This mask can be found in the FDAs Establishment Registration and Device Listing by the owner/operator number 10068674. 2023 BuzzFeed, Inc. All rights reserved. However, an N95s elastics tend to be tighter than those on cloth masks, which helps with the seal but may be uncomfortable. What we dont like: Except for their larger ear loops and FDA clearance, the Medline masks are fairly run-of-the-mill. For genuine Powecom KN95 masks, the security numbers can be found at our databank of verification system. Masks (together with Its elastics feel a bit looser but still create a secureand generally more comfortableseal, according to our panelists. Co., Overall, most KF94s feel thinner than the N95s and KN95s we tried (except for the Kimberly-Clark mask we recommend and the 4CAir AireTrust Nano Mask we also like), and their boat-like shape provides arguably more-reliable clearance over the nose and mouth. Powecom kids KN95-SM respirator mask (10 pack), $13. This level of filtration on medical-style masks (assuming theyre genuine) is better than what you can get from almost all masks made from only cloth, said Linsey Marr, a professor of engineering at Virginia Tech who is an expert in the science of aerosols. But the environmental impacts of a far larger populationbeyond only health-care workersdonning masks made of nonrecyclable materials are significant. This odd-looking, oddly comfortable N95 is a NIOSH-approved respirator meant for nonmedical use. For this guide, I tracked down legitimate respirators and masks, as well as reliable retailers that sell them. This mask is also available in black. National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health. For advice on the best disposable and cloth face masks for children, see our buying guide to kids face masks. This is partly due to the plastic brackets on either side of the mask, which allow you to tighten the headbands as necessary. What we dont like: The DemeMask is costlier than most pleated masks you can find online or in a drugstore, though its price is roughly in line with that of masks offering similar filtration credentials, such as the CVS Health Surgical Face Mask, a former pick. The generous ear loops should help this mask fit wider faces, and theyre easily knotted for narrower ones. Its costlier than most disposable pleated masks but frequently goes on sale. Thanks to its ball-chain business, the company already had reliable sources in China, who helped it get in touch with a reliable mask maker, Guangzhou Powecom. Hold the face mask to cover nose and mouth, and pull each ear loop with each hand to wear. Theres no time limit for how long a filter will work, explained Ron Shaffer, former research chief at the National Personal Protective Technology Laboratory at NIOSH. Get the Powecom KN95 Respirator Face Mask in White (Conforms to GB2626-2019 Standard) - 10-Pack from Bona Fide Masks for $12. 2023 Wirecutter, Inc., A New York Times Company, Powecom KN95 Respirator Masks we recommend, are fully restocked and now come in a variety of additional colors. CovCare is your #1 shop to buy FDA/EUA approved POWECOM KN95 face masks online. Similar in size vertically to the Harley Commodity mask (about 6 inches), it hits my lower eyelids. The masks have an. Thats 3% less than the Level 3 DemeTech masks can block, but unless youre a health-care provider in a high-risk medical setting, thats not much of a difference. Our face mask provides comfort and protection against pollution and particles. As stated on its package, Powecom's kids KN95 masks are about 15% smaller than their standard KN95 model to fit children's smaller faces. then the result will shows. Properly fitted N95 respirators approved by NIOSH can filter up to 95% of particles in the air. $13. Level 1 indicates that the mask blocks out 95% of particles at 0.1 to 5 microns in diameter at certain flow rates following another set of challenges. Medline says it partners with other manufacturers besides the one we link to above, but it does not disclose them. The mask feels a tad softer and thinner than most of the surgical-style masks weve tried. While the large size was too large for many panelists (it might be good if youve determined that most masks are too small for you), the medium size was much smallerand, in fact, too small for me. Masks Corp.(founded by We like that the masks fasteners are sturdily attached (more so than most) and that they knot easily for adjustment. 10.Do not steam the face mask, and do not put it in Microwave oven. The product page includes photos of multiple NIOSH documents, including the test report and proof of approval. The term medical-style mask refers to the types of masks you typically see in health-care settings. Get a 20-pack for $54.99. In addition to being FDA-approved, the masks have the stamp of approval from over 7,000 Amazon shoppers who left a five-star rating. Still, separating the good options from the bad can be tough. Each mask features ear loops, a nose wire and five layers of fabric. Generally speaking, if youre fogging up your glasses, its not a perfect seal. Hana Akselrod, George Washington University School of Medicine. Get the Powecome KN95. Here are two other CDC pages you may want to keep at the ready: a list of NIOSH-approved N95s; and, additional respirator-buyer-beware tips. Please read the cautions before use. Bona Fide Masks has a variety of KN95 face masks for sale online . In contrast, headbands provide a snugger fit, though one tester found that the headband version of this mask was too tight for comfort (and strongly preferred the ear-loops version). Get the 3M 8210 KN95 Particulate Respirator (NIOSH-Approved) - 20-Pack from PPE Canada for $39.99. All are made with similar layers of high-filtration, nonwoven materials. EXCLUSIVE DISTRIBUTORforthe Ball Chain Mfg. pleased to have authorized Bona Fide Avoid high temperature over 40C and humidity over 80% Powecom KN95 Respirator Masks , model GB2626-AA, are FDA approved non-NIOSH KN95 face piece respirators that protect against airborne bacteria, germs, viruses, and other particulates that are 0.3 microns or larger in size that have been authorized for use by medical professionals as per the May 7th, 2020 Appendix A update. Fitting Instructions: There are pictures on back of each poly bag of the KN95 masks, showing the fitting steps. anti-fake sticker for Each bag of earloop KN95 Protective Masks And it did: With a perfect seal, the mask offered more than 99% filtration efficiency for 0.5-micron-diameter particles drawn through a chamber at a rate of 15 liters per minute (similar to the rate that a person would exhale when talking at normal volume). Our panelists agreed, however, that it felt lightweight. Ball Chain Mfg. Proper fit is critical. The Powecom KN95 personal respirator, which ships from stock directly from our Mount Vernon, NY warehouse, is a respirator face mask made of a multi-layer filtration system of non-woven breathable fibers and is utilized globally. When you buy through our links, we may earn a commission. The supply chain "factory Guangzhou The masks in this section have either undergone the stringent NIOSH testing required to earn an official N95 designation or submitted the necessary testing results and paperwork for FDA clearance, whether via a now-revoked emergency use authorization or the 510(k) process. Our face mask provides comfort and protection against pollution and particles. If its the right size for your face, youre likely to get a decent seal with the ridged, sturdily affixed, elastic headbands. Bona Fide Masks ( This mask doesnt feel the easiest to breathe throughbut that suggests some degree of filtration efficiency. This web page provides a table of NIOSH-approved N95 respirators listed by manufacturer from A-Z. Its adjustable headbands help prevent gaps, but they arent so snug as to be uncomfortable. The ear loops version of this mask also comes in gray, pink, dark blue, light blue, and red. The Powecom . Hana Akselrod, MD, assistant professor of medicine in the division of infectious diseases, George Washington University School of Medicine, phone interview, February 23, 2021, Kathy Cummins, head of marketing and overseer of research and data analytics, Hinge Global, phone interview, February 24, 2021, Loretta Fernandez, PhD, associate professor of civil and environmental engineering at Northeastern University, phone interview, February 23, 2021, Christian LOrange, PhD, associate director of the Center for Energy Development and Health, and assistant professor of research in mechanical engineering, Colorado State University, phone interview, February 3, 2021, Linsey Marr, PhD, professor of civil and environmental engineering, Virginia Tech, email interview, February 9, 2021, Nikki McCullough, PhD, global technical services and regulatory director, 3M Personal Safety Division, phone interview, January 19, 2021, Bryan Ormond, PhD, assistant professor of textile engineering, Textile Protection and Comfort Center, Wilson College of Textiles, North Carolina State University, phone interview, June 12, 2020, Kristen Picard, product marketing director, Honeywell, phone interview, February 11, 2021, Chris Plotz, director of education and technical affairs, INDA (Association of the Nonwoven Fabrics Industry), phone interview, March 2, 2021, Nura Sadeghpour, health communications specialist, CDC/NIOSH, email interview, February 24, 2021, Ron Shaffer, PhD, former research branch chief, National Personal Protective Technology Laboratory, NIOSH, phone interview, June 29, 2020, Shirley Simson, press officer, FDA, email interview, February 24, 2021. N100. When we tested the FLTR95 Sealing Face Mask it was sold at Costco in a pack of 100. Besides the typical box of 50, the masks are available in small batches of 10, in both regular and small sizes, and with ties instead of loops. This product cannot be applied to prevent against harmful gases. This level of performance may be problematic for people working in the ICU but perhaps less so for someone doing a quick run to the post office. MedicPro NIOSH-Approved N95 Masks. Yes, outside of the health-care setting, most people can safely reuse some disposable face masks. Prices and availability are subject to change. The Etiqa Airway Round Mask is neither FDA-cleared nor NIOSH-approved, but according to its packaging and seller Be Healthy, it has been approved by the Korean Ministry of Food and Safety. Do not wash the face mask with water. Keep the face mask clean before use. The best mask for kids is the most protective one theyll keep on. is the NO.1 direct importer and the Largest authorized Distributor of All NIOSH-approved respirators have a testing and certification approval number that must be printed on the items. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is addressing questions related to the Coronavirus Disease 2019 through CDC-INFO and on their webpage. 3. Generally speaking, if youre fogging up your glasses, its not a perfect seal, said Hana Akselrod, assistant professor of medicine in the division of infectious diseases at George Washington University School of Medicine. What we like: Most disposable pleated masks feel and function about the same, but the DemeTech DemeMask Surgical Mask is FDA 510(k)-cleared and meets ASTM Level 3 standards, as its capable of blocking 98% of particles as small as 0.1 micron (assuming a good seal). A foam strip over the nose-bridge wire provides some cushioning. Smaller faces may have the opposite issue, at least with the ear-loops version of this mask: The straps may be too loose to create a close fit. All of our panelists found a size that fit them well, though some found the mask more snug around the nose (hence no glasses fog) than at the chin. In our experience, the BYD Care KN95 Respirator sealed well, thanks to its more easily adjustable headband fasteners, but the nose-bridge wire could slide down the nose and block the airway a bit. Vida. We also needed to assess each mask in terms of fit and comfortsomething far too individual for anyone to judge in a general sense. The Waste-Not Mask. Stay tuned for future updates. Ive done this as part of my reporting for Wirecutters guide to cloth face masks but also for personal reasons: My husband, a teacher, and child have been attending school in person since September 2020, before vaccines were available, and we have older parents weve been trying to keep safe. Mask Certification. But masks worn by most people in relatively low-risk situations could probably be worn for considerably longer. We didnt include this mask in our filtration testing, nor did we investigate it further, because too many panelists complained of fit issues (it didnt grasp the chin very well). What we like: Were always down for a bargain, and this box of 50 is available for the best price weve seen so far for an FDA-cleared surgical mask. Surgical masks are medical devices regulated by the FDA. If a retailer or manufacturer claims the KN95 masks are NIOSH-approved, you've most likely encountered a counterfeit product. What we dont like: As some readers have pointed out, the Powecom designs ear-loop elastics can feel uncomfortably snug. The sturdily constructed flat fold WellBefore WB-N-200 N95 Respirator Mask also felt large on some of our panelists, but a bit less so, and more important, it didnt feel suffocating despite creating a good seal. You can confirm that its other overseas manufacturing partners are indeed FDA 510(k)cleared by typing the company name (found on the Certificate of Conformity, a slip of paper enclosed in the box) into the FDAs device database. Ensure the face mask fit to face, by adjusting the nose piece, keeping mask edge close to face. With pandemic-related recommendations and regulations continually evolving along with the coronavirus itself, masks will likely remain a part of peoples lives for some time. Surgical N95 respirators offer the added benefit of also having passed tests for such factors as fluid resistance, biocompatibility, and flammability. Look for the KN95 standard printed on the mask In 2020, the FDA. This mask is also more than twice the price of our other respirator picks, the lighter but odd-looking Kimberly-Clark N95 and the easy-on, easy-off but less-adjustable Powecom KN95. While . Searching for a reliable respirator or surgical-style mask for a decent price, particularly earlier in the pandemic, has been the most difficult shopping experience Ive ever had. KN95 masks (Chinas N95 equivalent) should block out 95% of 0.3-micron particles; KF94 and FFP2, 94%. One way to detect a fake is to hold it top side up under a dripping faucet: If the droplets soak in instead of completely beading up, its not a real surgical mask, which by definition should have some level of water resistance. Ball Chain Mfg. We also like that you can choose to buy as few as 10 masks in a pack (though you can order as many as 10,000). Both versions come in black, while the ear-loop masks also come in gray, pink, dark blue, light blue, and red. Their KN95 masks, which are FDA registered though not approved, are available individually wrapped for $2.95 Because of their limited use, extreme requirements, and price, it is advisable to. Not NIOSH Rated. Theres also a running list of counterfeit respirator masks on the market that misrepresent NIOSH approval. Their inner lining isnt particularly tissue-like as with the CVS version we tried, nor are the ear-loop elastics as soft or firmly attached as those on the DemeTech mask. We also reached out to some of the manufacturers or the sellers to understand the vetting or manufacturing process, especially if we couldnt find the manufacturing company on any of the above lists. 60% of respirator masks sold in the U.S. are counterfeit, specific labeling printed on the facepiece, running list of counterfeit respirator masks, online version of an executive authenticity statement, CDCs list of NIOSH-approved N95 particulate-filtering facepiece respirators, Establishment Registration and Device Listing, FDAs Establishment Registration and Device Listing. Kimberly-Clark N95 Pouch Respirator A lightweight, NIOSH-approved N95 This odd-looking, oddly comfortable N95 is a NIOSH-approved respirator meant for nonmedical use. In fact, when Wirecutter commissioned cloth-mask filtration-efficiency testing, filter-less, double-layer cloth masks filtered (at a flow rate similar to what happens with normal talking volume) around 47% of 0.5-micron particles at best. My husband and I tried the regular-size foldable masks, and they stood up slightly less high off our faces, especially near the nose, compared with other masks we tried. Unlike the BYD Care N95, they dont dig into my eyes, said one panelist. Product valid for three years, we use anti-counterfeit technology & anti-fake label for authentic POWECOM brand KN95 masks, starting since the middle of May,2020 A more cavernous cut (about an inch wider on each side compared with the typical respirator) means more filtered air to breathe in. Bona Fide Masks According to the CDC, N95 masks that have approval from NIOSH meet rigorous U.S. standards and testing to be considered the best possible medical mask. Armbrust Surgical Masks are FDA 510(k)-cleared and come in a fun range of color options typically not seen in masks, such as denim, orange, and green. Bona Fide Masks ---(wholesale to)--- Dealers in U.S. and Canada or Levels 2 and 3 indicate at least 98% for the same particle-size range. 5. Get the Moldex 2200 N95 Series Particular Respirator (NIOSH-Approved) - 20-Pack from PPE Canada for $59.99 . The cup style N95 . Every item is independently selected by the HuffPost Shopping team. These KN95 masks are wrapped individually and can be ordered in increments of 10, with the price per mask coming out to $1.49. N95 masks fasten snugly to your face with two bands that go around the back of your head. The Dr. Puri Micro-Dust Protection Mask isnt NIOSH-approved, but a June 2020 filtration test run by NIOSH (PDF) on samples sent to the agency reported that it blocked more than 99% of 0.3-micron particles. But that has been the case with almost all the medical-style masks weve triedwithout cord locks and malleable fabric, respirators just arent as adjustable as cloth masks. Check the air sealing of mask. This one was made in Massachusetts and is, of course, NIOSH-certified. Its estimated to be three times more transmissible than the delta variant, she said, referring to the variant that was previously the most more prevalent in the U.S. If we can upgrade our masks, it may help with that.. Some have exhibited a mere 20% filtration rate on small particles (about the same as many of the filterless cotton masks we tested for our guide to cloth face masks), though most of them have demonstrated a slightly less shocking 70% to 80% rate. Note, too, that this mask is truly for one-time use: With too much wear and tear or rough usage, the bands can rip, and the nose-bridge wire on top can become unstuck. Powecom KN95 Protective masks, The dimensions were neither too large nor too small for most of our testers, yet the mask also accommodated one tester who has a beard (though, of course, facial hair inherently lessens a masks seal). Its also NIOSH-approved. We dont know how they made the mask or what materials they used.. 7. Others have appeared to be missing layers altogether, he said. *At the time of publishing, the price was $12. 1. P100. The packaging on most simply says face mask, in which case you cant expect the masks to filter like the kinds of masks that health-care workers wear in hospitals. This article was edited by Tracy Vence and Kalee Thompson. I can breathe better in it, though, since the nose portion (complete with a nose pad) has a less-steep slope. 2. 3. Powecom ---(Only export to)--- Exclusive Distributor Co., Inc.) In fact, a CDC paper reported that securing a surgical mask to the face (by knotting the ear loops and tucking in the sides, as shown in this video, or by adding a well-fitting cloth face mask over it) can potentially decrease your exposure to possibly infectious tiny airborne droplets called aerosols by about 95%, which is also about how well respirators are expected to perform. Filter Not Included. As the CDC recommends, you can knot the ear loops and tuck the sides (this CDC video shows you how) or add an adjustable cloth face mask (like one of our picks) on top. (Note that many masks were authorized before the FDA revoked their emergency authorizations in June 2021 following an increase in access to N95s). It measures about a quarter-inch greater vertically, from tip to tip, compared with the 6-inch Powecom KN95so it hits the corner of my eyes. The masks have five inner layers with adjustable ear loops and come from an EUA-authorized Chinese manufacturer. . But if youd like to try one, the Kyungin Flax KF94 is one of the more affordable models weve tried. This KN95 had been listed under the FDAs now-revoked emergency use authorization Appendix A. BYD Cares nonmedical N95, sold at Office Depot, is NIOSH-approved and is no longer flagged as reserved for healthcare workers and first responders. Compared with the brands KN95 respirator, this mask has shorter fasteners, which make for a more snug fit, and a somewhat stouter profile, which allows for more room above the nose and mouth. A piece of foam cushions its sturdy, pliable nose-bridge wire. The WellBefore WB-N-200 N95 Respirator Mask we recommend is now available in black. (This mask is currently out of stock on Costcos site but may be available in some locations when you purchase from Costco via Instacart. The mask is also FDA-cleared, meeting ASTM Level 3 standards, which means it blocks 98% of particles as small as 0.1 micron in diameter (when worn with a good seal; you may need to knot the ear loops and pleat the mask to achieve this). So we checked out each companys e-commerce site and confirmed that each respirator or surgical mask of interest is included in one of the following: The same mask sold by the same company can differ depending on the retailer. The WellBefore WB-N-200 N95 Respirator Mask feels more heavy duty than the typical disposable bifold respirator. Its also our favorite because its the only one of its type that actually fit our testers well, and it felt surprisingly comfortable. As expected, the extra hardware makes for a more expensive mask (10 for $40) compared with most weve considered. We were quite excited about the NIOSH-approved RespoKare N95 Respirator Masks pretty blue color and comfortable nose-bridge cushion, but some panelists found that the ear straps snapped off easily. (You know, the strings of metallic beads that keep keys together, switch lamps on and off, and hold military dog tags.) If you go through N95s on a regular basis (like my husband, who wears one to teach in-person classes every day), the Dobu masks can get pricey (at this writing, theyre nearly $40 for a pack of 25 on Amazon). Open face mask. This N95 mask comes with head and neck loops instead of ear loops, plus it has a foldable design that makes it easy to store. You can press this mask in half, but because of the bracket, it doesnt stay folded like the others on this list. One panelist wore it to pilates: My face didnt sweat underneath it because its so light, they said. The CDC reports that about 60% of KN95 masks sold in the US are fake. If youre using these masks only occasionally, you can opt instead for a pack of 10 for $7.50. Ball Chain is honored to supply Powecom's FDA Authorized KN95 respirator masks and other quality products. Its like trying to find the last Lego Star Wars Advent calendar three weeks before Christmasbut infinitely worse. Bona Fide Masks: Powecom. Just because a mask isnt cleared by these agencies doesnt necessarily mean it performs poorly, though its hard to know for sure. For the best protection against airborne respiratory pathogens, you may consider wearing either a respirator mask or a surgical-style mask modified to form a better seal or layered under a well-fitting cloth mask. Click the button "Verify" to verify. can shift to purchase from Bona Fide For everyone besides health-care workers, whose risk of exposure is generally far less, there are more sustainable choices, including reusable cloth masks with high filtration efficiencies such as the Enro Tech or Happy Masks Pro, both picks in our guide to the best cloth face masks. As with cloth face masks, some people find bands to be easier to adjust than ear loopsyou can play around with knots and positioning to create a good seal. It sells for a rather pricey $4 a mask and is currently out of stock. Powecom KN95 Disposable Masks, $19.99; amazon.com. You can do so by double masking (the correct way) or by wearing an approved N95 or KN95 mask, which get their names because they filter out at least 95% of airborne particles. We also spotted boxes on Amazon, but those are from third-party sellers we havent vetted.). P95. KN95 is a Chinese respirator standard, but these respirators aren't . Considering that its sold only in bulk (100 masks), we thought it was cost-prohibitive for people whod like to make sure their mask fits before going all-in. Why the Omicron variant of coronavirus has been infecting many people so quickly is currently. Folded flat, most cone-shaped respirator maskslike the Powecom KN95measure about 6 inches vertically unless otherwise noted. But wed splurge on a five-pack for $17.50 for the infrequent situations where we might especially appreciate a mask thats lighter than most, such as a lengthy flight or a long doctors visit. WWDOLL KN95 Face Masks $ 19.74 WellBefore KN95 Face Mask WellBefore offers KN95 masks in multiple colors and allows a choice between standard ear loops and head straps. The edges still need to form a good seal against the face for it to be protective. The truth is, any medical-style maskno matter how superior the filtrationdoesnt do much better than a quality cloth mask if it allows most of the air youre breathing to go around it rather than through it. That authorization has since been revoked (PDF) due to a replenished supply of N95s, but the FDA suggests that these previously authorized respirators (such as our pick, the Powecom) be redistributed for use in nonmedical settings. There are many varieties of KN95 masks available, but only a handful have been previously approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for emergency usage in healthcare settings. For a more affordable, similarly shaped mask, consider the Powecom KN95 (sold in a headband option at about $1 per mask). The nose-bridge wire feels sturdier, too, and the fasteners knot easily for a good fit. The Kyungin Flax is no different. (This doesn't mean these masks are NIOSH- or CDC-approved.) Because of KF94 masks more structured boat shape (a horizontal rectangle that tents up to secure itself over the nose bridge and chin), theyre somewhat harder to adjust, and our panelists had different opinions on which fit best. The nose-bridge wire is cushioned by a foam strip, however, and this model is NIOSH-approved. PFE over 95% ( at least) They're designed for kids ages 4 and up and feature. By entering your email and clicking Sign Up, you're agreeing to let us send you customized marketing messages about us and our advertising partners.