Where to Buy N95s, KN95s, and Surgical-Style Masks in 2026 | Reviews by Wirecutter

Where to Buy N95s, KN95s, and Surgical-Style Masks in 2026 | Reviews by Wirecutter
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Why you should trust us
What is a medical-style mask, and do you need one?
Our favorite respirator masks
Our favorite surgical-style masks
How we picked and tested
Another medical-style mask we like
More NIOSH-approved, NIOSH-assessed, or FDA-authorized masks worth considering
More masks (that aren’t FDA-authorized or NIOSH-approved)
Sources
Assuming the mask fits well and its filtration has been rigorously tested, N95 or KN95 respirators and surgical masks are some of the most protective face coverings you can buy. We’ve tried 39 models and confirmed the filtration claims of our favorites with government agencies or our own lab testing performed in collaboration with
Colorado State University
Here we recommend legitimate
N95, KN95
, and
surgical masks
available from trusted retailers.
Everything we recommend
A lightweight, NIOSH-approved N95
Kimberly-Clark N95 Pouch Respirator
This odd-looking, oddly comfortable N95 is a NIOSH-approved respirator meant for nonmedical use. Its headbands are soft yet help form a tight seal, and its long nose-bridge wire reduces glasses fogging.
$56
from
Amazon
(pack of 50)
A substantial, NIOSH-approved N95
WellBefore WB-N-200 N95 Respirator Mask (flat fold)
Sturdy headbands and ample clearance over the nose and mouth create a snug fit that still allows for easy breathing. But this flat fold N95 is typically pricier than our other respirator picks.
Buy
from
Amazon
(pack of ten)
May be out of stock
$28
from
WellBefore
(pack of 20)
A versatile KN95
Powecom KN95 Respirator Mask (ear loops)
This easy-on, easy-off KN95 respirator has ear loops that stretch well for a wider fit but also knot easily for a snugger one.
$12
from
Bona Fide Masks
(pack of 10)
$12
from
Amazon
The same mask, with headbands
Powecom KN95 Respirator Mask (headbands)
If you prefer headbands to ear loops, you may find that this ear-friendly respirator provides a better fit.
$16
from
Bona Fide Masks
(pack of 10)
A flexible surgical mask with gentle ear loops
DemeTech DemeMask Surgical Mask
This featherweight surgical mask features notably soft ear loops and foldable edges. It’s costlier than most disposable pleated masks but frequently goes on sale.
$14
from
Amazon
$30
from
DemeTech
(pack of 50)
Affordable and versatile
Medline ASTM Level 1 Procedure Face Mask with Ear Loops
The most affordable FDA-authorized disposable mask we’ve seen isn’t particularly soft, but it is sturdy, and it has generous ear loops.
$10
from
Medline
(pack of 50)
How we picked
Protection
Our picks have been confirmed to block at least 95% of 0.1-micron particles when worn with a secure seal.
Fit and feel
Faces differ, but these masks’ straps can be knotted and stretched to help them stay put on a range of sizes while providing ample breathing room.
Legitimacy
We’ve vetted the sellers and manufacturers to confirm that you’re
getting the genuine article
Good value
We zeroed in on options that cost less than most other masks providing the same level of filtration.
A lightweight, NIOSH-approved N95
Kimberly-Clark N95 Pouch Respirator
This odd-looking, oddly comfortable N95 is a NIOSH-approved respirator meant for nonmedical use. Its headbands are soft yet help form a tight seal, and its long nose-bridge wire reduces glasses fogging.
$56
from
Amazon
(pack of 50)
Despite its weird duckbill shape, the
Kimberly-Clark N95 Pouch Respirator
is a great mask. Its malleable material and soft headbands form a good seal for most faces, and its generous cut allows more air to filter in for easier breathing.
A substantial, NIOSH-approved N95
WellBefore WB-N-200 N95 Respirator Mask (flat fold)
Sturdy headbands and ample clearance over the nose and mouth create a snug fit that still allows for easy breathing. But this flat fold N95 is typically pricier than our other respirator picks.
Buy
from
Amazon
(pack of ten)
May be out of stock
$28
from
WellBefore
(pack of 20)
The
WellBefore WB-N-200 N95 Respirator Mask
feels more heavy duty than the typical disposable bifold respirator. Its adjustable headbands help prevent gaps, but they aren’t so snug as to be uncomfortable. Plus, this respirator tents high and wide off the face, so there’s more room to breathe. However, it usually costs more than twice as much as our other respirator picks.
A versatile KN95
Powecom KN95 Respirator Mask (ear loops)
This easy-on, easy-off KN95 respirator has ear loops that stretch well for a wider fit but also knot easily for a snugger one.
$12
from
Bona Fide Masks
(pack of 10)
$12
from
Amazon
The same mask, with headbands
Powecom KN95 Respirator Mask (headbands)
If you prefer headbands to ear loops, you may find that this ear-friendly respirator provides a better fit.
$16
from
Bona Fide Masks
(pack of 10)
The
Powecom KN95
design comes in both
ear-loop
and
headband
versions, so you have a greater chance of finding something that feels right. Its rounded (instead of flat) fasteners are easier than most to knot, should you need to adjust the fit. Both versions come in
black
, while the ear-loop masks also come in
gray
pink
dark blue
, and
light blue
A flexible surgical mask with gentle ear loops
DemeTech DemeMask Surgical Mask
This featherweight surgical mask features notably soft ear loops and foldable edges. It’s costlier than most disposable pleated masks but frequently goes on sale.
$14
from
Amazon
$30
from
DemeTech
(pack of 50)
The strikingly soft ear loops on the
DemeTech DemeMask Surgical Mask
are gentle on the ears. 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). Besides the typical box of 50, the masks are available in
batches of 10
, in both
regular
and
small
sizes, and
with ties
instead of loops.
Affordable and versatile
Medline ASTM Level 1 Procedure Face Mask with Ear Loops
The most affordable FDA-authorized disposable mask we’ve seen isn’t particularly soft, but it is sturdy, and it has generous ear loops.
$10
from
Medline
(pack of 50)
Surgical masks with proof of high-filtration efficiency typically don’t cost less than $10 for a box of 50 (before tax and shipping). This box of
Medline ASTM Level 1 masks
, which are capable of blocking at least 95% of 0.1-micron particles (when worn with a good seal), often does. The ear loops are slightly wider than most, so they easily fit on larger faces or
knot and fold (video)
for a more secure fit on smaller faces.
Why you should trust us
I spent months scrolling through scores of masks online, poring over documents from the CDC’s National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) and the FDA, and puzzling over little certification slips half-written in Chinese (a childhood’s worth of Saturday morning Chinese school did not help).
I ultimately tracked down legitimate respirators and masks, as well as reliable retailers that sell them. I sent those masks to a panel of Wirecutter staffers with different face shapes, and collected their feedback on fit and comfort. Besides consulting five scientists, I’ve interviewed five manufacturers, three importers, two retailers, an e-commerce expert, and two government agencies. In all, I’ve assessed 25 respirators and 14 surgical-style masks.
What is a medical-style mask, and do you need one?
The term “medical-style mask” refers to the types of masks you typically see in health-care settings. 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 masks — the pleated variety with ear loops or ties that typically come in boxes of 50 or so. Consisting of high-efficiency filter layers, all of these mask types are designed to protect the wearer in high-risk situations.
For the best protection against airborne respiratory pathogens, you may consider wearing either a respirator mask or a surgical mask modified to form a better seal or layered under a well-fitting cloth mask. 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.
This level of filtration 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. 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. (Those with incorporated filters, however, such as the
Enro Tech
and
Happy Masks Pro
, filtered similarly to N95s, though machine washing and drying diminished their efficacy.)
N95 vs. KN95, KF94, FFP2, and surgical masks
Constructed with multiple layers of nonwoven fabric, an
N95 respirator
blocks out at least 95% of particles as small as 0.1 micron in diameter.
Surgical N95 respirators
offer the added benefit of also having passed tests for such factors as fluid resistance, biocompatibility, and flammability. All legitimate N95 masks are approved by NIOSH as respirators; surgical N95 models have undergone additional NIOSH testing to meet specific FDA requirements.
N95 masks fasten snugly to your face with two bands that go around the back of your head. As with cloth face masks, some people find bands to be easier to adjust than ear loops — you can play around with knots and positioning to create a good seal. However, an N95’s elastics tend to be tighter than those on cloth masks, which helps with the seal but may be uncomfortable. Some N95 masks, like Wirecutter’s
picks for dealing with smoke and dust
, have valves for easier exhalation, but because they let unfiltered air escape, they are not useful in preventing the spread of communicable respiratory diseases.
KN95 masks
(China’s N95 equivalent) should block out 95% of 0.3-micron particles;
KF94
and
FFP2
, 94%. All are made with similar layers of high-filtration, nonwoven materials. KN95, KF94, and FFP2 are internationally sourced respirators and therefore don’t undergo the NIOSH approval process. Early in the pandemic, with N95 respirators in short supply, some of these masks — if they met certain criteria — were FDA-cleared for workers in health-care settings under an emergency use authorization (EUA). 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 from
Powecom
) be redistributed for use in nonmedical settings.
Unlike N95 masks, these other respirator masks typically have ear loops instead of headbands. People often encounter good filtration but a bad fit when shopping for a KN95. The same goes for N95 masks that aren’t customized (as they typically would be in a hospital setting). A January 2021
PLOS One article
on mask-fit issues reported that a KN95 was a poor fit for all seven study participants, while the five N95 masks in the experiment did little better — failing to fit four out of seven subjects. Even a bit of extra fat in the chin or a few millimeters in the width of the nose can have an impact on a respirator’s fit, the authors noted.
Loretta Fernandez, PhD, associate professor of civil and environmental engineering at Northeastern University, found that a poorly fitting KN95 may block 0.3-micron particles only as effectively as a poorly fitting surgical mask — at around 72% efficiency instead of the promised 95%-plus. This level of performance may be problematic for people working in the ICU but perhaps less outside of a medical context. Still, from an economic perspective, it’s pointless to spend the extra money on a KN95 only to have it work as effectively as a much cheaper mask. 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%.
“Generally speaking, if you’re fogging up your glasses, it’s not a perfect seal.” — Hana Akselrod, George Washington University School of Medicine
Surgical masks
are medical devices regulated by the FDA. 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. Because they don’t fit close to the face, they’re not designed to protect the wearer from inhaling small, potentially infectious particles. Nevertheless, in order to gain FDA clearance, either through
510(k)
or the agency’s
emergency use authorization
, surgical masks undergo testing to meet voluntary consensus standards set by ASTM International (formerly the American Society for Testing and Materials) — and those standards include achieving a level of filtration efficiency. 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. Levels 2 and 3 indicate at least 98% for the same particle-size range.
Regardless of which type of mask you manage to get your hands on, however, you won’t come anywhere close to the stated filtration values in real life unless you secure a perfect seal to your face around the entire perimeter of the mask. “Generally speaking, if you’re fogging up your glasses, it’s not a perfect seal,” said Hana Akselrod, assistant professor of medicine in the division of infectious diseases at George Washington University School of Medicine. (If you don’t wear glasses, take a big exhale with your mask on — if you feel a puff of air on your skin near the edges of the mask, you need a tighter fit.)
Our favorite respirator masks
Kimberly-Clark N95 Pouch Respirator
Sarah Kobos/NYT Wirecutter
Sarah Kobos/NYT Wirecutter
Sarah Kobos/NYT Wirecutter
A lightweight, NIOSH-approved N95
Kimberly-Clark N95 Pouch Respirator
This odd-looking, oddly comfortable N95 is a NIOSH-approved respirator meant for nonmedical use. Its headbands are soft yet help form a tight seal, and its long nose-bridge wire reduces glasses fogging.
$56
from
Amazon
(pack of 50)
What we like:
This duckbill-shaped mask is a
NIOSH-approved N95 respirator
manufactured in the US. It’s also our favorite because it’s the only one of its type that actually fit our testers well, and it felt surprisingly comfortable. Thanks to its soft, flexible construction, the
Kimberly-Clark N95 Pouch Respirator
should fit most people. Because it’s a nonmedical respirator, this mask is not tested to protect you from potential splatter of bodily fluids.
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. A more cavernous cut (about an inch wider on each side compared with the typical respirator) means more filtered air to breathe in. In our experience, a long, sturdy nose-bridge wire helped minimize glasses fogging, too. 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). This mask doesn’t feel the easiest to breathe through — but that suggests some degree of filtration efficiency. (“I’m always suspicious of masks that have little or no breathing resistance to them,” said Christian L’Orange, the assistant research professor of mechanical engineering who ran our
face mask filtration tests
at Colorado State University.) The Kimberly-Clark mask closes absolutely flat without the need for you to pinch the nose wire closed, as you have to with many other foldable masks, and at around $1 a mask, it’s also the least expensive NIOSH-approved N95 we recommend.
What we don’t like:
This mask looks ridiculous. “Our initial focus was offering performance and comfort over form,” said Rob Hughes, vice president of PPE at Kimberly-Clark Professional. He added that the company is currently evaluating additional designs. 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.
WellBefore WB-N-200 N95 Respirator Mask (flat fold)
Sarah Kobos/NYT Wirecutter
Sarah Kobos/NYT Wirecutter
Sarah Kobos/NYT Wirecutter
A substantial, NIOSH-approved N95
WellBefore WB-N-200 N95 Respirator Mask (flat fold)
Sturdy headbands and ample clearance over the nose and mouth create a snug fit that still allows for easy breathing. But this flat fold N95 is typically pricier than our other respirator picks.
Buy
from
Amazon
(pack of ten)
May be out of stock
$28
from
WellBefore
(pack of 20)
What we like:
Many
NIOSH-approved N95s
and headband-style KN95s we’ve tried were either too large or too tight. 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. More importantly, it doesn't feel suffocating despite creating a good seal. This is partly due to the plastic brackets on either side of the mask, which allow you to tighten the headbands as necessary. But it’s also thanks to the ample clearance the mask allows over the nose and mouth, which offers plenty of room for filtered air to circulate. A foam strip over the nose-bridge wire provides some cushioning.
What we don’t like:
“This is a lot of mask,” several testers commented, noting the WellBefore’s plastic and foam features, wide headbands, and girth. 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
. These respirators, sold in packages of five or more, also come individually wrapped (which some people may find beneficial for tossing in a bag or glove box, though others may find it unnecessary).
Powecom KN95 Respirator Mask
Sarah Kobos/NYT Wirecutter
Sarah Kobos/NYT Wirecutter
Sarah Kobos/NYT Wirecutter
Sarah Kobos/NYT Wirecutter
A versatile KN95
Powecom KN95 Respirator Mask (ear loops)
This easy-on, easy-off KN95 respirator has ear loops that stretch well for a wider fit but also knot easily for a snugger one.
$12
from
Bona Fide Masks
(pack of 10)
$12
from
Amazon
The same mask, with headbands
Powecom KN95 Respirator Mask (headbands)
If you prefer headbands to ear loops, you may find that this ear-friendly respirator provides a better fit.
$16
from
Bona Fide Masks
(pack of 10)
What we like:
This f
ormerly FDA-emergency-authorized KN95 mask
offers some variety — you can choose from
ear loops
or
headbands
, and multiple color options. We bought Powecom masks directly from the importer and distributor,
Bona Fide Masks
, which remains the exclusive distributor of Powecom KN95 respirator masks in the US and Canada.
Powecom's KN95 was FDA-cleared under the agency’s emergency use authorization during the N95 shortage. When Chinese authorities
updated the KN95 standard
, we commissioned Colorado State University’s
Center for Energy Development and Health
to verify that the Powecom mask sold by Bona Fide Masks maintained its high filtration efficiency. 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). We like that the mask’s fasteners are sturdily attached (more so than most) and that they knot easily for adjustment. Slightly rounded, as opposed to flat, they’re somewhat gentler on the ears, too. 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). 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 mask’s seal).
What we don’t like:
As some readers have pointed out, the Powecom design’s ear-loop elastics can feel uncomfortably snug. If that’s the case for you, try gently pulling on them to loosen them up a bit before wearing the mask. People with 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. But that has been the case with almost all the medical-style masks we’ve tried. Knotting the ear loops helped me block the air from escaping at my chin but somehow increased the fog on my glasses. 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).
Our favorite surgical-style masks
Surgical masks are less expensive and less thick than N95 designs and other respirators, but because they tend to gape at the sides, they require some adjustments for optimal protection. 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. You can also do both. We tried 14 surgical-style masks, and for the most part, the differences were barely discernible.
DemeTech DemeMask Surgical Mask
Sarah Kobos/NYT Wirecutter
Sarah Kobos/NYT Wirecutter
Sarah Kobos/NYT Wirecutter
A flexible surgical mask with gentle ear loops
DemeTech DemeMask Surgical Mask
This featherweight surgical mask features notably soft ear loops and foldable edges. It’s costlier than most disposable pleated masks but frequently goes on sale.
$14
from
Amazon
$30
from
DemeTech
(pack of 50)
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 it’s capable of blocking 98% of particles as small as 0.1 micron (assuming a good seal). We like its exceptionally soft ear loops, which feel knitted and don’t dig into the ears as most other elastics do. The loops are also firmly attached, so when you’re putting this surgical mask on or taking it off, the fasteners are less likely to pop off (as we’ve found with some cheaper models). With its soft edges, the DemeMask is easy to
knot at the ear loops and tuck at the sides (video)
for a secure fit. 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.
What we don’t 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
pack of 10
typically costs $7.50.
Medline ASTM Level 1 Procedure Face Mask with Ear Loops
Sarah Kobos/NYT Wirecutter
Sarah Kobos/NYT Wirecutter
Sarah Kobos/NYT Wirecutter
Affordable and versatile
Medline ASTM Level 1 Procedure Face Mask with Ear Loops
The most affordable FDA-authorized disposable mask we’ve seen isn’t particularly soft, but it is sturdy, and it has generous ear loops.
$10
from
Medline
(pack of 50)
What we like:
This box of 50 is available for the best price we’ve seen so far for an
FDA-cleared
surgical mask (roughly 21 cents per mask). As its name indicates, the
Medline ASTM Level 1 Procedure Face Mask with Ear Loops
meets ASTM Level 1 standards, which means it blocks at least 95% of particles measuring 0.1 micron in diameter or larger. That’s 3% less than the Level 3 DemeTech masks can block, but unless you’re a health-care provider in a high-risk medical setting, that’s not much of a difference. Medline makes its own masks but also partners with
other FDA-cleared manufacturers
to avoid stock shortages, a company spokesperson told us. The Medline mask’s ear loops are slightly larger than those on the DemeTech mask (and most other surgical-type masks we’ve seen); this allows them to stretch over wider faces with less tension on the ears. The extra length of elastic also means you can easily seal side gaps by
knotting the ear loops and tucking in the sides (video)
What we don’t like:
Except for their larger ear loops and FDA clearance, the Medline masks are fairly run-of-the-mill. Their inner lining isn’t particularly tissue-like as with others we tried, nor are the ear-loop elastics as soft or firmly attached as those on the DemeTech mask.
How we picked and tested
Sarah Kobos/NYT Wirecutter
Searching for a reliable respirator or surgical mask at a decent price, particularly early in the pandemic, has been the most
difficult shopping experience
I’ve ever had. For a while, it was like trying to find the last Lego Star Wars Advent calendar three weeks before Christmas — but infinitely worse. Aside from navigating retailers that were sold out (or were price-gouging), I also dealt with
fraudulent sellers, fraudulent products
, or both: The CDC in 2022
reported
that about 60% of KN95 masks sold in the US at that time were fake.
Years later, the shortages have eased up, but that doesn’t make finding the right mask easy, particularly when it comes to
KN95 respirator masks
. Yes, there’s
the counterfeit issue
. But also, KN95 and surgical masks don’t always fit very well. As Loretta Fernandez, an associate professor of civil and environmental engineering at Northeastern University in Boston, explained, “There’s nothing magical about a KN95. The edges still need to form a good seal against the face for it to be protective.” The truth is,
any medical-style mask
— no matter how superior the filtration — doesn’t do much better than a quality cloth mask if it allows most of the air you’re breathing to go around it rather than through it. Proper fit is critical.
As for disposable pleated masks, every neighborhood store and online vendor seems to sell them, but not all of them are actually surgical masks — just surgical-style, which is why they’re often a third or half the price of actual authorized surgical masks. The packaging on most simply says “face mask,” in which case you can’t expect the masks to filter like the kinds of masks that health-care workers wear in hospitals. In fact, Colorado State University’s Christian L’Orange — who has tested thousands of face masks, including
our picks
— told us that the most egregious fails have come from surgical-style face masks as opposed to respirators. 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. Others have appeared to be missing layers altogether, he said. 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, it’s not a real surgical mask, which by definition should have some level of water resistance.
When shopping for a medical-style mask, Virginia Tech’s Linsey Marr suggested buying directly from a reputable supplier whenever possible, not just grabbing whatever you find from a third-party seller (the fewer middlemen, the smaller the chance of mischief). Beyond verifying retailer and mask legitimacy, we also confirmed that each respirator or surgical mask we considered has been included in at least one of the following:
NIOSH's
list of approved N95 respirators
The FDA’s
Personal Protective Equipment EUAs
(emergency use authorizations) Appendix A — a list of surgical masks and respirator manufacturers, indicating that the manufacturer submitted test reports demonstrating that the product met certain performance standards, including filtration efficiency, and that the FDA recognized it.
The FDA's
510(k) clearance
database.
NIOSH’s International Respirator Assessments
, which include US-sold, foreign-made respirators only; we look for good results on these tests. Although these tests aren’t the same as NIOSH approval, they do give mask buyers a sense of the quality of the materials used.
Sometimes cross-checking wasn’t possible until we received the masks and found the product qualification certificate — the small slip of paper in the packaging that includes the details about the product and its manufacturer. We also reached out to some of the manufacturers or the sellers to understand the vetting or manufacturing process, especially if we couldn’t find the manufacturing company on any of the above lists.
For masks sold on Amazon, we confirmed with the manufacturer that we had a legit link to the product being sold. Although this factor limits your choices perhaps unnecessarily, as Kathy Cummins, head of marketing and analytics at
Hinge Global
, pointed out, we like the assurance that a specific inventory of the product has been vetted by the retailer. A caveat: The “same” mask sold by the same company can differ depending on the retailer. 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. Winner Medical confirmed to us that it designs masks according to a retail client’s specifications while still ensuring the same protective effects.
We then assessed each mask in terms of fit and comfort — something far too individual for anyone to judge in a general sense. Still, we’re doing our best by distributing masks to a diverse group of nine panelists (two of whom are my husband and me).
When we’ve come across masks that fit and feel great but aren’t NIOSH-approved or FDA-cleared, we’ve sent samples to Colorado State University’s
Center for Energy Development and Health
for
filtration efficiency and breathability testing
Another medical-style mask we like
Kyungin Flax KF94
Sarah Kobos/NYT Wirecutter
Sarah Kobos/NYT Wirecutter
Sarah Kobos/NYT Wirecutter
Because of KF94 masks’ more structured “boat” shape (a horizontal rectangle that tents up to secure itself over the nose bridge and chin), they’re somewhat harder to adjust, and our panelists had different opinions on which fit best. But if you’d like to try one, the
Kyungin Flax KF94
is one of the more affordable models we’ve tried. Like most KF94s, which didn’t arrive in the US until later in the pandemic, the Kyungin Flax mask was never FDA-cleared for emergency use for medical workers. So, in collaboration with Colorado State, we filtration-tested the mask ourselves — and found it to block 99% of particles as small as 0.5 micron.
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. The Kyungin Flax is no different. However, this mask comes in only one (rather large) size — which made it harder for some of our panelists to achieve a solid seal. If you prefer a KF94 mask and have a narrower chin or smaller face, you might have better luck with masks from
Dr. Puri or Blue.
Wearing the mask on a cold winter day, we’ve also noticed it collecting more condensation at the inner layer than our picks.
More NIOSH-approved, NIOSH-assessed, or FDA-authorized masks worth considering
This is not a comprehensive list of all the masks we’ve considered. It includes models we’ve tested that are still available.
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.
Respirator masks
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. This may not be the case for people with higher nose bridges, though — so, as we’ve mentioned, we’ll continue evaluating this mask with a diverse panel of testers and update this guide accordingly. The fasteners have ridges, which improve grip. This KN95 had been listed under the FDA’s now-revoked emergency use authorization
Appendix A
DemeTech
, the maker of our surgical-mask pick, launched its respirator production early on in the pandemic. We like that the NIOSH-approved DemeTech respirators come in two designs (
cup
and
foldable
) and each in regular or
small
size. With their sturdy, ridged headbands, you can play with the positioning of these respirator masks for a better fit. 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. But they formed a decent seal and, as other panelists noted, also felt lighter. At $75 for a box of 20, they’re as pricey as another lightweight respirator we tried, the 4CAir AireTrust Nano Mask (currently unavailable). If you need just a few, a
pack of five
is available for less than $20.
The
Dr. Puri Micro-Dust Protection Mask
isn’t 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. It fit most of our panelists, though some testers thought it sat too close to the mouth despite its typical KF94 rectangular boat shape. Some testers said the masks smelled funny (“dusty,” described one panelist); we’d take these masks out of the packaging and let them air out before wearing. We confirmed that the mask sold via this Amazon link (labeled “sold by Dr. Puri Official”) is legitimate, and it’s at a slightly lower price than we’ve seen elsewhere.
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. A piece of foam cushions its sturdy, pliable nose-bridge wire. It’s a bit pricier than our picks but cheaper than most others on this list. It’s also
NIOSH-approved
The
Makrite 910
is a duckbill-shaped N95 like the
Kimberly-Clark mask we recommend
, but it is not nearly as comfortable. The thick material proved much less breathable for our testers, and the headbands looked and felt like thick, albeit smooth, rubber bands. The nose-bridge wire is cushioned by a foam strip, however, and this model is
NIOSH-approved
. You can play around with the bands for a better seal, but overall we found this mask to be quite restrictive and suffocating.
We were quite excited about the NIOSH-approved
RespoKare N95 Respirator Mask
’s pretty blue color and comfortable nose-bridge cushion, but some panelists found that the ear straps snapped off easily. While the large size was too large for many panelists (it might be good if you’ve determined that most masks are too small for you), the medium size was much smaller — and, in fact, too small for me. These masks have a strong vinegary smell out of the package, and they cost considerably more than our picks.
Surgical-style masks
We liked the
CVS Health Medical Face Mask
when we tested it, but consistent stock issues keep it from being a pick in this guide. This mask has a strikingly softer underlayer — much softer than that of most other surgical masks we’ve tried, including
our pick from DemeTech
. The version we tried met ASTM Level 2 standards, which meant it could filter out at least 98% of 0.1-micron particles, assuming a perfect seal; however, we’ve noticed that the masks are now labeled as meeting ASTM Level 1 standards. The generous ear loops should help this mask fit wider faces, and they’re easily knotted for narrower ones.
More masks (that aren’t FDA-authorized or NIOSH-approved)
Just because a mask isn’t cleared by these agencies doesn’t necessarily mean it performs poorly, though it’s hard to know for sure. FDA clearance and NIOSH approval can take many months and can cost a good amount of money — some companies decide not to bother, while others have submitted the paperwork but are still awaiting a decision.
Respirator masks
As with many K94s we tried, the
Blue KF94-3D Mask
fit some of our panel testers well but left gaps on others. Our panelists agreed, however, that it felt lightweight. According to its packaging and authorized seller Be Healthy (a longtime trusted source for Korean imports), this mask is approved by the Korean Ministry of Food and Safety; for confirmation, we reached out to the makers of Blue masks, as well as to the Korean Ministry of Food and Safety, but we didn’t receive responses. 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 prefer — and it is considerably more expensive than our picks.
Surgical-style masks
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. The mask feels a tad softer and thinner than most of the surgical-style masks we’ve tried. The nose-bridge wire feels sturdier, too, and the fasteners knot easily for a good fit. Frequently on sale, these masks are a good choice if you can’t get ahold of the
DemeTech
or
Medline
masks, or if you just want to add a burst of color to your
mask wardrobe
At around $11 for 75 masks, the
FLTR General Use Face Mask
is one of the least-expensive surgical-style masks we’ve seen. However, it isn’t FDA-cleared. Like the company’s 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). The company redacted the manufacturer’s name in the paperwork, again for “proprietary” reasons.
Christina Szalinksi contributed reporting.
This article was edited by Tracy Vence and Kalee Thompson.
Sources
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 L’Orange, 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
Meet your
guide
Joanne Chen
What I Cover
I cover home items from candles and picture frames to coffee tables and sofas. I believe that great home decor is not just beautiful but also durable and functional, even if that function is simply bringing you joy day in and day out—making your house feel like home.
Further reading
The Best Cloth and KN95 Face Masks for Kids and Toddlers
by
Christina Szalinski
The best mask for kids is the most protective one they’ll keep on. We have four to recommend that are high-performing and breathable, and fit a range of ages.
12 Signs You Have a Fake N95, KN95, or KF94 Mask
by
Joanne Chen
Counterfeit medical-style masks may leave you less protected. Here’s what to look out for so you don’t waste money on fakes.
N95s and KN95s Offer the Most Protection. But Some Cloth Masks Come Close.
by
Christina Szalinski
Not all cloth masks are alike. Those with incorporated filters can offer a level of protection that nears that of N95, KN95, and surgical masks.
How to Reuse N95, KN95, and Other Disposable Masks
by
Joanne Chen
N95 and other medical-style masks offer the highest protection, but wearing a new one every day can be expensive. Fortunately, you can safely reuse them.
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