5 of the best KN95 masks to protect against Covid-19 right now

More than two years into the COVID-19 pandemic, Omicron and its sub-variants have become the country’s most contagious Delta, eliminated in the process. Omicron infections began to surge in the spring of 2022 just as the number of COVID cases fell to the lowest level in more than six months, leading some counties to make masks mandatory again.

To slow the spread, CCD continues to recommend that anyone living in a community with “high” levels of COVID-19 should wear a mask indoors, even if they have been vaccinated. If your community is at “moderate” risk, it is recommended that you wear a mask when you are immunocompromised or live with someone who is immunocompromised. If the risk in your community is “low”, you may wear a mask as needed, although it may not be necessary. You can check your county’s COVID-19 levels on CDC’s county map.

Even if your community does not have a high rate of COVID-19 infection, if you are Ravina Kullar, PharmD, MPH, spokesperson for the Infectious Diseases Society of America , indoors — or even if you’re outside in a crowded area — to reduce your chances of contracting the virus.

CDC still recommends that people wear masks on public transportation, although the order is no longer mandatory.

But not all masks are created equal. According to the CDC, N95 masks approved by the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) may provide the highest level of protection, but KN95s are more protective than layered fine-woven masks and loosely woven cloth masks.

What is the difference between N95 and KN95 masks? Both masks filter out 95% of airborne particles (hence the 95 in its name) but the N95 mask has been approved to US standards to demonstrate its efficiency, while the KN95 mask has been approved to Chinese standards to demonstrate its effectiveness. efficiency.

However, the problem is that some KN95s are fake. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, about 60 percent of the KN95 masks NIOSH evaluated in 2020 and 2021 fell short of what they should, so be sure to do your research before committing money.

When N95 masks were in short supply when the pandemic began, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) put together a list of KN95 masks authorized for emergency use by medical professionals. But as supplies of masks increased, the FDA revoked those emergency authorizations for health care workers in the summer of 2021, and the agency stopped updating the list. (However, knowing which manufacturers have previously been approved may give you a good idea of ​​which brands to consider buying.)

Don’t like the fit or feel of the N95? Then your best bet is probably the KN95. After all, the best mask for you is the one you’re actually wearing — and wearing it correctly.

“A mask is only as good as it is fit,” Dr. Kullar said.

Whichever you choose, make sure it fits your nose, mouth and chin securely – there shouldn’t be any gaps around the edges. Here we’ve put together a list of the best KN95 masks for Covid protection.

Cristina Montemayor Cristina Montemayor is a freelance writer and journalist based in Austin, Texas, covering beauty, grooming, style and culture.

Maria Masters Maria Masters is a contributing editor and writer for Everyday Health and What to Expect, and has worked in men’s health and family circles.