Like most KF94s, which didnt arrive in the US until later in the pandemic, the Kyungin Flax mask was never FDA-cleared for emergency use for medical workers. Counterfeit medical-style masks may leave you less protected. R95 . All NIOSH-approved respirators have a testing and certification approval number that must be printed on the items. Whether its finding great products or discovering helpful advice, well help you get it right (the first time). This cup style N95 respirator mask has a foldable design that makes it easy to store. Go To Homepage Before You Go Highly Rated KN95, N95 And Surgical Masks Weve tried 14 surgical-style masks over the past few months, and for the most part, the differences have been barely discernible. 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. Sometimes cross-checking wasnt possible until we received the masks and found the product qualification certificatethe small slip of paper in the packaging that includes the details about the product and its manufacturer, which is usually half written in the language of the country the mask comes from. Fernandez, who has been assessing masks (PDF) since the start of the pandemic, noted an easy fix that a dentist shared with her: By cutting the ear loops on a KN95 mask and reattaching them to form headbands, the dentist was able to achieve a secure enough fit to nudge the filtration back up past 90%. In all, Ive so far assessed 25 respirators and 14 surgical-style masks. FDA clearance and NIOSH approval can take many months and can cost a good amount of moneysome companies decide not to bother, while others have submitted the paperwork but are still awaiting a decision. manufacturer Guangzhou Powecom in the U.S. since 2020. ) The nose-bridge wire feels sturdier, too, and the fasteners knot easily for a good fit. 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.. Not everyone feels the same way about an ultra-snug fit.). $12 for 10. 3. And many testers noted that it had a strong scent out of the package that didnt fade quickly. The WellBefore WB-N-200 N95 Respirator Mask feels more heavy duty than the typical disposable bifold respirator. Made to New GB2626-2019 Standard Product Features: Adjustable Nose Piece, Latex Free Ear Loops, Multi-Layer Filtration System Discounted pricing for higher quantities available. Its rounded (instead of flat) fasteners are easier than most to knot, should you need to adjust the fit. Our face mask provides comfort and protection against pollution and particles. You can also do both. since 10 May, POWECOM applies anti-counterfeit technology and Anti-Fake stickers to assist customers to verify genuine POWECOM masks exported to overseas markets The extra length of elastic also means you can easily seal side gaps by knotting the ear loops and tucking in the sides (video). While . Inc.with 3. As for disposable pleated masks, every neighborhood store and online vendor seems to sell them these days, but not all of them are actually surgical masksjust surgical-style, which is why theyre often a third or half the price of actual authorized surgical masks. Yes, theres the counterfeit issue. KN95, KF94, and FFP2 are internationally sourced respirators and therefore dont undergo the NIOSH approval process. 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. For masks sold on Amazon, we confirmed with the manufacturer that we had a legit link to the product it was selling, and if we couldnt reach the manufacturer (and if the mask was sold out everywhere except Amazon), we checked that the mask was both sold and shipped directly by Amazon. Its also NIOSH-approved. Unlike N95 masks, these other respirator masks typically have ear loops instead of headbands. They are white, have a pouch design and two blue headbands to secure the mask. www.bonafidemasks.com ) as the Bona Fide Masks is the sole TOP Distributor of authentic 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. anti-fake sticker for Each bag of earloop KN95 Protective Masks Our face mask provides comfort and protection against pollution and particles. MedicPro NIOSH-Approved N95 Masks. Medline makes its own masks but also partners with other FDA-cleared manufacturers to avoid stock shortages, a company spokesperson told us. Avoid high temperature over 40C and humidity over 80% FLTR sells the NIOSH-approved manufactured-in-China N95 Round Respirator, which we havent tried. The 4CAir AireTrust Nano Mask is one of the thinnest KN95-type masks weve tried, thanks to its patented nanotechnology. For instance, masks manufactured by the Chinese company Winner Medical that we bought on Amazon consisted of thinner, less-soft mask material than we found on the Winner Medical masks once sold by CVS, despite their having the same product name (Medical Face Mask), standard certification (ASTM Level 1), and listed materials (non-woven 66%; melt blown, 34%) on the certification slips. KN95. For a more affordable, similarly shaped mask, consider the Powecom KN95 (sold in a headband option at about $1 per mask). The Kimberly-Clark Professional N95 Pouch Respirator is NIOSH-approved and comes with 50 per package. The Waste-Not Mask. Get a 20-pack for $54.99. Previously, she covered health and wellness as a magazine editor. The same goes for N95 masks that arent customized (as they typically would be in a hospital setting). With the proper fit, masks approved by the National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) can filter up to 95% of particles in the air. As expected, the extra hardware makes for a more expensive mask (10 for $40) compared with most weve considered. A piece of foam cushions its sturdy, pliable nose-bridge wire. We zeroed in on options that cost less than most other masks providing the same level of filtration. We decided to start out with retailers we trust, including Costco, CVS, and Office Depot. together with 2023 BuzzFeed, Inc. All rights reserved. We like that the masks fasteners are sturdily attached (more so than most) and that they knot easily for adjustment. Each mask features ear loops, a nose wire and five layers of fabric. The, WellBefore WB-N-200 N95 Respirator Mask we recommend, the signs that suggest you have a fake N95, KN95, or KF94, WellBefore WB-N-200 N95 Respirator Mask (flat fold), A flexible surgical mask with gentle ear loops, Medline ASTM Level 1 Procedure Face Mask with Ear Loops. 2. there is an Anti-fake Label (sticker) pasted to each carton of the powecom KN95 protective masks. We also perused business-news articles online about US-based companies that are manufacturing or selling masks, or both. 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. Proper fit is critical. And the mask is NIOSH-approved (see Guangzhou Harley). . Still, from an economic perspective, its pointless to spend the extra money on a KN95 only to have it work as effectively a much cheaper mask. These masks have a strong vinegary smell out of the package, and they cost considerably more than our picks. P100. This is partly due to the plastic brackets on either side of the mask, which allow you to tighten the headbands as necessary. Store Finder; Truck & Tool Rental; . These masks are designed to prevent fluid from penetrating the mask (from, say, splattering as a result of a medical procedure) and potentially harming the wearer. The nose-bridge wire is cushioned by a foam strip, however, and this model is NIOSH-approved. 8. Get the Supply Aid KN95 face masks, five-pack from Amazon for $5.75. On the product page, youll also find an online copy of the certification from the FDA and the owner/operator number that can be searched in the FDAs database of Establishment Registration and Device Listing. Please click just only one time. 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. 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. (This doesn't mean these masks are NIOSH- or CDC-approved.) 1. there is an Anti-fake Label (sticker) pasted to each polybag of the powecom KN95 protective masks If you need just a few, a pack of five is available for less than $20. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is addressing questions related to the Coronavirus Disease 2019 through CDC-INFO and on their webpage. 6. 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. We share 2021s top guides, most popular picks, new coverage areas, and more. Like the companys KN95-style masks, these pleated masks have been tested by a third-party lab and found to meet ASTM Level 1 standards (blocking out at least 95% of 0.1-micron particles). In fact, Colorado State Universitys Christian LOrangewho has tested thousands of masks, including our pickstold us that the most egregious fails have come from surgical-style masks as opposed to respirators. Wirecutter is the product recommendation service from The New York Times. We also needed to assess each mask in terms of fit and comfortsomething far too individual for anyone to judge in a general sense. This mask is also available in black. Surgical masks are medical devices regulated by the FDA. Unilever previously sold its Lifebuoy Face Mask at Target. Do not wash the face mask with water. This product filters at least 95% of airborne particles but is not resistant to oil-based particles. The company. But they are a tad longer horizontally and come only in an ear-loop option. 7. We also like that it comes in a small size, which might work for some bigger kids, and in a tie version, which may be especially helpful for people who wear hearing aids. The much cheaper, foldable NIOSH-approved Dobu Mask 201 N95 fits snug like the BYD Care N95 but with slightly less clearance over the nose and mouth, and arguably a more gentle touch. Our journalists combine independent research with (occasionally) over-the-top testing so you can make quick and confident buying decisions. Our initial focus was offering performance and comfort over form, said Rob Hughes, vice president of PPE at Kimberly-Clark Professional. then the result will shows. . We elected not to send the Blue mask out to Colorado State for filtration-efficiency testing because, besides lacking broad fit appeal, it costs more than the Dr. Puri and Kyungin Flax KN94 masks we preferand it is considerably more expensive than our picks. 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. The product page includes photos of multiple NIOSH documents, including the test report and proof of approval. For this guide, I tracked down legitimate respirators and masks, as well as reliable retailers that sell them. (This doesn't mean Powecom masks are NIOSH- or CDC-approved.) Open face mask. 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). Joanne Chen is a former senior staff writer reporting on sleep and other lifestyle topics. Masks (together with Get the Powecome KN95. Its elastics feel a bit looser but still create a secureand generally more comfortableseal, according to our panelists. 2. The Powecom . We also spotted boxes on Amazon, but those are from third-party sellers we havent vetted.). Please read the cautions before use. Safety comes first during a pandemic, which is why experts are urging people to opt for disposable masks with high filtration efficiency when possible. 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. 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. as the Exclusive Distributor in USA, click to open the page " Instructions for Use ", 10 PCS/ Poly Bag 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. 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. The ear loops are slightly wider than most weve seen, so they easily fit on larger faces or knot and fold (video) for a more secure fit on smaller faces. . We use anti-counterfeit technology & anti-fake label for genuine POWECOM brand KN95 masks, starting since early May,2020 Do not use the face mask in explosive atmosphere and place. However, it isnt FDA-cleared. At $75 for a box of 20, theyre as pricey as another lightweight respirator we tried, the 4CAir AireTrust Nano Mask. Slightly rounded, as opposed to flat, theyre somewhat gentler on the ears, too. 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. The generous ear loops should help this mask fit wider faces, and theyre easily knotted for narrower ones. EXCLUSIVE DISTRIBUTORforthe Scrape off the coating of the anti-fake label, visit www.powecom.com and click the navigation "ANTI-FAKE CHECK" . 1. The small size even has cord stoppers in the ear loops. Part of HuffPost News. Its KN95 was FDA-cleared under the agencys emergency use authorization during the N95 shortage. What we dont like: Except for their larger ear loops and FDA clearance, the Medline masks are fairly run-of-the-mill. Mask Certification. Kimberly-Clark is an established manufacturer of diapers, tampons, and other personal-care products that humans use against their bodies, and now the company has leveraged that technology into expanded mask offerings (before the pandemic, Kimberly-Clarks manufacturing employees had used this mask in-house). When we tested the FLTR95 Sealing Face Mask it was sold at Costco in a pack of 100. POWECOM KN95 Face Mask for Adults with Filtration > 95%, Comfortable Ear Loops and Lightweight Design, 10-Pack 4.3 (72) $1180 ($1.18/Count)$14.00 FREE delivery Mar 14 - 15 POWECOM KN95 Respirator Face Mask | Breathable Face Mask (10 Pack) |White| Headband Style 3.9 (471) $1500 ($1.50/Count) FREE delivery Mar 14 - 15 Check the air sealing of mask. 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. Almost two years later, the shortages have eased up, but that doesnt make finding the right mask any easier, particularly when it comes to KN95s. Powecom Non-Medical Disposable KN95 Respirator Face Masks. Yet each one fits differently depending on how its angled around the nose and chin, how pliable the material is, and whether the fasteners are ear loops or headbands. Respirators more often than not come in one size, so we like that this one comes in three: small (for kids), medium, and large. As Loretta Fernandez, an associate professor of civil and environmental engineering at Northeastern University in Boston, explained, Theres nothing magical about a KN95. Why the Omicron variant of coronavirus has been infecting many people so quickly is currently. I was able to place the lower band higher on my head to prevent air from escaping around my chin (a pain point for me with other respirators). KN95 masks are not. KN95 and N95 masks also fit more snugly on your face than cloth or surgical masks, preventing gaps that further expose your mouth and nose to airborne droplets. Its like trying to find the last Lego Star Wars Advent calendar three weeks before Christmasbut infinitely worse. appreciated for your supports to genuine Powecom KN95 masks, and other The masks have an. Keep the face mask clean before use. The Honeywell DF300 N95 Particulate Disposable Respirator is similar to the BYD KN95: It too offers a more snug fit for small faces than the Harley Commodity and United States Mask models. These include respirators, such as those labeled N95 (designed to meet US standards), KN95 (Chinese standards), KF94 (Korean standards), and FFP2 (European standards), as well as surgical-style masksthe pleated variety with ear loops or ties that typically come in boxes of 50 or so. 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. Co., Inc.) Click the button "Verify". Thanks to its soft, flexible construction, the Kimberly-Clark N95 Pouch Respirator should fit most people. Soft headbands that easily knot and stretch over various positions on the head form a good seal and are plenty comfortable for long-term wear. The DemeTECH NIOSH N95 respirator face mask has been highly rated as a protective N95 mask that can be worn daily with comfort and ease. All are made with similar layers of high-filtration, nonwoven materials. We set out to identify and find authentic disposable respirator masks, from reputable sellers, that are reasonably priced and well built. Ball Chain Mfg. Medline says it partners with other manufacturers besides the one we link to above, but it does not disclose them. The Powecom KN95 is manufactured by Guangzhou Powecom Labor Insurance Supplies Co., LTD. (Im always suspicious of masks that have little or no breathing resistance to them, said Christian LOrange, the assistant research professor of mechanical engineering who ran our cloth-mask filtration test at Colorado State University.) *At the time of publishing, the price was $12. Gross Weight: 6.5KG(white earloop)to 7.2 KG /carton (Note that many masks were authorized before the FDA revoked their emergency authorizations in June 2021 following an increase in access to N95s). The most affordable FDA-authorized disposable mask weve seen isnt particularly soft, but it is sturdy, and it has generous ear loops. The masks have five inner layers with adjustable ear loops and come from an EUA-authorized Chinese manufacturer. Use only in adequately ventilated areas with sufficient oxygen. You might also find promotions as a first-time buyer on the DemeTech site. Also great for layering, this featherweight surgical mask features notably soft ear loops and foldable edges. The Makrite 910 is a duckbill-shaped N95 like the Kimberly-Clark mask we recommend, but it is not nearly as comfortable. 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.