The best N95, KN95 and KF94 masks of 2022 – The Hollywood Reporter
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Like it or not, COVID-19 masks and testing have become part of our daily lives. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends that people ditch cloth face coverings and upgrade to medical-grade protective masks for better protection against coronavirus. Surgical masks are still the first line of defense to help prevent the spread of viruses, but KN95, N95, and KF94 masks (also called respirators) are also recommended by the CDC.
The US agency notes that “respirators have better filtering capabilities and, if worn correctly throughout their lifespan, can provide a higher level of protection than cloth or procedural respirators.” They also say that if an N95, KN95 or KF94 mask is not available, a cloth mask is better than none.
Even as cities like Los Angeles and New York recently dropped their indoor mask regulations, many people have chosen to keep masks as a long-term accessory. Before replenishing your mask supply, you’ll want to know the differences between the three most common masks being used to protect against the coronavirus. Keep reading to know more about where to buy real KN95, N95 and KF94 masks, how to spot fake masks, and more.
KN95 mask vs N95 and KF94: What’s the difference?
According to the CDC, the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), the agency that tests and approves respirators for use in the workplace, has a list of approved particulate respirators. approve. This NIOSH approved air purifying respirator protects by filtering particles out of the air while the user is breathing.
There are seven types of filters available for NIOSH-approved respirators. The NIOSH approved minimum filtration level is 95 percent. The symbols N, R and P refer to the oil resistance of the filter.
Here are the key differences between the KN95, N95 and KF94 masks, which all filter out particles as small as 0.3 microns:
- N95 mask NIOSH approved and filters 95% of airborne particles. They are not oil resistant. The surgical N95 respirator is a NIOSH approved N95 respirator and has also been recognized by the Food and Drug Administration as a surgical mask.
- KN95 The mask is equivalent to China’s N95 mask and meets international safety standards. They are not NIOSH approved, but they filter out 95 percent of particles. Several manufacturers have obtained FDA emergency use authorization when N95 respirators are difficult to find, but note that some brands have had their approval revoked.
- Mask KF94 Meets Korean safety standards and filters 94 percent of particles. They are designed to give you a comfortable fit. Some KF94s have been approved by the FDA and it is important to check if the masks are made in Korea.
How to know if your mask is real or not
It’s important to make sure you don’t buy fake masks, especially from online marketplaces that don’t verify authenticity. You can tell N95 masks are authentic if they have a GB number, which tells you when the mask was made. There is no GB mark indicating that it is not a certified medical mask. And, there’s also no such thing as a children’s N95 mask, as NIOSH approves an adult-only mask. However, brands still make masks that are the right size for children and others to give you more comfort.
Since KN95 and KF94 respirators are not NIOSH approved, a sign that they are fake is if they are stamped “NIOSH approved”.
Up front, we’ve rounded up the best KN95, N95 and KF94 masks that are guaranteed to be authentic, including options commonly found on Hollywood stars.
Best N95 masks to shop online
Kimberly-Clark Professional N95 Masks
The Kimberly-Clark Professional N95 pocket liner mask is NIOSH approved and comes in 50 pieces per pack. They are white, have a carrying pouch design, and two blue headbands to secure the mask. These respirators are airtight and do not allow internal air filtration.
Kimberly-Clark Professional N95 Masks
$47.93
on Amazon.com
Buy now
3M Aura mask N95 beads
The 3M Aura Particle N95 respirator is also NIOSH approved and features a floating top panel to help reduce eyewear fogging caused by warm and humid exhaled air. It also has a soft material inside, a sculpted nose panel, and a custom seal.
3M Aura mask N95 beads
$39.90
on Amazon.com
Buy now
Benehal mask N95
The Benehal N95 respirator offers excellent breathability making it easier to prolong wear and allows for a high worker acceptance rate. The nylon and cotton masks are comfortable and feature an adjustable metal nose clip for a custom fit.
Benehal mask N95
$23.79
on Amazon.com
Buy now
Mask of happiness
You must keep an eye out for the Happy Mask, which regularly sells out and was recently added to the California-based company’s website. The brand has a wide variety of unique looks and styles, from bold, solid colors to rainbows, strawberries, and dinosaurs.
Facemasks with five layers, including a three-layer nanofiber filter, have been tested by Nelson Labs to provide more than 99.9% filtration against viruses, bacteria, pollen, air pollution, smoke and other pollutants. It has a parrot beak that is ideal for use and longer wear.
Happy Masks Strawberries Pro
$ 24
Buy now
The best KN95 masks to shop online
Powercom KN95 mask, 10 packs
Powercom’s KN95 mask comes in 10 packs in denim blue, pink, gray, black, and white. The masks are made of multiple layers of filter polypropylene and electrostatic cotton, and they are available in both earloop and headband styles. Foldable 3D design gives you more comfort, perfect for ergonomic fit.
Powercom KN95 mask, 10 packs
$16
Buy now
Vida mask KN95
Vida offers high protection, recyclable masks in a variety of sizes, including family packs, regular, kids and x-small kids. They are available in pack sizes from 10 to 1,000. Colors come in black, white, grey, lavender, fuchsia, coral, denim, blush, seafoam and aquamarine. An added bonus is that each purchase is a donation to the VIDA Global Education Scholarship Fund.
Vida KN95 mask, 10 packs
$25
Buy now
Evolvetogether KN95 mask
Sustainable brand Evolvetogether’s KN95 mask features a breathable and water-resistant six-layer design. It has soft, non-pulling earlobes. And, the company’s sustainability mission is rooted in boxless packaging. It even comes with a biodegradable, plant-based bag for travel. (The masks have been seen on stars including Pete Davidson, Rihanna, Anne Hathaway, Angelina Jolie, Charlize Theron, Dakota Johnson, Anya Taylor-Joy and Sarah Jessica Parker.)
Developed Together Manu Mask KN95
$15
Buy now
Maskc Mask KN95
Maskc’s stylish KN95 respirator features an ergonomic design in multiple colors and a five-layer construction that filters out 95% of particles 0.3 microns or smaller. Breathable masks are great for running or exercising. Plus, they’re 50% off for a limited time when you use code FLASH50.
The Los Angeles-based brand was spotted on Katie Holmes and Naomi Watts, both wearing the brand’s neutral KN95 in New York. Other stars who have worn Maskc include Jenna Dewan, Hilary Duff, Jennifer Garne, Bella Hadid, Mila Kunis, Ashton Kutcher, Blake Lively, Joe Jonas, Sophie Turner and Olivia Wilde.
Maskc Mask KN95, Pack of 10
$28
Buy now
Best KF94 masks to shop online
Vida KF94 recycled mask
Vida offers six colors in a recyclable KF94 mask, including white, gray, black, light blue, light pink, and light green. Prices vary by quantity, starting from $25 for a pack of 10 to $1,200 for a set of 1,000. Vida is also donating masks globally, donating medical masks to hospitals in Africa, South America, India and other countries in need. Donations range from $30 to $1,000 and will cover the cost of the mask (fees apply).