The 9 Best KN95 Face Masks to Buy Right Now
The 9 Best KN95 Face Masks to Buy Right Now
As COVID-19 cases continue to spread across the country, CDC officials are thinking about changing face mask guidelines to recommend that people switch to N95 and KN95 masks, according to The Washington Post. “The agency is currently actively looking to update its recommendations for KN95 and N95 in light of omicron,” one official said. “We know these masks provide better filtration.”
A KN95 mask is defined as a mask that filters out at least 95% of air particles, NBC Chicago reports. "It's got a higher protection level" than cloth masks, Dr. Allison Arwady, the commissioner of the Chicago Department of Public Health, noted in a question-and-answer session. And, since KN95 masks have a tighter fit, they also offer more protection than surgical masks, per the FDA.
The only difference between KN95 masks and N95 masks is their level of certification. The CDC explains that KN95s are the most widely available masks that meet international standards. They must also filter out at least 95% of air particles. However, N95s must meet stricter requirements, like the ability to filter out all particles (including bacteria and viruses), and be NIOSH-certified. The masks offer similar protection.
But just grabbing any mask that's labeled as a KN95 isn't the best buying strategy. The CDC warns that there's a rise in counterfeit masks—and these phonies aren't up to snuff. The easiest way to make sure your mask is legit is to confirm that the manufacturer is included on the FDA's Emergency Use Authorization.
But keep in mind that this emergency authorization was originally meant to provide healthcare workers with a list of masks they could wear instead of N95s, which at one time were in short supply. The FDA then revoked this EUA once N95s became widely available again. While the list is no longer updated regularly, it can still be used as a buying guide, NBC News reports.
Ahead are 9 KN95 mask options that all adhere to FDA and CDC guidelines, with plenty of options for everyone in your family. (And, yes, they do come in colors!)
KN95 face masks offer better filtration than cloth or surgical masks do. But how do you know which ones actually work? These 9 options are all CDC approved.
