Remember COVID?
Turns out, two years and counting into the pandemic, it’s still a thing. But we’ve got another one for you: Remember the flu?
This holiday season, experts are warning of a potential “tripledemic” – an unfortunately timed confluence of spiking COVID, flu, and RSV cases.
Like it or not, that means high-quality masks are back on the table and need to be back on our faces.
A Duke University study published in August 2020 tested the effectiveness of 14 different mask types and found further proof that the N95 is the most effective for stopping the transmission of respiratory droplets during regular speech. On the flip side, while many people wore cloth masks in the beginning of the pandemic when medical-grade PPE was in short supply, now that they are readily available and even made in the USA, there is no excuse not to have the best protection possible.
When looking for a mask, making sure you have the proper fit is of the utmost importance — taking into consideration face size as well for children and those with smaller faces. Also, making sure your mask has a moldable nose bridge and adjustable straps is another key factor when shopping around to get the best fit.
All of the options below, from N95 to KN95 masks, fit the above criteria and are made with care to cover the nose and mouth more securely than cloth and some other alternatives.
“The difference between an N95 and a KN95 mask is where the mask is certified,” the Oklahoma Department of Health wrote on its website. KN95s are certified in China, while N95s are certified in the US.
Here are some online retailers selling N95 and KN95 masks that you can buy in bulk to protect you and your family from COVID-19, other viruses and even allergies — and the upcoming flu season.
Where to buy N95 masks
Armbrust
Armbrust sells options from USA-made companies, including the cup-style Protex N95 Particulate Respirator. This one was made in Massachusetts and is, of course, NIOSH-certified. The cup style N95 comes in a package of 20 for $49.95 or in a bulk package of 240 for $499.95, which is now on sale for $100 less than the original price of $599.40.
WellBefore
WellBefore sells the coveted N95 masks at a great discount, selling this white foldable version for just $1.39 each. They are sold in denominations of 10, with 10 being the least you can buy and going up from there to suit your needs. The masks feature adjustable head straps, keeping ears comfortable for all-day wear.
The RespoKare N95 Surgical Respirator is also a great option for an N95, also sold on the WellBefore site. Sold for $2.49 each, the masks really to take face shape and size into account, offering a small, medium and a large option in the blue-colored face covering.
Amazon
The BNX N95 Mask NIOSH Particulate Respirator Protective Face Mask is sold on Amazon in a pack of 10 for $16.99, perfect for larger families or to last you a while before your next restock for cold and flu season around the corner.
The masks meet all the requirements to be NIOSH certified for safety, such as the nose bridge and face-fitting design, but also take comfort into account with extra foam padding along the nose to reduce any irritation.
Where to buy KN95 masks
Armbrust
Armbrust also sells KN95 masks, made and manufactured in the United States. They come with an adjustable double-wire nose bridge and a two-strap cloth elastic headband loop, keeping your ears fatigue-free and your mask secure.
“Our USA-KN95 masks are not just constructed in the US with 100% American-made materials, they’re also produced in a FDA-registered facility that produces NIOSH Approved N95 masks along side them,” reads the product description.
They come in a box of 20 masks for $49.95, or subscribe and save 30% on your purchase. The masks also come in a variety of colors, including white, blue, purple and gray.
WellBefore
The 3D Style (KF94) KN95 Mask is another option that provides top-notch protection and is comfortable enough to wear all day with the more 3D nature of the design. It gives you more room to breathe, however it still provides five layers of protection and has a tight fit, sealing off your nose and mouth from any outside droplets that may be carrying disease.
Where to buy 3M brand N95 mask and respirators
Amazon
From 3M, this 10-pack of 3M Aura Particulate Respirator 9205 + N95 masks are sold on Amazon for $11.50. They were designed for wood working, sanding, sweeping, sawing, bagging, or other dusty operations as well as to prevent wildfire smoke inhalation, according to the product page, but have been worn by many during the pandemic as a go-to mask option.
The Home Depot
The Home Depot is another place with 3M branded masks in stock, coming in packs of various sizes. This pack of 15 masks is only $44, and they also sell single packages, 5-packs, 10-packs and 15-packs, all on the Home Depot site.
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