The 8 Best Places to Buy N95, KN95 and KF94 Face Masks for Kids Online in 2022
Sadly, we are still very much in a pandemic, with new variants cropping up regularly. And while the best thing you can do to protect yourself and those around you is to get vaccinated and boosted, the CDC also stresses that masking is a vital tool to combat the spread of COVID-19 (including the Omicron variant).
When it comes to children, the CDC says that everyone ages 2 and up who is not vaccinated or not up to date on vaccines should wear masks in indoor public spaces. The organization also currently recommends universal indoor masking for all teachers, staff, students and visitors to K-12 schools, regardless of their vaccination status or the area’s transmission rates.
And when it comes to which type of mask is best, your standard cloth mask just isn’t cutting it anymore (although a cloth mask is absolutely better than no mask). Instead, the experts say that three-ply surgical masks, N95s, KN95s and KF94s offer the best level of protection. “When worn consistently and properly," the CDC wrote on its website, N95 respirators approved by the National Institute for Occupational Safety & Health, or NIOSH, “provide the highest level of protection from particles, including the virus that causes COVID-19.”
But it’s important to note that NIOSH only regulates products designed for adults, which means that there are technically no NIOSH-approved N95, KN95 or KF94 masks for kids. As such, we have relied on company claims and credentials to judge the below products’ effectiveness, as well as research conducted by Aaron Collins, a mechanical engineer who has tested and reviewed hundreds of masks.
So whether your child isn’t yet eligible for the vaccine or needs a mask for school, here’s where to buy N95, KN95 and KF94 masks for kids online right now.
(Psst: Not sure what the difference is between all these mask options? Read up on N95s vs. KN95s here.)
RELATED: Should I Wait to Vaccinate My Kids for COVID-19?
1. Vida Kids Mask with KN95 Protection
These USA-made kids’ masks feature a five-layer filtration system and a 95 to 99 percent efficiency, per Vida’s website. (And according to Collins' testing, these guys scored 98.3 percent efficiency.) Designed for kids ages 5+, there are multiple colors available and although the ear bands are not adjustable, they are made from soft material that doesn’t easily irritate. Bonus: Each order includes a prepaid return label, so that you can send your used masks back to be recycled.
2. Brave New Look KN95 Mask
This 20-pack of KN95 masks for kids suits littles as young as 3 years old and features a five-layer filtration system of non-woven breathable fibers so that they’ll be protected without feeling smothered. And with nine different colors to choose from, your kid is bound to find a style they like.
3. POSH KF94 Small Mask for Kids
Not sure what KF94 masks are? The “KF” stands for “Korean filter” and the “94” refers to a 94 percent filtration efficacy. (It’s basically the South Korean equivalent to the N95 mask.) These individually wrapped masks from POSH feature adjustable ear loops and per Collins’ testing, will fit kids ages 4 to 9. Available in packs of 10, 30 and 50.
4. Wellbefore KN95 Kids Masks
With sizes ranging from ages 2 to 12, these individually wrapped cloth masks from Wellbefore boast five layers of protection which—per Collins’ testing—have 99.1 percent filtration efficiency. They also have adjustable ear loops, a great feature for kids whose masks tend to slip off their faces. Note: They are labelled as “petite” so you may want to measure your kiddo’s size before ordering.
5. Powecom KN95 mask for kids
According to Collins, these Powecom masks feature filtration of 97.3 percent and should arrive with an “anti-fake” label to verify authenticity. And per the expert’s testing, these guys should fit kids ages 7 to 12, although one user reported successfully putting the mask on a 3-year-old by bending the metal nose piece.
6. Armbrust Kids KN95 Mask
Remember what we said about there being no NIOSH-approved kids’ masks? That’s true, but parents may find it reassuring that Armbrust produces NIOSH-approved adult-sized N95 masks in the same facility that makes these kid KN95 masks. Made in the USA, each box comes with 20 masks that reviewers say will fit kids ages 5 and up.
7. Happy Life KF94 Mask for Kids
Reviewers report that these Happy Life KF94 masks fit kids ages 5 to 13, and that they are both comfortable and breathable. Meanwhile Collins rates the brand highly for its filtration efficiency of 98.4 percent, plus the company’s transparency with its FDA certification. Available in packs of 20.
8. Kimberly-Clark Surgical Mask
If you’re looking for surgical masks for kids, these Kimberly-Clark ones are your best bet—they are the first and only kids' mask that are FDA-approved. Available in packs of 50 (with the option to subscribe every week), we’re also big fans of the Disney-themed design.
RELATED: How to Get Your Kid to *Actually* Keep Their Face Mask On
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