What was once a mask shortage during the beginning of the COVID pandemic has become a mask boom, with professional-grade masks available everywhere. But that doesn’t mean they’re all trustworthy or of the same quality.
Up to 60% of respirators sold in the U.S. are counterfeit or misrepresent the level of protection they offer, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The website for the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) lists all of the products that it has approved, along with known counterfeiters, and anyone who’s worried about fake goods should buy directly from the manufacturers instead of relying on third-party vendors like Amazon.
Then, there’s what kind of mask to buy. When it comes to respirators, remember that N95s and KN95s are functionally the same device. “N95” is the certification in the US, while “KN95” is the certification in China, but both masks are respirators that filter roughly 95% of airborne particles. In fact, the CDC has used the two terms interchangeably. Meanwhile, the KF94 is the Korean certification and filters 94% of particles.
What the Experts Say
The experts SPY consulted for this piece all said that it’s less about where one purchases their mask and more about the type of mask they buy. Most major vendors have both trustworthy and counterfeit masks on their platform, so it’s up to the consumer to choose wisely.
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When it comes to which masks are “best,” studies have shown that respirators provide the greatest protection against COVID-19 infection. Anything is better than nothing, according to Emily Volk, president of the College of American Pathologists. “Even just a barrier mask can reduce the risk of spreading upper respiratory illnesses,” she said.
That can include a surgical mask (most commonly seen as the disposable blue mask). These do not necessarily provide as much protection as respirators, especially when it comes to small particles in the air. However, they are a good option, said Dr. Amesh Adalja, a senior scholar at the Johns Hopkins Center for Health Security. In most cases, he said, he feels comfortable wearing a surgical mask even when he’s seeing patients infected with COVID.
Regardless of what a person chooses, it’s critical that the mask fits them properly, said Dr. Adalja. That means it fully covers the nose, mouth, and chin without leaving large gaps between the edge of the mask and the face. “If it’s fitting snugly around the face, it’s probably performing the way you want it to,” he said.
Each of the masks below is NIOSH-approved for protection against COVID-19 and available to purchase online.
N95 Face Mask (30 Pack) | NIOSH Certified N95 Disposable Respirator 5-Ply Safety Breathable Face Masks
These N95 masks from BENEHAL are NIOSH-approved for 95% filter efficiency and come individually wrapped so they’re extra sanitary and convenient for daily use. The masks are made with an electrostatic fabric that is rigid enough to create extra breathing room and minimize breathing resistance. The cup shape provides a protective seal and the double head straps keep the mask on without pulling on ear flaps. There’s also a small strip of foam under the nose bridge for comfort and a dependable seal.
3M Aura Particulate Respirator 9205+, N95 (240 ea/Case)
Four-eyed friends, this mask is designed specifically for you. Its curved profile provides space for your eyewear and directs exhaled air away from the nose panel.
Who It’s For: Mask wearers who can’t stand when their glasses fog up.
Why We Chose It: No one should experience the scourge of foggy glasses.
When to Wear It: Whenever you’ve got your glasses on.
N95 Face Mask, Black (50 Pack) | NIOSH Certified N95 Disposable Respirator, 5-Ply Safety Breathable Face Masks
This mask provides at least 95% filtration efficiency and is comfortable to wear thanks to its adjustable nose clip and high elastic ear loops. It’s also water-resistant and comes in packs of 50.
Who It’s For: Anyone whose mask might get wet.
Why We Chose It: A mask isn’t doing its job if it’s soggy and falling apart.
When to Wear It: If you’re going to come into contact with liquids.
WellBefore Individually-Wrapped KN95 Face Masks
Normally, skimping on something medical results in something less effective. That’s not true with WellBefore’s affordable masks. Their masks are great for bulk purchases but are still approved by China’s NIOSH-equivalent agency. This mask comes with ear loops, adjustable ear straps, or behind-the-head straps so the fit can be customized.
Who It’s For: Anyone who wants the ability to customize their facial covering.
Why We Chose It: It’s from a trusted brand and is also inexpensive — around $1 per mask.
When to Wear It: Indoors or outdoors. It’s a general-use mask.
WellBefore 3D (KF94 Style) KN95 Mask – With & Without Adjustable Ear Loops
Another mask from WellBefore, this one comes with an adjustable noseband and is designed to better fit the shape of rounded faces. Its rounded style also provides more room for breathing.
Who It’s For: Anyone who struggles to find a mask that fits properly.
Why We Chose It: It’s from a trusted brand and is even less expensive than the individually wrapped mask above — around $.70 per mask.
When to Wear It: Anytime you need protection from infection
WellBefore N99 Respirator Mask – NIOSH Approved
This mask is NIOSH approved for filtering out 99% of airborne particles (to qualify as an N95, a mask only has to filter out at least 95% of particles), and it has four layers of non-woven fabric that’s skin-friendly.
Who It’s For: Anyone whose face may be sensitive to the fabrics used by other mask manufacturers.
Why We Chose It: Especially if you’re wearing a mask for hours on end, your skin may start to rebel.
When to Wear It: Whenever you need skin-friendly fabric.
Frequently Asked Questions About Face Masks
Is a respirator the best kind of mask to buy?
It depends. Respirators provide the most protection of any facial covering. However, the CDC notes that it can be difficult to breathe while wearing an N95 mask and that those with chronic respiratory, cardiac, or other medical conditions that make breathing difficult should check with their healthcare provider before using a respirator. In addition, respirators may not fit correctly and form the tight seal they need to be effective for those with small faces or facial hair.
Do subvariants like omicron require a different type of mask?
N95 masks and respirators are still the best form of protection, even with Omicron and its subvariants. Because the coronavirus is constantly being transmitted and mutating, it can be difficult to predict which new variants will emerge and what they’ll be like. Initial data suggest that Omicron is significantly more contagious than other strains, so especially those who are high-risk or in areas with a high saturation of COVID cases should consider wearing a mask or upgrading to a more protective mask. Other variants may have different characteristics. For the latest COVID news, check out the weekly updates from the World Health Organization, which include information on any known and emerging subvariants.
Do masks expire?
Yes, according to the Food and Drug Administration. Check the expiration date on the product labeling or packaging.
Can I wash and reuse an N95 mask?
It depends on the manufacturer, according to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). If the answer is yes, follow the instructions from the manufacturer, and also use common sense. If you see holes or tears in the material, swap it out for a new mask.