The Most Comfortable N95 and KN95 Masks, According to Our Editors
We'll help you find comfortable facial coverage that complies with the latest recommendations.
It's no secret that Omicron is everywhere right now, and that it's the most transmissible COVID-19 variant to date. Many of the tactics we had all adopted to try and prevent the virus's spread have proven less effective (though, it's important to note, still more effective than no protection at all) against this new variant, and that unfortunately includes cloth masks. So what does that mean for the general public? It's time to switch to an N95 or KN95 face mask.
Why Switch to N95s?
The truth of it is that while medical-grade masks weren't necessary to combat the earliest form of this virus, the emergence of Omicron has made them vital. In the simplest terms, N95 means that the mask filters out 95% of particles, and it's the most effective mask type out there. While the CDC has yet to recommend solely N95/KN95 masks to the general public, they did recently concede their effectiveness over cloth masks at stopping the spread of the Omicron variant.
An initial shortage of N95s in the United States led to both a hesitance to recommend public usage as well as an emergency authorization of the import of KN95 masks. Unlike N95s, these masks are produced in China, and are not necessarily approved by the CDC's National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH). KN95s only have to comply with the standards of their country of manufacture — however they do still filter out 95% of particles.
If you're trying to decide between N95 or KN95, current CDC guidelines reflect that the shortage concern is behind us, and allow for anyone to choose N95 and KN95 masks, which have consistently been proven as the most effective against omicron.
What About Counterfeit Masks?
Back in February 2021, we reported on counterfeit masks and how to tell if yours is legit. It's a year later, yet counterfeit masks are still very much a thing. The rise in demand for N95 and KN95 masks has unfortunately also led to the rise of fakes being sold at many online retailers, including stores like Amazon. While it's difficult to guarantee the authenticity of most masks available online, there are some things you can do to check the legitimacy before purchasing:
- Verify on the CDC website that your N95 is NIOSH-approved
- When shopping on Amazon, make sure the product you're buying is shipped and sold by Amazon
- Take a look at photos to ensure the N95 mask does not have ear loops — N95s only use a headband or strap because it provides a more secure fit
Several of our editors here have already made the switch to N95/KN95 masks after careful research, doing their best to avoid abundance of counterfeit, fraudulent KN95 masks available on the market. At the time of writing, all these masks below are in stock and follow our guidelines above. These five masks have emerged as our favorites.
Editor's Note: Many of the best ways to tell if your mask is counterfeit involve looking at the physical product or packaging. Here are some key signs to look for to make sure you're getting the proper protection.
