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KN95/N95 masks

We researched those masks on Amazon and none of them had very good reviews. Can you recommend a certain brand?

Posted by
8377 posts

Its all about the fit. Can't try them all on before buying.

KN95s (Chinese standards) have ear loops. N95 (US standard) have bands across back of head. Some people prefer one kind or the other. Or prefer some adjustability.

I like the 3M Aura masks as it has a shorter "beak", but thats my personal fit. I have several other brands, and you can tell some are better made than others.

Posted by
591 posts

I ordered from ProjectN95.org. Their N95 masks are NIOSH approved and very comfortable for me. I have not used their KN95 product.

Posted by
13809 posts

I second Stan's endorsement of the 3M N95 Aura mask. They fit my face very well and that's the important part. I thought the staples in the sides would bother me but they don't (and I have pretty sensitive skin). I'll add that I just got back from a 30 day trip where I wore one all day every day in France, Belgium and Netherlands. The longest I had them on were of course the travel days where it was a good 24 hours of wearing them plus sleeping in it.

I get them in my Home Depot. If you go to your local Home Depot website you can see what they have in stock and then also get the aisle and bin numbers so you can walk right to them. Mine are in the Paint section. At times over the last 2 years they've had 3-packs but normally just have packs of 10.

I've got a good friend who tried them and they did not work for her at all so the shape of your face and nose matters a lot in my opinion. I have a fat face and a big nose, lol. YMMV!

Posted by
16028 posts

My husband and I both like the NIOSH-approved Respokare N95 respirator mask. The outer layer has an anti-viral treatment that kills the bugs, and the inner layer, against one’s face is soft and comfortable. The head straps are elastic, not rubber which can pinch. You can read about them here:

https://www.protectly.co/products/respokare-niosh-n95-mask-5

But buy them from Amazon where they are $3.00 each. Many sellers (including the one above) overprice them.

https://www.amazon.com/RespoKare-NIOSH-N95-Respirator-Plus/dp/B08Y64CHB4/ref=sr_1_5?keywords=respokare+mask&qid=1652986340&sr=8-5

The only negative review I see on Amazon is about a broken head strap—-it detached where the elastic was glued to the mask. Yes, that can happen if you are not careful when putting it on, and stretch it too much. My husband broke one early on, but after I suggested a more careful way to put it on he has not broken another.

Important! Note that almost all adults need the size L. I am an exception, but I am a pretty small person (I wear childrens’ sizes in some brands like Patagonia). .The Respokare website has a sizing guide based on actual measurements of your face from bridge of nose to chin, so check that if you have doubts. They appear to be accurate, as my measurement is 140 mm.

https://respokare.com/anti-viral-mask/n95-respirator-plus/sizing-guide/

Posted by
44 posts

There have been comments about the comfort (or lack thereof) of ear loop masks versus over-the-head styles. I have KN95 (Powercom) and KF94 (Be Happy) masks, both of which I do find comfortable for a couple hours at a stretch. I started looking at mask extenders to use when I fly to Europe this summer, but couldn't find any I liked on Amazon. Instead I fashioned a long velcro strip looped through the ear loops, so I can now relieve my ears. The velcro rides low on my head at the top of my neck. Works great for me. I do have short hair, so might not be a good option for those with long hair which could get caught in the velcro. There are other ideas on YouTube also.

Posted by
3985 posts

Do any of the masks recommended above fog eyeglasses? Each of the links showed people who don’t wear glasses.

Posted by
1217 posts

They all fog glasses. That was my biggest issue in trying to find ones that fit me, keeping my glasses on and fog free. Bought anti-fog wipes that work great. Glasses still slide off a lot so I may have to wear them on a chain so at least don't hit the ground.

Posted by
4730 posts

Most cities of any size have at least one safety supply store that sells things such as goggles, vests, orange cones, and such to the construction trades. We've gotten niosh approved 3M N95 mask from a local safety outlet. Some places may call them N95 respirators.

Posted by
13809 posts

Continental, I have less to no fogging with the Auras. I can get the nosepiece clamped down tight enough that there is no fogging but then sometimes I have to mouth breathe. The Aura style is cut down under the eyes more than other styles I’ve tried.

Posted by
16028 posts

If your glasses are fogging, the mask is not properly fitted to your face, and is not protecting you as well as it should. You need to “clamp” the nosepiece as suggested above, so it fits more tightly around your nose.

Posted by
14809 posts

I don't like the KN95/N95 masks. I found them small and not easily breathable.

However, I like the KF94 masks and can wear them for hours. More comfortablei buy m8n on Amazon.

And before you ask, yes you can use them instead of the N95's.