Fortunately, this is year three of the pandemic. Gone are the days when people would scramble to their local pharmacies in hopes of snagging the last stock of masks and, worst yet, resell them at inflated prices. Today you can find high-quality masks online that are proven to help keep you and your loved ones safe from contagious diseases. Here is a thoughtfully curated list of face masks and face coverings that are professionally-tested, effective in avoiding COVID, and available to buy right now. Still looking for a face mask to buy online? Try ProjectN95, a certified reseller that provides NIOSH- and FDA-approved respirators.
N95: Typically the most expensive and made in the US, N95 masks filter up to 95% of particles in the air when approved by NIOSH (National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health). These respirators tend to fit the tightest on the face, making them very effective in crowded and COVID-prevalent areas like hospitals. KN95: Imported from China, the KN95 is the international equivalent of the N95 masks from the US. Due to its looser fit, KN95 respirators are better suited for adults than children – who are prone to touching their masks and breaking the seal around the nose and mouth. The certification process of KN95s is nearly identical to N95s, though the CDC does suggest using the latter for its tighter and secure fit.KF94: Imported from Korea, KF94 respirators are regarded as the most comfortable of the three thanks to its unique form-fitting shape. The masks meet the Korean standard requirements with a 94% filtration efficacy. And while the 94% is less than the 95% of the N95 and KN95, the truth of which masks will protect you better comes down to one with the best fit.
You can learn more about the different types of masks and respirators here. Whether you’re wearing an N95, KN95, KF94, or a cloth mask, having one is better than none.
To start, you should always wash and sanitize your hands before and after you touch your mask. When putting the mask on, do so by only touching the ear loops and bands. This prevents any germs from getting on the actual covering itself. For a proper fit, the mask should cover your nose, mouth, and chin – nothing less. Lastly, pinch the nose band so that the mask contours the curvature of your nose. If done properly, there should be little to no air seeping out the sides and of the mask when you talk. A slight discomfort is normal when wearing a mask. Unless noted as reusable, you should always dispose your mask after a day’s use, especially if it’s damaged or visibly dirty.
