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Stocking up on PPE has become the norm over the last year. While it’s a little more straightforward to find a pair of safety glasses that offer protection and hand sanitizer that meets the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s recommendation of using a formula with 60 to 95% alcohol concentration, when it comes to choosing a face mask, the choices can feel overwhelming. N95 masks are still the gold standard, but since the CDC recommends saving them for healthcare workers, many people have turned to the Chinese equivalent, KN95 masks, instead. 
According to Julie Chen, MD, an integrative medicine physician who is board-certified in internal medicine, that’s because these masks are made from “multiple layers of material that block 95 percent of 0.3 micron particles. Coronavirus is even smaller, at 0.1 microns, but are typically bound to something larger (like droplets), so it’s purported to be 95 percent protective.”
While KN95 masks may provide a high level of protection, there are a few things to consider when shopping for one. Only a few Chinese manufacturers have been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for emergency use, so if you choose to wear one of these masks, be sure to select an option from this list. Plus, you should also be aware there are many counterfeit KN95 masks being sold online, so it’s important to do some research before buying any.
Here are seven FDA-approved KN95 masks that you can buy:
- Newmark/Jinhua Jiadaifu Medical Supplies Co KN95 Mask
- Boncare/Guangdong Zhizhen Biological Medicine Co Ltd. KN95 Mask
- Miuphro/Chengde Technology Co. KN95 Mask
- Vida/Guangzhou Nan Qi Xing KN95 Mask
- Wwdoll/Chengde Technology Co. KN95 Mask
- Maskc KN95 Mask
- Powecom/Guangzhou Powecom Labor Insurance Supplies KN95 Mask
Dr. Chen recommends avoiding any KN95 masks with decorative fabric or sequins, as well as options that claim to be approved for children. She also suggests looking for options that have FDA-approved markings on either the mask itself or the packaging. To make the process easier, some brands now include an anti-counterfeit label on the box so you can verify the authenticity on its website.
Ready to add a KN95 mask to your PPE collection? With Dr. Chen’s guidelines in mind, we scoured through hundreds of options online and found six KN95 masks that are listed on the FDA’s Emergency Use Authorization List and available to buy. Keep reading to shop them all, and just remember to double check the packaging when they arrive to verify their authenticity.
Newmark/Jinhua Jiadaifu Medical Supplies Co KN95 Mask
This KN95 mask is a popular option among Amazon customers thanks to its comfortable fit and lightweight design. Along with five protective layers of fabric and durable elastic ear loops, each mask also has an adjustable nose guard that helps you find a custom fit. According to the brand, a test done by the National Personal Protective Technology Laboratory proved the mask provides 99.73% of filtration efficiency. To buy: Newmark/Jinhua Jiadaifu Medical Supplies Co KN95 Mask, $23 (was $26) for 20; amazon.com
Boncare/Guangdong Zhizhen Biological Medicine Co Ltd. KN95 Mask
This KN95 mask also has a seal of approval from thousands of Amazon shoppers. Each mask features five layers for ample protection: The outer layers are made with a non-woven material that is soft against the skin, while the three inner layers are made from hot air cotton and melt-blown fabric. They work together to block out more than 95% of particles. The foldable mask features a triangular design that fits snugly on the face but still leaves plenty of breathing room around the nose and mouth. To buy: Boncare/Guangdong Zhizhen Biological Medicine Co Ltd. KN95 Mask, $17 (was $29); amazon.com
Miuphro/Chengde Technology Co. KN95 Mask
If you’re looking to stock up on KN95 masks, check out this option that’s manufactured by Chengde Technology Co. The masks are sold in packs of 50, so you’ll have enough to last for awhile. Shoppers say the five-layer masks are comfortable enough to wear for long periods of time and are very easy to breathe in. But their favorite part seems to be the adjustable nose guard that blocks air from seeping out and prevents their glasses from fogging up.To buy: Miupro/Chengde Technology Co. KN95 Mask, $30 (was $40) for 50; amazon.com
Vida/Guangzhou Nan Qi Xing KN95 Mask
This KN95 mask boasts a form-fitting design, a flexible nose piece, and elastic ear loops that are comfortable on your skin. Each mask has been tested and proven to block more than 95% of particles that are .3 microns or larger, according to the brand; it also notes that the masks should fit nicely on most face shapes and sizes for people ages 10 and up. What’s more, there are numerous pack sizes to choose from, ranging from 10 masks to 1,000 masks, so you can easily find a set that suits your needs. To buy: Vida/Guangzhou Nan Qi Xing KN95 Mask, from $15 for 10; shopvida.com
Wwdoll/Chengde Technology Co. KN95 Mask
According to the brand, this KN95 mask blocks more than 95% of dust, particles, and droplets. Like many options on this list, there are five layers in total; four of them are made from melt-blown cloth and non-woven fabric, while the fifth is made from hot-air cotton and prevents moisture from seeping in. The built-in nose guard not only prevents the mask from slipping off while you talk, but it also helps it mold to your face better, preventing air from seeping in from the top.To buy: Wwdoll/Chengde Technology Co. KN95 Mask, $50 (was $80) for 100; amazon.com
Maskc KN95 Mask
These KN95 face masks are sold in a set of 10, and each box comes with a reusable bag, so you can safely store your mask if you have to take it off while out and about. The five-layer mask is FDA-approved and blocks over 95% of particles, according to the brand. Many shoppers say they are able to breathe comfortably in this mask, and they like how soft it feels on their face. Unlike other options on this list that come in white and black, these masks come in a variety of different colors, so you can easily match your mask to your outfit. To buy: Maskc KN95 Mask, $18 (was $36) for 10; shopmaskc.com
Powecom/Guangzhou Powecom Labor Insurance Supplies KN95 Mask
This KN95 mask has a seal of approval from the FDA and thousands of shoppers alike. Along with an adjustable nose piece, the protective mask features ear loops that are comfortable enough to wear for hours at a time. It’s made from five layers of soft and breathable materials that block more than 95% of particles. Even better, the mask’s packaging comes with an anti-counterfeit sticker for added verification. To buy: Powecom/Guangzhou Powecom Labor Insurance Supplies KN95 Mask, $7 (was $12) for 10; bonefidemasks.com
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