While the distribution of the new COVID-19 vaccines is increasing in parts of the United States, prevention tools, such as wearing face masks and social detachment, are likely to be with us for some time, health experts said.
Because of this – and because the spread of a new highly contagious coronavirus variant is making headlines – some people are being even more cautious about the types of masks they use in public.
Although the N95 and KN95 masks were difficult to obtain and were being reserved primarily for frontline health workers at the beginning of the pandemic last year, supplies of these items have recently increased and more people are ordering them online for personal use.
N95 respirators are the most commonly used PPE to control exposure to airborne infections, although their effectiveness depends heavily on use and proper use. N95 respirators must be used once and then disposed of properly and replaced with a new N95 respirator.
“In fact, a type of respirator, an N95 mask offers more protection than a surgical mask because it can filter out large and small particles when the user inhales. As the name implies, the mask is designed to block 95% of very small particles ”, according to the Mayo Clinic.
“Like surgical masks, N95 masks must be disposable. However, researchers are testing ways to disinfect N95 masks so they can be reused. ”
If you are not familiar with KN95 masks, you are not alone. Mask manufacturer 3M described it this way: China’s KN95s masks are almost equivalent to the N95 masks used in the United States. And both types are increasingly being sold online. Note: According to our sister site Cleveland.com, KN95 masks are not regulated in the same way as N95 masks are in the USA and may not provide the same protection, although they are probably more effective than a surgical mask. The CDC has published a list of NIOSH-approved N95 respirators and the FDA has a list of NIOSH-approved KN95 respirator models approved for emergency use during the COVID-19 public health emergency.
Photo courtesy of Amazon.
Want to buy new N95 and KN95 masks? Here are some bestsellers available for purchase online now:
Medical supplies N95
KN95 Face Mask – Protective Respirator (pack of 10) $ 19.99
Pack of 20 – KN95 Masks – FDA ATTACHED TO LIST $ 39.99
Pack of 25 – KN95 face mask – Protective respirator $ 44.99
3 layers – KIDS 3 layer surgical style face mask (pack of 30) $ 12.99
Amazon N95 and KN95 Deals
SupplyAID RRS-KN95-5PK KN95 protection mask. Pack of 5. Limited time offer of $ 12.23.
Respiratory mask of preformed conical particles certified by NIOSH Makrite 9500-N95. Pack of 20 counts. The price is $ 47.87 plus free shipping.
Kimberly-Clark N95 bag respirator (53358), made in the USA, universal size, 50 respirators. The price is $ 57.90 plus free shipping.
KN95 face mask 20 units, included in the USA FDA list, 5 Layer Design. Price is $ 36.00
Respiratory mask of preformed conical particles with NIOSH Makrite 9500-N95 certification, size M / L (pack of 20 masks). The cost is $ 69.97, plus free shipping.
Photo courtesy of Sears.
Home Depot N95 and KN95 offers
KN95 protective mask with CE certification (5 units). Price is $ 16.98
KN95 face mask with expiration valve (pack of 5). Price is $ 22.69
KN95 Disposable 4-layer face mask (pack of 10). Price is $ 23.98
Masks from Clinical Supplies USA:
3M Mask 8511 | N95 x 10 mask | NIOSH. Price is $ 64.95
Makrite 9500S Mask | N95 x 20 mask | NIOSH. Price is $ 99.95
Moldex 2600 Special Ops ™ Series with HandyStrap® | N95 x 15 mask | NIOSH. Price is $ 119.95
Sears face masks online offerings
Bielcor N95 face mask respirator without valve (pack of 20) for $ 26
Amston Tool Company AMSTON 1808-N95 Disposable and foldable dust masks (pack of 20). Price is $ 46.03
White Mark KN95 Mouth Cover Medical Facial Mask – Ships From USA – Pack 10. Price is $ 29.99