masks in this section either passed the rigorous NIOSH test required to obtain the official N95 designation, or submitted the necessary test results and documents for FDA approval, whether through the now revoked emergency use authorization or the 510(k) process.
Unless otherwise noted, the vertical dimension of a folded flat, most cone-shaped breathing mask (such as Powecom KN95) is approximately 6 inches. However, everyone wears it differently, depending on the angle it surrounds the nose and chin, the flexibility of the material, and whether the fastener is an earring or a headband.
According to our experience, BYD Care KN95 has a good seal, thanks to its easier-to-adjust headband fasteners, but the bridge of the nose may slip off the nose and slightly block the airway. However, for people with a high nose bridge, this may not be the case-so, as mentioned above, we will continue to evaluate this mask through different test groups and update this guide accordingly. The fastener has ridges to improve grip. The KN95 has been listed in Appendix A of the emergency use authorization now revoked by the FDA.
BYD Care’s NIOSH-approved non-medical N95 is sold at Office Depot and is no longer marked as "reserved for medical staff and first responders," and at the time of writing, a box of 20 is now priced at $30. Compared with the brand's KN95, the fasteners of this mask are shorter, more fitting, and slightly stronger, leaving more space above the nose and mouth. However, a tester described it as "really painful to wear", although this is why she "trusted" it to make an appointment at the hospital. (Before the vaccination, my husband wore N95 to a New York City public school, where he taught in person; he returned home and found a "reassuring" mark on his face. Not everyone has the same feeling of being super-fitting. feel. )
DemeTech, a wound care company based in Florida, is the manufacturer of choice for our surgical masks, and began producing respirators at the beginning of the pandemic. We like that the DemeTech respirator approved by NIOSH has two designs (cup-shaped and foldable), each of which has a "regular" or "small" size. With its sturdy ridged headband, you can adjust the position of these respirator masks to make them more fit. My husband and I have tried regular-sized foldable masks. Compared with other masks we have tried, they are slightly lower from our face, especially near the nose. But they form a good seal, and as other team members have pointed out, they also feel lighter. A box of 20 pieces is $75. They are as expensive as the 4CAir AireTrust Nano Mask, another lightweight respirator we tried. If you only need a few, a box of five will cost less than $20.
Measuring only 5 inches vertically from top to bottom, the Korean-made and NIOSH-approved Dobu Mask 500 N95 is probably best for people with small faces (it barely covers my husband’s mouth, and other people on our panel equate it to wearing a bra Cups) or hamburgers on their faces). However, it is very suitable for two panelists. The brace keeps the fabric away from the face. There is a circle of soft cotton T-shirt-like material around the nose and mouth, and at the same time creates a comfortable sealing effect without a nose bridge in some way. Plastic adjusters on each side can easily help tighten the ridged headband. You can fold this mask in half, but due to the bracket, it will not remain folded like the other masks in the list. The whole is also thicker. We have confirmed that the masks available on Amazon (labeled "Sold and shipped by Dobu Mask") are legal. As expected, the additional hardware makes the mask more expensive than most masks we considered (10 at $40).
Much cheaper (US$25, US$45), the NIOSH-approved foldable Dobu Mask 201 N95 fits and fits comfortably as BYD Care N95, but the gap between the nose and mouth is slightly smaller, which can be said to be a more gentle touch. Unlike BYD Care N95, “They don’t go deep into my eyes,” a panel member said. If you use N95 on a regular basis (like my husband, who wears one to teach in person every day), Dobu masks can become expensive (at the time of this writing, the price of a pack of 25 on Amazon is $45). For more affordable and similarly shaped options, consider Powecom KN95 (sold as a headband option, about $1 per mask). According to our team members, its elastic band feels a little loose, but it can still create a safe-and arguably more comfortable-seal.
Dr. Puri dust protection masks are not approved by NIOSH, but NIOSH reported in June 2020 that they can block more than 99% of 0.3-micron particles. It suits most of our team members, although some testers think it is too close to the mouth, despite its rectangular boat shape, which is a typical feature of KF94. Some testers said that these masks smelled weird ("dusty", one panel member said); we would remove these masks from the packaging and ventilate them before wearing them. We confirm that the masks sold through this Amazon link (labeled "Sold by Dr. Puri Official") are legal and the price is slightly lower than what we have seen elsewhere.
FLTR sells N95 circular respirators made in China approved by NIOSH. We have not tried it yet. Given that it is only sold in bulk (100 masks, US$320), we think the cost is too high for people who want to make sure the mask fits before going all-in.
The Harley Commodity N95 particulate respirator, also sold at Bona Fide Masks, may be more suitable for people with big faces than most people. Compared to the 6-inch Powecom KN95, its vertical size from tip to tip increased by about a quarter of an inch-so it hit the corner of my eye. However, I can breathe better because the slope of the nose part (with nose pads) is not so steep. If it is the right size for you, you may get a good seal with a ridged, firmly fixed elastic headband. It has been approved by NIOSH (see Guangzhou Harley).
The American face mask particle respirator N95 is manufactured in China and is approved by NIOSH. The vertical size is similar to the Harley Commodity mask (about 6¼ inches), it hits my lower eyelid. Assuming that the mask fits your face, the wrap around the headband can be easily knotted to get a good sealing effect. Compared with most other bi-folding N95, its cost is also lower (20 masks are about 45 US dollars), usually the price of each mask is about 3.50 US dollars or more.
Honeywell DF300 N95 disposable particulate respirator is similar to BYD KN95: Compared with Harley Commodity and American masks, it also provides a better fit for small faces. A piece of foam cushions its strong, flexible bridge of the nose. It is a bit more expensive than our selection, but cheaper than most other products on this list. It is also approved by NIOSH.
The Makrite 910 is a duckbill N95, similar to the Kimberly-Clark mask we recommend, but it is hardly so comfortable. It turns out that thick materials are much less breathable, and the headband looks and feels like thick rubber bands, albeit very smooth. However, the bridge of the nose is cushioned by a foam strip, and this model has been approved by NIOSH. You can play with the straps to get a better seal, but in general, we found this mask to be very restrictive and suffocating.
We are very excited about the beautiful blue color of the NIOSH-approved RespoKare N95 respirator mask and comfortable nose pads, but some team members found that the ear straps can easily break. The large size is too big for many group members (it might be nice if you find that most masks are too small for you), while the medium size is much smaller (in fact, too small for me) . These masks have a strong vinegar smell on the outside of the packaging, and their price is much more expensive than our choice.
We like CVS Health surgical masks, but ongoing inventory issues prevent them from being an option in this guide. The bottom layer of this mask is very soft-much softer than most other surgical masks we have tried, including the masks we selected from DemeTech. It meets the ASTM Level 2 standard, which means that it can filter out at least 98% of 0.1 micron particles, provided that it is perfectly sealed. The wide earhooks should help this mask fit a wider face, and for narrower faces, they are easy to knot.
If our recommended DemeTech DemeMask surgical mask is not available, please consider Medline ASTM Class 1 surgical mask with ear hooks. Sold in a box of 50, this mask is one of the most affordable surgical options we have seen. In fact, it is a real surgical mask: it has passed FDA 510(k) Certified and compliant with ASTM Level 1 standards (which means it can filter out at least 95% of 0.1 micron particles). Its earrings are slightly wider than the earrings of the CVS Health mask, so they are easy to knot and pleate, making the Medline mask ideal for large faces.
Just because the mask has not been removed by these institutions does not necessarily mean that its performance is poor, although it is difficult to determine. FDA approval and NIOSH approval may take several months and may cost a lot of money-some companies decide not to disturb; others have submitted documents but are still waiting for a decision.
Like many K94s we have tried, the Blue KF94 3D mask is great for some of our panel testers, but leaves a blank for others. However, our group members agreed that it feels very light. According to its packaging and authorized seller BeHealthyUSA.net (a long-term reliable source of Korean imports), it has been approved by the Korean Ministry of Food and Safety. To confirm, we contacted the manufacturer of the blue mask and the Korean Ministry of Food and Safety, but did not receive a response. We did not send the Blue mask to Colorado for a filtration efficiency test because in addition to the lack of wide fit appeal, its cost is higher than our favorite Dr. Puri and Kyungin Flax KN94 masks, and it is more expensive than our choice many.
The Etiqa airway round mask has neither FDA approval nor NIOSH approval. However, according to its packaging and seller BeHealthyUSA.net, it has been approved by the Korean Ministry of Food and Safety. (The colorful variants have not gone through the approval process of the Korean Ministry of Food and Safety, although the materials are similar.) We did not use this mask for filtration tests and did not investigate further because too many panelists complained about fit issues (it can’t be very Hold the chin well). Many people pointed out that it emits a strong smell outside the packaging and will not disappear quickly. The price of a mask is more than $3, which is a relatively expensive option for daily wear.
The seller of the FLTR95 sealing mask (available in a pack of 100 at Costco or 10 sachets at Best Buy) provided us with laboratory documents from a third-party laboratory, proving similar filtration results to KN95. However, it blocked the mask manufacturer's name on the grounds of proprietary information (the manufacturer's name was not translated on the certification sheet because it is usually and has been used in almost all other masks that we have tested). These masks come in white or black and are similar in shape to Powecom KN95 masks (measured 6 inches vertically, from head to toe) and elastic. But they are slightly longer in the horizontal direction, and only provide ear-hook options.
The SupplyAid KN95 face shield (pack of 5) is not approved by the FDA. But we noticed that one of the data packets we ordered from Amazon was produced by Suzhou Lotte Protective Products Co., Ltd., similar to the data packet filtering tested by NIOSH. The evaluation found that the degree to which the mask blocks particles is similar to that of N95. (However, this is only a set of standards that the respirator must pass to become NIOSH approved N95, and it only represents the specific package tested.) We ordered another set of SupplyAid masks and found that they were made by the same manufacturer. But the packages ordered from Home Depot were produced by another manufacturer, and their batches have not been tested by NIOSH. We contacted SupplyAid's outdoor equipment parent company SnowJoe many times to seek clarification, but did not receive a reply. So we are not sure whether the version we bought on Amazon will continue to be manufactured by Suzhou Lotte.
Armbrust Surgical Masks is not authorized by the FDA, but the CEO told us that the company has been doing this process for the past few months. (Armbrust shared a third-party laboratory report on its website that indicated that the mask meets the ASTM Level 3 filter standard.) Armbrust offers a series of interesting color options that are usually not seen in the mask, such as Denim, orange and green. Compared with most surgical masks we have tried, this mask feels softer and thinner. The bridge of the nose feels firmer. The fastener is easy to knot and fits perfectly. If you can't buy DemeTech or Medline masks, or just want to add a touch of color to your mask wardrobe, these masks are often available and are a good choice.
The price of 50 masks is about $10, and the FLTR universal mask is one of the cheapest surgical masks we have ever seen. However, they are not approved by the FDA. Like the company's KN95 masks, these pleated masks have been tested by a third-party laboratory and found to meet ASTM Class 1 standards (blocking at least 95% of 0.1 micron particles). The company again modified the name of the manufacturer in the file for "proprietary" reasons. (This mask is currently out of stock, but you can purchase it with a box of black masks as part of the bundle.)
Unilever sells its Lifebuoy mask at Target. A company spokesperson told us that a third-party laboratory test showed that the mask meets the ASTM Class 1 filtration standard (95%), but the company did not disclose the results. The price of 50 masks is about US$30, which is the most expensive of a box of masks we have seen that has not been approved by the FDA.
Hana Akselrod, MD, Assistant Professor of Medicine, Department of Infectious Diseases, George Washington University School of Medicine, telephone interview, February 23, 2021
Kathy Cummins, Head of Marketing and Head of Research and Data Analysis, Hinge Global, telephone interview, February 24, 2021
Dr. Loretta Fernandez, Associate Professor of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Northeastern University, telephone interview, February 23, 2021
Dr. Christian L'Orange, Deputy Director of the Center for Energy Development and Health, Colorado State University, Assistant Professor of Mechanical Engineering Research, telephone interview, February 3, 2021
Linsey Marr, PhD, Professor of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Virginia Tech, email interview, February 9, 2021
Dr. Nikki McCullough, 3M Personal Security Division Global Technical Services and Supervision Director, telephone interview, January 19, 2021
Bryan Ormond, Ph.D., Assistant Professor of Textile Engineering, North Carolina State University Wilson Textile Institute, Center for Textile Protection and Comfort, telephone interview, June 12, 2020
Kristen Picard, Director of Product Marketing, Honeywell, telephone interview, February 11, 2021
Chris Plotz, Director of Education and Technical Affairs, INDA (Nonwovens Industry Association), telephone interview, March 2, 2021
Nura Sadeghpour, Health Communication Specialist, CDC/NIOSH, email interview, February 24, 2021
Ron Shaffer, Ph.D., head of the former research branch of the NIOSH National Personal Protection Technology Laboratory, telephone interview, June 29, 2020
Shirley Simson, FDA Press Officer, email interview, February 24, 2021
Joanne Chen is a senior writer at Wirecutter, covering sleep and other lifestyle topics. Previously, she reported on health and wellness as a magazine editor. After a task forced her to sleep 8 hours a day for a month, she realized that, in fact, when she was not sleep deprived, she was a smarter and kinder person.
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