Stock up on KN95s: These FDA-authorized KN95 masks are on sale for $2 a pop at Amazon
We may receive commission from purchases made via links on this page. Pricing and availability are subject to change.
It's tough to know which masks are the most effective. We’re not talking about the cute fabric masks emblazoned with the name of your favorite band. We’re talking about KN95 masks — the ones the CDC specifically recommends you wear in high-risk situations (say, on public transportation) to protect from possible transmission. Powecom is one of the only masks recommended by the FDA, and they're $16 for 10 at Amazon.
And if you have Amazon Prime, you’ll get free shipping, of course. Not yet a member? No problem. You can sign up for your free 30-day trial here. (And by the way, those without Prime still get free shipping on orders of $25 or more.)
Does the brand matter? Yes, according to the FDA, it does. Read more on this below.
Understanding the N95 / KN95 connection
KN95 masks are very similar to N-95 masks, which are one step up from KN95s, Dr. William Schaffner, infectious disease specialist and professor at the Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, tells Yahoo Life. In fact, during the early days of the pandemic when medical-grade masks were in particularly short supply, the FDA granted what’s known as ‘emergency use authorization’ for KN95 masks — meaning they could be used in hospitals.
But not all brands of KN95 masks are created equal. Recently, after researching effectiveness, the FDA removed its emergency use authorization for several manufacturers of KN95 masks. Powecom masks made it through the tests. They’re approved by the FDA and officially included on the FDA Emergency Use Authorization List. Like the others on the list, the Powecom KN95 mask is confirmed to filter out 95 percent of particles or more.
Not sure where to look? “If your source for a KN95 mask is reliable, you should be fine,” explains Dr. Schaffner. The good ones are “comparable to the N95 masks that we use,” he says.
“The basic difference [between N95 and KN95 masks] is regulatory,” says 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.”
Do you need to wear a Powecom 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 outdoors and keeping at least six feet away from others. But KN95 masks by Powecom offer more protection and are protective in riskier situations — if you’re flying, for example, or taking a bus or train.
These masks have a three-dimensional design that makes it easier to breathe if you need to keep your mask on for long periods. Made of soft cotton, the masks have elastic ear loops and a metal strip for a snug fit over the nose.
Keep in mind that wearing a mask doesn’t mean you should stop practicing known methods of preventing the spread of COVID-19. Getting vaccinated and boosted, social distancing and frequent, thorough hand-washing are critical. Explains Dr. Schaffner, “We do these things in combination, not in isolation.”
KN95 masks that are approved with the FDA’s emergency-use authorization are actually hard to find these days. So stick with best practices and secure some Powecom KN95 masks for higher-risk settings. You’ll be taking great care of yourself and others.
Amazon shoppers love them, too
One shopper writes, "I was in a car with my someone, whom I did not know was COVID positive at the time, for 3 hours (family emergency). I wore this mask and he wore a typical, thinner blue mask. He had been exposed a few days before and tested positive a few days later. All of my tests have been negative."
Another shared: "I love these masks. I am crazy about COVID and check everything. I ran every known test on these masks and they all came up good. I’m a teacher ... and I feel as protected as possible with these masks."
This five-star reviewer says that these masks have also helped when faced with COVID exposure "Started a new job that is currently remote, but had to train in the office for the first week. The gal who trained me my last day in office came down with COVID symptoms that evening and tested positive the next day. I was in the same room with her for nine hours. I wore this mask that day, and did not get COVID during my two weeks of self-quarantine after. This mask prevented me from catching COVID."
(Please note these reviews are anecdotal evidence.)
Want to check out your options? Here are other excellent KN95 masks available:
N95 Mask Co. KN95 Face Mask, 50-Pack
Want to buy in bulk and eliminate the stress of restocking? This 50-pack is for you. Each mask has a roomy breathing area, a metal nose bridge for a snug fit, and folds for easy storage.
“Tested masks in heavy smoke of CA fires — they do not let any smoke smell in, which is a great test, because smoke is the smallest particle and only N95s work for it. At the same time, they allow easy breathing,” says a satisfied shopper.
The reviews quoted above reflect the most recent versions at the time of publication.
Looking for more great Amazon deals? Check these out:
TV deals:
Hisense 55-inch Class H8 Quantum Series Android 4K Smart TV, $599 (was $730), amazon.com
Insignia 24-inch Class F20 Series Smart Full HD Fire TV, $140 (was $190), amazon.com
Amazon Fire TV 55-inch 4-Series 4K Smart TV, $350 (was $520), amazon.com
Hisense 43-inch Class R6090G Roku 4K Smart TV, $280 (was $400), amazon.com
Vizio 70-inch M7 Series Premium 4K Smart TV, $800 (was $1,100), amazon.com
Headphone, earbud, smartwatch and tablet deals:
Beats Studio3, $200 (was $350), amazon.com
Apple AirPods 2nd Gen, $119 (was $160), amazon.com
Samsung Galaxy S20 FE 5G Factory Unlocked Android Cell Phone, $600 (was $700), amazon.com
Powerbeats Pro Wireless Earbuds, $200 (was $250), amazon.com
Motorola One 5G Ace, $300 (was $400), amazon.com
Fitbit Sense Advanced Smartwatch, $225 (was $300), amazon.com
Smart home:
Blink Outdoor + Blink Mini, $110 (was $135), amazon.com
Bissell air320 Smart Air Purifier, $250 (was $340), amazon.com
Google Nest Thermostat, $100 (was $130), amazon.com
Charging Station for Multiple Devices, $15 (was $26), amazon.com
Facebook Portal, $75 (was $179), amazon.com
Video game deals:
Minecraft Dungeons Hero Edition for Xbox One, $20 (was $30), amazon.com
NBA 2K22 75th Anniversary Edition for PlayStation 4, $50 (was $100), amazon.com
Far Cry 6 Standard Edition for PlayStation 5, $28 (was $60), amazon.com
Razer Kraken X Ultralight Gaming Headset, $30 (was $50), amazon.com
Assassin’s Creed Valhalla PlayStation 4 Standard Edition, $20 (was $60), amazon.com
Razer DeathAdder Essential Gaming Mouse, $27 (was $50), amazon.com
Vacuum deals:
Dreametech H11 Cordless Wet Dry Vacuum Cleaner, $360 with on-page coupon (was $450), amazon.com
eufy by Anker RoboVac G30 Robot Vacuum, $230 (was $320), amazon.com
Dirt Devil Endura Reach Bagless Upright Vacuum Cleaner, $60 (was $75), amazon.com
OKP Life K2 Robot Vacuum Cleaner, $113 with on-page coupon (was $300), amazon.com
eufy by Anker HomeVac S11 Lite Cordless Stick Vacuum Cleaner, $140 (was $200), amazon.com
Fashion deals:
Anne Klein Women's Gold-Tone and Tortoise Brown Resin Bracelet Watch, $33 (was $35), amazon.com
Levi's Women's Classic Bootcut Jeans, starting at $34 (was $70), amazon.com
Soda Glove Ankle Boot, starting at $40 (was $90), amazon.com
Omoone Women's Lounge Plaid Long Shirt Jacket, $45 (was $67.50), amazon.com
Satina leggings, $15 (was $20), amazon.com
Kitchen deals:
Anova Culinary AN500-US00 Sous Vide Precision Cooker, $149 (was $199), amazon.com
Ultrean 8-quart Air Fryer, $85 with on-page coupon (was $130), amazon.com
Crock-Pot Slow Cooker, $120 (was $160), amazon.com
NuWave Air Fryer Brio 8-quart 6-in-1 with Touch Screen and Temperature Probe, $130 (was $200), amazon.com
Bodum 11571-109 Pour Over Coffee Maker with Permanent Filter, $20 (was $27.50), amazon.com
Beauty deals:
AuraGlow Teeth Whitening Kit, $43 with on-page coupon (was $60), amazon.com
Venus Visage Teeth Whitening Pen 2-pack, $17 with on-page coupon (was $27), amazon.com
Booty Wipes for Men, $23 (was $30), amazon.com
Schick Multipurpose Exfoliating Dermaplaning Tool 3-pack, $5 (was $6), amazon.com
Bedding deals:
Beckham Hotel Collection Bed Pillows, $30 for Queen with on-page coupon (was $50), amazon.com
Mellanni Queen Sheets, $37 (was $51), amazon.com
Madison Park Tufted Chenille Cotton Comforter All Season King Bedding Set, $97 (was $160), amazon.com
Kasentex King Coverlet Blanket Set, $70 (was $112), amazon.com
Health and Wellness
femometer Touchless Thermometer, $19 with on-page coupon (was $30), amazon.com
Medical Grade Clinical F-Doc Forehead Thermometer, $42.50 with on-page coupon (was $83), amazon.com
Yotu KN95 Face Mask Black, 30 pieces, $9 (was $50), amazon.com
iHealth No-Touch Forehead Thermometer, $20 (was $55), amazon.com
Sports & Outdoors
Bowflex SelectTech 840 Kettlebell, $119 (was $199), amazon.com
Pine Tree Tools Bamboo Gardening Gloves, $10 (was $14), amazon.com
Sunny Health & Fitness Magnetic Rowing Machine Rower, $249 (was $400), amazon.com
Jeekee Recumbent Exercise Bike, $275 with on-page coupon (was $370), amazon.com
ropoda Giant Wooden Yard Dice Set, $34 (was $50), amazon.com
Follow us on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter and Pinterest for nonstop inspiration delivered fresh to your feed, every day
Want daily pop culture news delivered to your inbox? Sign up here for Yahoo Entertainment & Life's newsletter.