Here’s where you can get KN95 masks at a great price
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While N95 masks are indisputably the best line of defense against harmful, potentially virus-carrying droplets, they should be reserved for those who need them most—medical professionals working the frontlines. For use by the rest of us, the FDA-approved KN95—very similar to the N95—is recommended.
We found a great source, and now would be a good time to stock up. This packet from SupplyAID costs $18 and includes five KN95 masks. SupplyAID masks are so popular with Amazon shoppers that more than 3,300 have chimed in, one calling them “closest to an N95 you will see for a long while” and saying, “finally a mask where I can breathe!”.
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“The basic difference [between N95 and KN95 masks] is regulatory,” explains Dr. Kavita Patel, managing director of clinical transformation at The Brookings Institution’s Engelberg Center for Health Care Reform. “KN95 masks are approved by Chinese regulators, and in theory they are similar to N95 masks, which are approved by the FDA— but are also likely to be manufactured in China.”
Many healthcare professionals are using KN95 masks to this day, especially in clinic settings, because there’s still a shortage of N95 masks.
Shop it: SupplyAID KN95 Masks, Pack of 5, $18, amazon.com
Do you need to wear a KN95 mask all the time?
Our experts tell Yahoo Life that three-ply disposable masks or cloth masks should do the job when you’re social distancing at least six feet away. But KN95 masks by SupplyAid offer more protection and are protective in riskier situations—if you’re flying, for example, or even taking a bus or train.
These masks, as we said, filter out more than 95 percent of particles. The three-dimensional design makes it easier to breathe over long periods. The material is non-woven, soft cotton. And of course there are elastic ear loops and a metal piece to help customize fit over the nose.
Keep in mind that wearing any mask doesn’t mean you should stop practicing known methods of prevention of the spread of COVID-19. Social distancing and frequent thorough hand-washing are critical. Explains Dr. Schaffner, “We do these things in combination, not in isolation.”
The SupplyAid masks are made of a five-ply fabric and filter dust, pollen, and more. They’re shaped to fit well around the nose and are easy to breathe through.
Experiential reports on these SupplyAid masks are positive
One shopper said, “I’m a teacher and with school starting back up soon I wanted to make sure I had good quality masks available. I thought these were breathable, formed a good fit around my face, and I was able to talk and be understood (which is a total win)!”
“Bought for an upcoming flight for just a little extra protection,” another chimed in. “They seem comfortable and fit my smaller face unlike some other brands that are just too big. I won’t feel bad throwing these away after each flight for the price either.”
One shopper sums it up well: “Best product for the money,” the reviewer writes. “They are the closest thing you can get to an N95 mask at the moment. They fit well, not much gets through. And they come in a sealed and resealable package.”
Shop it: SupplyAID KN95 Masks, Pack of 5, $18, amazon.com
Want to weigh your options? We found more top-rated KN95 masks on Amazon:
Feradyne KN95 Masks, 10-Pack
Made from five layers, including filtering polypropylene meltblown cloth and a skin-friendly non-woven fabric, these Amazon’s Choice masks have you covered—and they’re on sale.
“Skip the others—this is your product,” writes a five-star reviewer. “As far as masks are concerned, these have been the best investment thus far. As long as you follow the directions, they’re primo. I was worried I wouldn’t be able to breathe properly, but I’m happy to report that I can breathe just fine since I can adjust the nasal strip while still covering my entire nose and mouth area. I will be purchasing more.”
Shop it: Feradyne KN95 Masks, 10-Pack, $29 (was $31), amazon.com
COVAFLU KN95 Masks, 10-Pack
With a soft and flexible four-ply polypropelyne fabric, these disposable masks are the No. 1 new release at Amazon and already have a 4.4-star rating from over 900 reviewers.
“Comfortable, reduces fogging in glasses, individually wrapped,” writes a satisfied shopper. “I bought these due to the reported similar standard to N95s. Overall, better than most products on the market.”
Shop it: COVAFLU KN95 Masks, 10-Pack, $35, amazon.com
Purism KN95 Masks, 20-Pack
The most affordable KN95 masks on Amazon, these three-ply versions ring in at under $2 a pop.
Shop it: Purism KN95 Masks, 20-Pack, $38 with on-page coupon (was $40), amazon.com
The Unknown Store KN95 Face Mask, Pack of 5
Featuring five layers of protection and a near-perfect rating, these masks are a safe bet.
“I have lots of different mask types. This one is a good size, easy to breathe, comfortable fit,” writes a five-star reviewer. “My new favorite mask. I have to wear it on construction sites so breathability and comfort weigh in heavy on my review. Thicker than the blue surgical [masks] but not as thick as my old N95 from 3M that I can't get any longer.”
Shop it: The Unknown Store KN95 Face Mask, Pack of 5, $15, amazon.com
The reviews quoted above reflect the most recent versions at the time of publication.
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