Which N95/KN95 masks to buy? Looking for reputable brands/models.

[pitterpatter]

We've been using what I would consider high-quality handmade masks since the beginning of the pandemic. I feel like DH, who is immunosuppressed, needs to upgrade to either N95s or KN95s now. I'm overwhelmed in figuring out which brand/model to buy (preferably at not too much more than $1 a mask, as he will need at least one a day). Can anyone suggest masks that your consider reputable? And, why you feel that way? So far, the cloth masks have worked for DH, so I'm nervous about switching, but I really think he needs something more. He works with the public everyday. And, there have been sooo many people I know who have gotten Covid in the past three weeks (unvaccinated and vaccinated) where I live.

[melmichigan]

Are you looking for reusable or disposable?  We use both.  We use Cambridge Pro N-99 primarily now that the research supports them for adequate source protection (there was some question about valves early, the CDC and NIOSH have since studied them).  My husband wears Blue Mask KF94-30, which test to about 98% at work because he needs disposables with the dirt. I purchase them from https://behealthyusa.net/collections/kf94, but I watch for the sales in bulk. I wore Cambridge before covid, and the KF94 recommendations came from a family friend and was also supported by others on this board.

Edited August 11, 2021 by melmichigan

[whitestavern]

We've been very happy with these:

 

https://lutema.com

[mommyoffive]

We always get ours from here and love them.

 

Face Masks | Face Coverings | Bona Fide Masks™

[pitterpatter]

I think disposable for now. I feel like I need to pick up some quick and then figure out a long-term plan.

1 hour ago, melmichigan said:

Are you looking for reusable or disposable?  We use both.  We use Cambridge Pro N-99 primarily now that the research supports them for adequate source protection (there was some question about valves early, the CDC and NIOSH have since studied them).  My husband wears Blue Mask KF94-30, which test to about 98% at work because he needs disposables with the dirt. I purchase them from https://behealthyusa.net/collections/kf94, but I watch for the sales in bulk. I wore Cambridge before covid, and the KF94 recommendations came from a family friend and was also supported by others on this board.

 

[pitterpatter]

Have you use the Powecom ones, by chance? I've seen those mentioned a couple of places. I wish the FDA wouldn't have taken the certifications/authorizations away for the KN95s.

1 hour ago, mommyoffive said:

We always get ours from here and love them.

 

Face Masks | Face Coverings | Bona Fide Masks™

 

[mommyoffive]

1 minute ago, pitterpatter said:

Have you use the Powecom ones, by chance? I've seen those mentioned a couple of places. I wish the FDA wouldn't have taken the certifications/authorizations away for the KN95s.

 

Yep.  We all wear the Powecom Kn95 and like them.  No complaints at all.

[Lanny]

1 hour ago, pitterpatter said:

Have you use the Powecom ones, by chance? I've seen those mentioned a couple of places. I wish the FDA wouldn't have taken the certifications/authorizations away for the KN95s.

 

I am interested in this for DD. I don't have the link available as I write this, but in a recent article I read, the KN95 masks are made in China?  They found about 60% of those were counterfeit masks.

ETA: I think my DD said the Cloth masks are more uncomfortable?

Edited August 12, 2021 by Lanny
added ETA

[KSera]

1 hour ago, mommyoffive said:

Yep.  We all wear the Powecom Kn95 and like them.  No complaints at all.

I recently saw these on really good sale at Office Depot, if you need something really quickly. 

 

3 hours ago, melmichigan said:

purchase them from https://behealthyusa.net/collections/kf94, but I watch for the sales in bulk. I wore Cambridge before covid, and the KF94 recommendations came from a family friend and was also supported by others on this board.

This. I trust the KF94s better (buying from a trusted site like this one) than the KN95s just due to the counterfeit issue. I also find the boat shape of many of the KF94s fits more faces better than the cup shaped KN95s. I like Bluna for faces in an average size range, and BOTN large for bigger faces. Both have adjustable ear loops, and that’s important to for fit.  Home Depot does have n95s available now. The 3M Aura flat fold mask have that same boat shape that fits many faces well. 
 

PS— we rotate our disposables and hang them to air out between rather than throwing them out after each use. They get thrown out after the ear loops snap or they have been worn a lot. Testing showed they retain their performance even through many, many wears, as long as they don’t get really wet. If his work will get them really dirty, that might not work. 

[happi duck]

If I'm understanding correctly, this list show which makes and models of n95s have been tested and approved: https://www.cdc.gov/niosh/npptl/topics/respirators/disp_part/n95list1.html

 

[Tree Frog]

3 hours ago, melmichigan said:

I purchase them from https://behealthyusa.net/collections/kf94,

Do these have a nose wire? I need more, but wear glasses and I've found the nose wire helps keep the fog off my lenses.

[KSera]

36 minutes ago, wilrunner said:

Do these have a nose wire? I need more, but wear glasses and I've found the nose wire helps keep the fog off my lenses.

Yes. Every KF94 I've tried has a nose wire (I wouldn't think they could pass their certification without it). For what it's worth, the 3M Aura 9205 or 9210 N95s seem to do a really good job of preventing glasses fog. They have a massively strong nose bridge metal strip. I don't know why any masks are made without nose wires, really. There's no way to begin to get a good seal without one.

[pitterpatter]

I ordered five packs for store pickup (at a store an hour away 🙄). Hopefully, they'll come through. They're already ready! I tried ordering online for home delivery, but the earliest I could get them is August 25, even when paying $10 for 2-day shipping.

Thanks for posting! Good deal. These will get me started while I look around for more options.

10 hours ago, KSera said:

I recently saw these on really good sale at Office Depot, if you need something really quickly.