Saturday, January 11

The best KN95 masks and how to shop for them, according to experts

Face masks are still an excellent piece of personal protective equipment to have at home, even if fewer people wear them now than during the COVID-19 pandemic. Particularly if you’re coughing and sneezing, they can assist shield those around you from harm and help you avoid getting sick.

Although there are numerous options for face masks, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention state that respirators that fit properly provide the highest level of protection. Although some people find N95 respirators uncomfortable, experts consider them to be the best face mask available. A more comfortable option may be premium KN95 masks, which provide comparable protection.

I consulted specialists regarding KN95 mask buying and compiled a list of a few products that adhere to their recommendations. In addition, I purchased and tried on every face mask I suggest to make sure the fit, features, and packaging match what professionals advise.

GO Ahead and SkipHow to shop for KN95 face masks, which are the best, and why should I trust NBC Select?

Selected.

Our top picks

  • Best KN95 masks overall

    Hotodeal KN95 Face Mask

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    $19.99

    Amazon

    Learn more

  • Best neutral colors KN95 masks

    Powecom KN95 Face Mask

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    $11.95

    Amazon

    Learn more

  • Best KN95 masks to buy in bulk

    WellBefore KN95 Face Mask

    $undefined
    $10.40

    WellBefore

    Learn more

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What is a KN95 mask?

One kind of disposable respirator is a KN95 face mask. (While most individuals use the terms mask and respirator interchangeably, the CDC and medical experts expressly refer to fitted, specialized face coverings such as N95s, KN95s, and KF94s when they use the term respirator.) Similar to the N95 mask, it filters 95% of particulate matter, according to pediatric ear, nose, and throat specialist Dr. Nina Shapiro of Westside Head and Neck in California.

The Chinese counterpart of a N95 respirator in the United States is a KN95 mask. The KN95 mask standard in China is defined by a Chinese regulatory agency that is comparable to the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health in the United States. KN95s are not subject to U.S. regulations since they are made to a Chinese standard.

U.S. healthcare professionals were permitted to use KN95s on the job under a temporary emergency use license issued by the FDA from April 2020 to June 2021. Later, when there was no longer a shortage of NIOSH-approved respirators, the EUA was terminated.

How I picked the best KN95 masks

Experts advise considering the following aspects when purchasing KN95 masks:


  • Filtration level

    : KN95 masks must filter out at least 95% of particulates, experts told us. For all of the masks I recommend, I obtained associated lab tests regarding filtration. I got documentation from the

    NIOSH National Personal Protective Technology Laboratory

    or had brands send me documentation directly.


  • Construction

    : The KN95 masks you buy should have ear loops and at least five layers of material. I made sure all of the masks I recommend are designed with these features, as well as an adjustable nose bridge.

  • Brand transparency

    : Brand transparency is key when buying any type of face mask, especially for KN95 masks, which the United States does not regulate the way it does for N95 masks. There are, however, ways for brands and manufacturers to increase their trustworthiness, like FDA registration or inclusion in the FDA s now-defunct emergency use authorization (EUA), which it passed in 2020 to help medical workers choose KN95 masks when there was a shortage of N95 masks. All of the masks I recommend come from manufacturers registered with the FDA while this has nothing to do with regulating mask quality, it increases accountability for the brand selling it, experts told us. Some of the masks I recommend also appeared on the FDA s EUA I note which ones.

The best KN95 masks

Best overall:

Hotodeal KN95 Face Mask

Hotodeal KN95 Face Mask

The FDA’s EUA list included these KN95 masks. They are available in white, black, and grey, and they are constructed with stretchy ear loops and an adjustable nose bridge. They come in packs of 20, 40, 60, and 120.

Best neutral colors:

Powecom KN95 Face Mask

Powecom KN95 Face Mask

The FDA’s EUA list included Powecom’s KN95 masks. They come in a pack of ten and are offered in a variety of colors in addition to black and white. Individually packed KN95s are also available for purchase. The brand claims that the ear rings on the masks are latex-free and that the nose piece is customizable.

Editor s pick:

Evolvetogether KN95 Face Masks

Evolvetogether KN95 Face Masks

The circular form of these masks makes them the most comfortable of all the ones I’ve tried. Speaking is easy because the mask doesn’t press against my mouth, and the panels around the outside help suit my face snugly without leaving any skin dents. I continue to purchase these masks, which I wore for three years throughout the pandemic while attending college classes.

Each of the five KN95 masks from Evolvetogether is individually packaged in a biodegradable pouch. Each mask features six layers, stretchable ear loops, and an adjustable nose bridge. There are various colors available for the KN95 masks.

Best to buy in bulk:

WellBefore KN95 Face Mask

WellBefore KN95 Face Mask

KN95 masks from WellBefore come in a variety of colors, and customers can choose between head straps and conventional ear loops. You may buy as little as ten masks, each individually wrapped, and they feature an adjustable nasal bridge.Note: Ten KN95 masks with regular ear loops are included in the pricing indicated above. Each order must include a minimum of ten masks.

How to shop for KN95 masks

According to Dr. Jeremy Friese, a former Mayo Clinic physician and the founder and CEO of Humata Health, it is difficult, if not impossible, to determine whether the KN95 mask you are purchasing is authentic based just on its appearance.The CDC provides a list of guidelines to assist you identify masks that might not be up to par when you’re buying.

Before donning your masks, experts I spoke with advise keeping the following points in mind:

  • When you take a KN95 mask out of its packing, it should not be damaged in any way.
  • Packaging should never include false claims or logos from the FDA. The FDA does not permit their logo to appear on packaging of any sort.
  • KN95 masks shouldn t cost more than $3 apiece, according to the CDC.

Before using a mask, it’s also a good idea to look over lab test results that clearly show how effective it is as a filter, according to Anne Miller, executive director of Project N95, an organization that assists individuals in locating medical supplies and personal protective equipment. While some brands may send these documents to you upon request, others publish them online.

FDA registration is another consideration when looking for KN95 masks. Manufacturers must pay a fee and provide specific information about their company in order to register with the FDA. FDA registration does not indicate FDA approval of the mask or its maker, but it is still preferable to not having it. It also has no effect on the quality of the face mask itself. Miller adds that even after the FDA stopped updating the list in 2021, one of the finest places to consult when looking for respirators is the list of KN95 devices that the agency expressly approved in its 2020 emergency use permission.

When should you wear a face mask?

In the United States, there are currently no masking laws that apply to entire states or cities. Wearing a face mask, whether it’s a KN95 or another kind, can help shield you against viruses like COVID, the flu, and the common cold. If you’re sick, it can also stop you from spreading the sickness.

According to Shapiro, packed indoor spaces like buses, trains, airlines, and music venues are the most dangerous places for viral propagation. Additionally, because viruses are known to spread easily in waiting rooms at hospitals and doctor’s offices, she advises wearing a face mask there.

Shapiro advises staying at home and avoiding public places if you’re displaying signs of a respiratory ailment, such as coughing, sneezing, or fever. Wearing a face mask, however, is the best option if you must leave your house to go to the doctor or get medication, for instance, in order to protect others around you.


Frequently asked questions

According to Shapiro, KN95 masks are very effective, particularly when worn appropriately and by several persons in a particular situation. While they re not as form-fitting as N95 masks, their efficacy is nearly as good as N95s. And given that they re more comfortable, they re more likely to be worn for longer periods of time.

Unlike cotton masks, KN95 masks are disposable face coverings that cannot be washed and reused. However, you don t have to toss a KN95 mask after a single use. Several occasions, a KN95 mask can be worn. as long as you remove and store it correctly. Shapiro says KN95s should be stored in a paper bag between uses. If you notice that a mask is wet or dirty, or if it s damaged for example, if any part of it is worn away, or if the straps are broken or stretched you should throw it out, she says.

Shapiro says she wouldn t wear a KN95 more than three or four times maximum, especially if doing so for multiple hours. Additionally, if you knowingly come into close contact with someone infected with Covid, or you yourself have Covid while wearing it, you should throw the mask out after a single use.

No, KN95 masks are not FDA-approved or NIOSH-approved. KN95 masks are designed to meet a Chinese standard and they re not regulated in the U.S. So if you see the phrases FDA-approved or NIOSH-approved on the packaging of KN95 masks, it s a red flag. Learn more about signs that a mask is a counterfeit through CDC resourceshere.

Wearing a mask improperly will not protect you or those around you, regardless of the style you choose. The CDC recommends making sure it completely covers your mouth and nose and fits tightly against your face to prevent gaps around the sides of the mask, nose and chin.

All masks fit differently, and features like adjustable ear loops and an adjustable nose bridge help you improve the fit of your mask, as domask fitters or braces, according to the CDC. For those with facial hair, which can make it challenging to get a tight fit, using a brace or fitter is strongly advised.

The CDC says you should notdouble-maskwhile wearing a KN95 mask. Friese adds that a KN95 mask generally offers more protection than double-masking anyway, as long as it fits well. You should not wear international respirators with exhalation valves or vents, either, according to the CDC this guidance applies to all masks.

N95 masks remain the option with the best protection to both the wearer and those around them, says Shapiro. That said, they are quite uncomfortable, which usually means lower compliance when it comes to wearing them for prolonged periods of time in general settings. Because of this, many people tend to wear KN95 masks in everyday scenarios they re quite effective if you buy high quality models and wear them properly, says Shapiro. Healthcare workers, however, should always wear N95 masks while treating patients with active infections.

Face masks help reduce the risk of respiratory virus transmission between people, according to theCDC. In theirguide to masks and respirators, the CDC prioritizes respirators above masks with emphasis on a proper fit, and specifies that they re better than cloth products. Here’s a cheat sheet of the different levels of protection offered by different masks and respirators:


  • Highest level of protection:

    Well-fitting respirators approved by the National Institute for Occupational Safety & Health (NIOSH), including N95s

  • Less protection than NIOSH-approved respirators

    : Well-fitting disposable surgical masks and KN95s

  • Less protection than non-NIOSH respirators and surgical masks:

    Layered, finely woven products

  • Least protection, but still better than not wearing a mask at all:

    Loosely woven cloth products

Meet our experts

At NBC Select, we collaborate with professionals that possess specific expertise and power derived from pertinent education and/or job experience. We also ensure that all expert advice and recommendations are made independently and with no undisclosed financial conflicts of interest.


  • Dr.


    Nina Shapiro

    is a pediatric ear, nose and throat specialist at Westside Head and Neck in California. She is the author of

    Hype: A Doctor s Guide To Medical Myths, Exaggerated Claims and Bad Advice

    , as well as a children s book,

    The Ultimate Kids Guide To Being Super Healthy

    .


  • Dr. Jeremy Friese

    is a former Mayo Clinic physician and the founder and CEO of

    Humata Health

    .


  • Anne Miller

    is the executive director of

    Project N95

    , a nonprofit that helps people source personal protective equipment and medical supplies.

Why trust NBC Select?

I’m anassociate updates editorat NBC Select who has covered face masks since 2020. I’ve written about disposable masks, KN95 masks, N95 masks andKN95 masks for kids, in addition to at-home Covid tests andvaccine card holders. For this article, I spoke to three experts about how to shop for KN95 masks and tried every mask I recommend.

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