As the pandemic continues, people have begun to try out mask alternatives from bandanas and neck braces to knitted and silk face masks – but the N95 mask remains the gold standard.
A Duke University study published this month tested the effectiveness of 14 different types of masks and found further evidence that the N95 is most effective at stopping the transmission of respiratory droplets during regular speech.
While shortages of personal protective equipment persist, perhaps those most vulnerable to contracting the virus – including healthcare professionals – are unable to purchase enough N95 masks, PPEs are available for individual purchase at some online retailers .
For those working on the front lines of the pandemic, the FDA recommends wearing N95 respirator masks. But for non-health care workers, the CDC advises sticking with cloth face cover.
KN95 and N95 masks are very similar.
“The difference between an N95 and a KN95 mask is where the mask is certified,” the Oklahoma State Department of Health wrote on its website. KN95s are certified in China, while N95s are certified in the US.
Here are the online retailers that sell N95 and KN95 masks, as well as additional mask filters.
N95 masks
In addition to serving first responders with wholesale options, N95 Mask Co. sells. also a variety of his first tier protective masks to the public. The Respokare NIOSH N95 Respirator Masks have ‘advanced antiviral technology’, and are priced at $ 49.99 for a four-pack or $ 89.99 for a 10-pack.
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The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, part of the CDC, has approved this N95 Respirator face mask, which is the second of Mask Co.’s two N95 options, and sells for $ 179 for a 20-pack or $ 349 for a 40-pack.
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The KN95 masks from Mask Co. are $ 59.99 for a 20-pack or $ 129.99 for a 50-pack.
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The best-selling KN95 on Amazon
On Amazon, mask seller SuppyAID holds the title of best-selling KN95. The masks offer some of the best possible protection against coronavirus particles and are also dust, pollen and haze resistant. A five-pack costs $ 18.
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Filters
N95 respirator filters need to be replaced regularly. The 3M brand sells a 10-pack of disposable filters for $ 20.70.
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