Masks
Masks (respirators) are extremely effective against airborne viruses such as COVID-19. If you choose one "tool" to carry, among the physical ones listed below, make it a respirator.
How Do Respirators Work?
- N95s ARE NOT SIEVES - A funny and informative video by Amanda Hu
- The Astounding Physics of N95 Masks - A short animated video explainer
- The untold origin story of the N95 mask - Article by Mark Wilson 3/24/2020
Studies and Considerations:
- Efficacy of face masks, neck gaiters and face shields for reducing the expulsion of simulated cough-generated aerosols (Study, 2021)
- Why upgrade from cloth/surgical masks to respirators? (helpful article)
- Largest Study on COVID-19 and Face Masks (article, 2021)
- Yes, even outside
- SARS-CoV-2 outbreak affecting 131 people at outdoor night market (Study, July 2023)
Additional Considerations and Resources
- Fit Test My Planet - Ongoing fit-tests to find the BEST respirators (Twitter)
- Ensure your respirator is working (FIT TESTING)
- DIY Fit Test Guide on Google Docs
- Video of how to adjust the nose bridge on KN95 for a better fit (Video. Amanda Hu on Twitter. Dec 2021.)
- Free or cheap resources for obtaining masks:
- Buy Lower-Cost Masks (US)
- Fantastic list of sources for free or cheap masks, coupons, sales!!!
- Search for your local MASK BLOC or other advocacy groups providing free masks, tests, and other tools in their community!
- Buy Lower-Cost Masks (US)
Types of recommended masks/links to buy:
- Powecom KN95s
- Ear loops or head straps, some colors available, +kids masks
- Inexpensive (cheaper in bulk, sales, coupon codes)
- As low as $1.07/PER MASK!
- Comfortable, fits smaller faces better than most KN95s
- 3M AURA N95s
- Great fit even for smaller faces
- Only comes in white, head straps, 3-panel design makes it easy to wear for a long time/talk without it budging
- Pricing: around $2.30/mask depending (Home Depot 10pk)
- 3M VFLEX N95
- Comes in 2 sizes
- "Regular size" is a better fit for larger faces than the Aura
- Both have more surface area to breath through, which can be more comfortable / "breathable" for some
- $1.28/mask (ProjectN95 50pk)
- WellBefore
- Variety of sizes and styles including 2 different kids' sizes
- Boat-style KN95s with or without nose-foam, ear-loops (adjustable or not!), lots of colors
- Bi-fold KN95s in different colors and patterns
- Bi-fold and cup-style N95s (headstrap, in white only) and KN95s (earloops)
- Prices vary from $0.69-$1.99 each, subscribing/bulk ordering saves some money
- Variety of sizes and styles including 2 different kids' sizes
- ReadiMask N95
- Adheres to the face instead of using straps
- MRI-safe/no metal
- $3.99/mask (ReadiMask.com 10pk)
Reusable Respirators
- ElastoMaskPro N95
- Reusable mask with replaceable N95 "puck" filters
- $89.99 (mask with 2 filters) + pack of 2 additional filter pucks $19.99
- All silicone elastomeric mask (aside from the filters/straps)
- 2 sizes - small, or medium/large. Shape fits maany different nose/face shapes, good breathability, designed for healthcare workers. Easy to sanitize because it is all one material.
- envo N95 Respirator
- Reusable mask with replaceable N95 filter
- $69.99 (mask with 3 filters) + pack of 10 filters $30.00
- No options for different nose/face shape. Easy to replace filter. Maybe more breathable than Flo?
- Flo Mask KN95
- Reusable silicon mask with changeable filters
- Tested to achieve FFP2 and KN95 standards (not certified?)
- Adult and kid sizes available
- Adult size is $89.99 (mask w/ 2 filters) + $59.99 for pack of 50 replacement filters flomask.com
- Less surface area/may not be comfortable for every face. type of filter may lead to additional condensation. Options for different size/type of nose bridge and some helpful advice for determining which size you need.