/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/advancelocal/FLCTWZPLQBDWLIDX7VFG3OMKLE.JPG "Want to buy KN95 or N95 masks to protect yourself from the COVID-19? Know this first")
More infectious variants of the coronavirus and new federal requirements make people rethink the quality of their facial masks to prevent the spread of Covid-19 until more people can be vaccinated.
As of February 2, 2021, masks are required on airplanes, buses, trains and all public transportation centers in the United States.
Across Oregon, facial coverage is mandatory for anyone aged 5 and over in indoor and outdoor public spaces wherever physical distance is not possible.
Not everyone needs medical-grade N95 filters, but Dr. Anthony S. Fauci and staff at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) encourage everyone who is not at risk to use a facial cover with at least two layers of protection when around people who are not at home.
Other health experts recommend that most people wear a well-woven face covering a disposable surgical mask.
See The Oregonian / OregonLive’s coronavirus coverage
Facial covers must be tightly fitted over the nose and mouth (review the CDC “seal check”) and you should clean or wash your hands when handling the masks. Do not touch the mask when using it.
People who have been exposed to coronavirus, have health problems or live in areas with high rates of transmission can better protect themselves and others using a certified N95 mask that filters 95% of the aerosols people emit when coughing, sneezing, breathing and talking .
But where can you find the N95s that meet the highest standards? And how can you keep the cost down? N95 masks cost about 50 cents a piece before the coronavirus pandemic, but now prices are around $ 2 each for KN95 masks imported from China and about $ 5 for a US-made N95 mask. (an N95 respirator without a 3M valve costs $ 1.41 in a pack of eight at Home Depot.)
Ashland’s David Sugar was part of a friend’s group email asking if anyone would like to buy wholesale N95 masks through Costco (100 masks for $ 3.20 each). But Sugar and his wife, Skye, already had a stock of 3M brand filters, which they bought when smoke covered Ashland two years ago.
They use layered fabric masks with a pocket in which to insert the N95 filter when they need to enter a public place.
A recent study of 10 types of facial coverings found that blue cloth and surgical masks partially filter the small particles of the spread of COVID-19 known as aerosols that people emit, according to health experts at Harvard Medical School.
As the number in the name indicates, N95 masks made according to US and KN95 standards imported from China, aim to filter at least 95% of airborne particles.
“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,” according to the Mayo Clinic.
Although the N95 and KN95 masks were difficult to obtain and were being reserved primarily for frontline health workers at the start of the pandemic last year, supplies of these items have recently increased and more people are ordering them online for personal use.
Before purchasing, check the products approved by the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) listed by brand and make sure that the manufacturer has a NIOSH certificate.
See other federal guidelines on mask patterns.
The FDA has a list of KN95 respirator models not approved by NIOSH, approved for emergency use during the public health emergency COVID-19.
N95 respirators must be used once and then disposed of properly and replaced with a new N95 respirator.
Here are the N95 or KN95 respirators available for purchase online now:
AOK N95 Mask: This $ 2.99 mask from Well Before is sold out, but you can be notified when it is back in stock.
BLSCode KN95 protective mask ($ 1.33 each if purchased in a pack of 60, individually wrapped (for $ 79.74 through Amazon): The mask is made up of two layers of nonwoven fabric, two layers of melted fabric and a layer of warm air cotton with an adjustable metal wire bridge. Read more about KN95s
The Home Depot has N95 and KN95, as well as reusable cloth masks. Avoid N95 masks with a valve or breather. A pack of six disposable N95 respirators without a valve from 3M costs $ 8.46, or $ 1.41 a mask.
Respirator with Kimtech bag (Kimberly Clark) N95 ($ 3.99 each from Well Before): The NIOSH certified mask has a large duckbill-style breathing chamber and foam band to maximize comfort. There is also a foldable nosepiece for consistent sealing.
N95 Medical Supplies has three-layer surgical masks, as well as N95 and KN95 masks. The NIOSH-approved ALG hard-cup shell mask is sold in a bundle of 25 for $ 99.99.
Protectly, based in Portland, has N95 and KN95 surgical masks manufactured in the USA by 3M, Fangtian, Moldex, 3PE and Medline with 100% guarantee. Get a 23% discount on Respokare’s N95, NIOSH approved mask for $ 5 each in a pack of five or 30 units.
Powecom KN95 face mask: The FDA authorized mask for use in emergencies has multilayer protection. Available in a pack of 10 for $ 12.94 on Amazon.
Respokare Niosh N95 respirator (pack of 10 for $ 89.99 from N95MaskCo.com): The design of this mask by the personal protective equipment company Innonix has patented multilayer antiviral technology that blocks 95% of the small particles (0.3 microns) and supposedly inactive up to 99.9% in minutes. Also available in a pack of 5 for $ 49.99 or a pack of 20 for $ 179.99.
Well before the KN95 mask from the company formerly known as Honest PPE Supply: Individually packaged, the disposable mask has a five-layer design and an adjustable nosepiece. Available for $ 1.99 each, but must be purchased in packs of 10. Children’s masks are also available.
Xiantao Zhongyi N95 breathing mask (Pack of 20 for $ 179.99 at n95maskco.com): The NIOSH certified cup mask can be purchased in a box of 1,000 for $ 6,999.
There are more N95 and KN95 masks available on Amazon and Sears.
Now that we’ve been using facial coverings for almost a year, it may be time to replace masks that are washed frequently (check manufacturers’ guidelines) or that don’t fit as well as they should.
Before making the mask with a bandana or neck gaiter, read this: Evaluation is underway on the effectiveness of these types of facial coverings in preventing droplets and particles from spreading the coronavirus. At the very least, fold the fabric when you are in poorly ventilated areas or if you cannot safely keep your distance from others.
Face shields, folded wipes and masks with exhalation valves or vents are also not recommended, as they may not be effective enough barriers.
Layers of washable face covers should also not be transparent.
What to use if you are not at risk? Two or more layers of washable and breathable fabric, tightly interwoven. The mask should completely cover the nose and mouth, and should fit perfectly to the side of the face and have no gaps, says the CDC.
Here are some reusable mask offerings from retailers:
Amazon has an ever-changing supply of washable and disposable protective masks made in the U.S. The online retailer also has antimicrobial masks and sells PM 2.5 activated carbon filter inserts (pack of 100 for $ 21.99).
American Eagle has reusable masks made with two layers and antimicrobial finish. Youth masks are for sale and come in a variety of prints and patterns. Twenty percent of mask sales were donated to Crisis Text Line.
The hinterland has its own line of face masks to have on hand when you pass someone on the trail. In addition, men’s, women’s and children’s clothing, as well as equipment for hiking, camping, cycling, climbing, running, fly fishing and rowing are up to 50% off during the winter sale.
Dick’s Sporting Goods has sportmasks from Under Armor and other fitness brands. Also found on underarmour.com
Fanatics have adult and youth size facial covers to cheer on all sports teams, especially teams in Oregon.
Disney has Disney, Pixar, Marvel and Star Wars character masks in small, medium and large sizes (see measurement chart) and the company is donating one million fabric masks for children and families in needy and vulnerable communities In the United States through MedShare.
Spacemask offers three layers of antibacterial nanotechnology fabric thread that supposedly protects from dangerous particles, droplets, dust, pollution, pollen and mold. The washable, contoured Advanced Nanotech Premium face mask costs $ 19. The company is committed to donating 5,000 masks.
School MaskPack has color-coded reusable Crayola masks ($ 29.99 for a pack of five for kids, $ 39.99 for teens and adults) that come with their own mesh laundry bag to keep them together in the washing machine. The masks have adjustable ear straps to safely fit a wide variety of face shapes and sizes. The company is donating 1% of net sales to No Kid Hungry, DonorsChoose and Heart of America.
MasQd has adult covers and a children’s collection with green camouflage themes, rainbow hearts, space, unicorns, cars, dogs and solid colors ($ 17 each) and mask filters (pack of 20 for $ 27) .
The Gap has masks with filter pockets in adult sizes and for children with themes like Hello Kitty, Jurassic Park, Ninja Turtles, Justice League and Minions (the 3-pack starts at $ 5). The company is committed to distributing 50,000 masks to the Boys & Girls Clubs of America and Canada.
Odells has washable hand-made masks in adult and child sizes made from a cotton blend with adjustable straps behind the ear with an inner pocket to fit a PM2.5 filter ($ 10). Each mask sold supports 10 meals for children and hungry adults.
Walmart sells cotton facial linings for adults and children. A pack of five reusable masks in a washable polyester blend for ages 3 to 10 years old costs $ 10.99 (the normal price is $ 21).
– Janet Eastman | 503-294-4072