These FDA-authorized KN95 masks are actually recyclable

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Stock up on KN95 masks while you can. (Photo: Vida)
Stock up on KN95 masks while you can. (Photo: Vida)

Putting on any old face mask is very different from using a mask that will offer the maximum amount of protection. That's why plenty of people have been reaching for KN95 masks.

These masks offer a similar level of protection to N95s, aka the gold standard of face masks—they're just the Korean version of an N95. But unlike N95s, which the CDC still recommends be reserved for healthcare workers, KN95s are more readily accessible to the public.

Of course, accessibility isn't the same as quality. There are plenty of so-called KN95 masks out there that don't do quite what they're supposed to. And, with all of the options out there, it can be tough to know which is good and which isn't up to snuff.

That's why it's so exciting that a trusted brand like Vida is now offering KN95 masks. These aren't just any KN95 masks—they have an emergency use authorization from the FDA to certify that they're legitimate.

What do these masks do, exactly? They filter out at least 95 percent of airborne particles as small as size 0.3 microns. Basically, they work almost exactly like an N95.

The Vida KN95 masks, which comes in black, white and cyan, are made of five layers, including non-woven polypropylene fabric, melt-blown polypropylene fabric and ES hot air cotton. A metal nose bridge and elastic ear loops help you to get that just-right fit.

While the masks are technically one-time use, Vida says you can use them two to three times if they're not damaged.

These masks come in white, black and cyan. (Photo: Vida)
These masks come in white, black and cyan. (Photo: Vida)

Shop it: Vida KN95 Masks, $25 for 10, shopvida.com

A really cool perk of these masks: They're recyclable. VIda specifically launched a recycling program for its KN95 masks, so you can ship them back to the brand after you're done using them in a pre-paid envelope. Then, Vida will recycle them for you.

Vida lets you buy anywhere from 10 masks (for $25) to up to 1,000 masks (for $1,600), just in case you really want to stock up for you and your loved ones.

People are all about the masks in the reviews. "I can BREATHE while wearing it!" a happy customer wrote. "The shape creates space in front of my mouth and nose, unlike other masks, while still offering a snug fit and protection." Another said that they love the color options. "It blends in more with my outfits and looks less like I'm about to head into surgery," they wrote, adding, "Also, the straps were very comfortable and didn't hurt my ears, like other brands." And, heads up, glasses-wearers: One fan said that that is "the only mask I have found that keeps my glasses from fogging up outdoors."

Vida does note that they have a limited supply, and finding KN95 masks that you can trust is tough. So, don't sit on this one if you're in need of quality masks.

Shop it: Vida KN95 Masks, $25 for 10, shopvida.com

The reviews quoted above reflect the most recent versions at the time of publication.

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