In the age we live in, a face mask is as much a part of your wardrobe as a t-shirt or underwear. But when picking out your mask, KN95 and N95 masks are essentially gold standard.
As of now, The Center for Disease Control and Prevention advises you wear your mask whenever you’re around people outside your bubble. Some experts are even advising you to wear two masks for extra effectiveness!
If you’re looking for the most protection, a KN95 mask (and an N95 mask) offers higher filtration than your standard cloth or surgical mask. These FDA-approved N95 masks are built to filter out an impressive 95% of tiny, 0.3-micron particles. Hence the 95 in the name! The coronavirus is 0.1 microns in size, but don’t fear – it usually attaches itself to large things like water droplets from sweat, breathing, or talking. The more layers on the mask, the better job a mask does at protecting you. FDA-approved KN95 masks generally have around five layers to them, which further guards your mouth and nose from dust, germs, and other dangerous particles.
Just what is an approved KN95 mask? KN95 masks are similar to the FDA-approved N95 masks, but N95s are the U.S. standard, while KN95’s are China’s standard.
At the start of the pandemic, FDA-approved N95 masks were in high demand. Resulting in a big shortage of masks. So the CDC approved the use of KN95 masks as an alternative. The only major difference between the two is KN95 masks feature a seam down the middle – it lets you fold the mask in half so it’s easier to store. The approved KN95 mask secures via straps that fasten behind your ears.
To help you find the best FDA-approved KN95 mask for you, we compiled a list of our favorite options. All are readily available on Amazon.
3. Individually Wrapped KN95 Face Mask 60 Pack
4. SupplyAID RRS-KN95-5PK KN95 Protective Mask
5. 30 Pack KN95 Disposable Face Mask
6. 7 Layer Unisex Filter Efficiency
7. M95c Disposable 5-Layer Efficiency Kids Breathable Face Mask
8. KN95 Face Masks (60pcs White)
10. Arcnode KN95 Protective Face Mask
1. KN95 Face Mask 20 PCS, Included on FDA EUA List, Filter Efficiency≥95%
This FDA-approved KN95 mask is made with five protective layers of cloth: Two are non-woven outer layers, two melt-blown inside filters, plus a cotton layer to absorb any excess moisture. The metal nose clip keeps it sturdy on your face.
2. KN95 Face Mask – 50 Pack
Tired of the banal white masks? This set includes masks in grey, hot pink, red, and two different shades of blue. All the masks are made from super comfy, skin-friendly fabric.
3. Individually Wrapped KN95 Face Mask 60 Pack
By far one of the chicest options on this list, this FDA-approved KN95 mask has an all-black design. All 60 masks in this set are individually wrapped, perfect for sharing a box safely with loved ones.
4. SupplyAID RRS-KN95-5PK KN95 Protective Mask
If you’re looking to refill your purse or bag, this FDA-approved KN95 mask set comes with five protective masks in every order. The masks have a 95% filter efficiency for blocking out viruses, dust, and pollen.
5. 30 Pack KN95 Disposable Face Mask
This masks are extra breathable, with premium fabric and a fit designed carefully for the human face. It’s even designed to reduce fog when wearing glasses! There’s 30 masks in each kit; ten in black, ten in grey, and ten in burgundy.
6. 7 Layer Unisex Filter Efficiency>95% Disposable Face Masks Breathable Safety Protection Mask
These masks are extra breathable. If you’re a biker or runner, this mask is optimal for breathing through a mask while exercising. Plus, high-elastic webbing around the straps makes it comfy to wear for long periods of time. Pick between with or without an additional breathing valve.
7. M95c Disposable 5-Layer Efficiency Kids Breathable Face Mask
If your face is on the smaller size, or if you’re shopping for children, this mask is specifically designed for small folks. The five-ply masks are made with breathable, quality materials. The 3D structure folds quickly for easy storage.
8. KN95 Face Masks (60pcs White)
The inner layer on this mask is particularly appealing; it’s skin-friendly, designed to help absorb the moisture from your breath. The FDA-approved mask also protects you from dust, fumes, exhaust, second-hand smoke, and pollen.
9. Kingfa KN95 Face Mask Non-NIOSH Respirator 5-Ply Layer
This FDA-approved KN95 mask checks off all the safety boxes: it exceeds safety standards, it has five protective layers, and has a lightweight design. Plus, it fits snug on your face. 50 masks come per box.
10. Arcnode KN95 Protective Face Mask, Unisex-Adult Face Mask
This isn’t as heavy-duty as some of the other masks on the market. But if you’re looking for a breathable mask to slip on in a jiffy, this is it. It has four layers of construction and a filter that blocks out 95% of debris and germs.