As COVID-19 cases increase nationwide due to the newly dominant Omicron variant, you might be rethinking your go-to face masks for running errands, going to work, and traveling. And according to some experts and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), it’s about time to retire your cloth face coverings and switch to disposable masks, including N95 or KN95 masks. Face masks with at least three layers of material, surgical masks, N95 masks, and KN95 masks “all offer good protection provided that they fit well,” according to Amira Roess, PhD, MPH, professor of global health and epidemiology at George Mason University College of Health and Human Services. “The data have shown that the risk of infection decreases when wearing high quality masks correctly and frequently.” While cloth face masks were once the only option for people outside of the health care field, that’s no longer the case. “Currently, we have a better supply of disposable surgical masks, KN95s, and N95s, and the need for a cloth alternative is no longer as strong,” Roess says.
N95 vs. KN95 Face Masks
The main distinction between N95 and KN95 masks is that N95 masks are the gold standard in airborne particle filtration in the U.S., while KN95 masks offer the Chinese equivalent of this. Both types of medical-grade masks meet certain international standards, according to the CDC. When shopping for N95 masks, you’ll want to make sure you find options that are approved by the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH). In order to get this certification, a mask has to be able to filter out at least 95 percent of airborne particles. (There’s even a list of approved manufacturers you can browse on the CDC site to make sure the mask you buy is legitimate.) KN95 masks are not approved by NIOSH, and you’ll have to keep an eye out for counterfeits, as this has become a problem with increased demand. No matter which type of face mask you choose, Roess emphasizes the importance of finding one that fits well and following instructions for wear. Ahead, take a look at five KN95 and N95 masks available to purchase online now; they all include at least three layers of material, have adjustable nose bridges, and block out no less than 95 percent of airborne particles. Plus, the N95 face masks are NIOSH-approved.
