I need the help of a knowledgeable DU member.

[murielm99]

I have browsed all the masks. Which are the most effective, and where can I buy them online? Can someone post a link?

I don't want to end up with something shoddy and fake.

Thanks, DU friends.

[Straw Man]

1. You want real N95 masks.

Not the KN95 with earloops -- the N95 with two straps that go around the head. That's what medical professionals wear.

This site is legit:

https://shop.projectn95.org/masks/n95?initialMap=c&initialQuery=masks&map=category-1,category-2

I've purchased from them and can attest to the quality.

[littlemissmartypants]

2. Here you go....❤

Where To Buy N95 And KN95 Masks That Aren't Counterfeit
With so many fake COVID face masks being sold online, it's important to pay attention to a few details when you order.


https://www.huffpost.com/entry/where-to-buy-real-kn95-masks_l_61d4812ae4b061afe3ab8dea

If you need me to post more, just let me know.

[Hekate]

4. Go to Project N95.org

Project N95.org

My husband’s additional notes also have Be Healthy osa.net

Katy Tur has been covering this for a couple of days with her doctor guests. You should have seen her face when she found out her existing masks were, as she put it, junk.

[senseandsensibility]

16. What kind of mask was she wearing?

Or using since I'm sure she wasn't wearing it on air.

[Hekate]

18. I don't recall

[mahina]

5. I trust 3m

Direct from their site.
Niosh and N95 or alternatively, Korean kn94.
https://www.3m.com/3M/en_US/p/d/v101143973/

The best deal I saw was a pack of 50 duckbills for 29.99 plus shipping.

Good luck mate. Good luck to us all.

[vanlassie]

6. Kimberly Clark N95 Professional 53358

I was provided this one when I worked at the County Health Dept. It’s legit- I still had one so I was able to order more when Covid showed up.

[wyn borkins]

7. Reusable N95 Mask (envomask)

The envomask was detailed awhile back by someone here (on DU), but sadly, I failed to capture their name; however, this link (right here) presents a more expensive device that might be of interest to you (?). I have NOT purchased (yet) from this website, so I have no first-hand knowledge of their services.

[LuckyCharms]

9. See my post below yours.

They are great masks. They automatically ship a plastic plug to seal off the exhale port when using for Covid protection.

Two types of headgear. 1) The Holo, which is like a harness, and 2) Straps with ear clips.

If you want, you can also buy a plastic shield which covers the entire filter as an extra layer of protection.

[wyn borkins]

10. Appreciations...

And thank you, kind LuckyCharms. I fully intend to purchase an 'envomask' from these folks in the near future, as I want to get back outside and so some serious walking.

[LuckyCharms]

15. You're quite welcome, wyn borkins...

I'm sure it will work out well for you. Please read the instructions carefully, as there is a little bit of a learning curve in assembling these masks, but once you get it down, it's easy. They also have some good videos on YouTube, and the Envo site itself.

Tip: When fixing the mask frame to the main body of the mask, align the black arrow on the top first before snapping in the sides.

Also, when using the Holo headgear for the first time, it is a bit confusing. You surely will be able to figure it out, but if you have any issues, PM me and I'll see if I can help.

Like I say, after the first time, it becomes like second nature.

[LuckyCharms]

8. I wear this. It's pricey, but it is an amazing mask.

https://envomask.com/

A mask is not effective without a tight seal all around your face.

With this mask, the portion that sits against your face is a thick gel material. It naturally conforms to the shape of your face and creates a tight seal.

Replaceable NIOSH approved N95 filters.

Originally manufactured with an exhale valve, but they provide a plastic plug that fits perfectly to seal it off when using the mask for Covid protection.

I've said this before to men: If you have stubble, or a beard, no mask is going to protect you from Covid. You must be clean shaven. This is straight from my cardiologist, who is also a volunteer fireman who wears respirators. He knows what he's talking about when it comes to this.

The N95 filter sits inside a cage which then snaps onto the main part of the mask. I use it with the Holo headgear which has two straps that go around your head, almost like a harness.

Put the mask on per the directions. Put the palm of your hand over the entire front of the mask and suck in hard. The mask will plaster against your face. If you wear glasses, try to fog your glasses up by breathing hard through the mask. You won't be able to do it, meaning that no air is escaping through the normal trouble area a around the nose.

You can wear this mask all day very comfortably.

Link is at the top of this post, sample video is shown below:

[KY_EnviroGuy]

11. You asked which are most effective, so here ya go...

If you just want standard N95s or KN95s, I've had good luck with this company when ordering for my son:

Link: https://bonafidemasks.com/

However, N100 masks are more effective mainly because they have a soft rubber ring to give a better seal to uneven facial surfaces, although they are more expensive.

See: https://www.grainger.com/product/3M-Disposable-Respirator-4JG03




N100s do have an exhaust valve which makes them less stressful when heavy breathing. However, if you're concerned about the possibility of you infecting others, you can place a piece of a N95 mask over the valve (inside or outside) and attach it with glue.

This is Grainger's full selection matrix of disposable masks (including regular N95s and K95s) that you may want to bookmark for reference:

https://www.grainger.com/category/safety/respiratory-protection/disposable-respirators-masks/general-purpose-disposable-respirators-dust-masks?categoryIndex=3

I wore N100s during some of my many years of field inspection work and like them, but these 3M 6200 shown below are even more comfortable.

If you want the ultimate, go with a 3M half-face respirator with N95 or P100 filters like this: https://www.grainger.com/product/3M-Half-Mask-Respirator-Kit-3WXU8 (includes two filters)



Extra N95 filters for the above: https://www.grainger.com/product/3M-Filter-4JG21
Extra P100 filters for the above: https://www.grainger.com/product/3M-Filter-4JG27



I was fortunate when I retired in that I came away with a box full of masks and respirators that I thought I would never use. My how things can change in the most unlikely ways!

If you're interested in any of these, you may want to shop around at safety gear suppliers, paint shops, Amazon and even eBay. I just sent you links for Grainger because they are professional and reliable.

Hope this helps. Regardless of what you decide to buy, just be sure to get the proper size.

KY.........

[murielm99]

12. Thank you, DU friends.

Now I will get some good masks for myself and for my husband. There are many covidiots where I live.

[littlemissmartypants]

13. Bookmark. ❤

[CrackityJones75]

14. Sorry to hikack your thread

Sorry to hikack your thread, but maybe someone in this thread can help me as well.

I just started bus driving as we have a really bad shortage here. As you can imagine it is a high risk position. Wondering if anyone knows of a good reusable mask? I am using disposables now but the waste is killing me. The last few years I have been trying to reduce waste in my life and have gotten pretty OCDish about it, but also want to stay safe.

I have had covid, am vaxxed and boosted so I am fairly well protected but want to be as safe as possible.

[leighbythesea2]

19. N95?

I bought a brand called EvolveTogether. Not the cheapest. But they are very comfortable & are quite sturdy. They are considered disposable but i really plan on reusing them.

My friends in medical field said you can reuse good "disposable " n95s, with proper treatment. (They were in early months of 2020, bc of shortage)

[CrackityJones75]

20. Thank you for the info!

Much appreciated.

[oasis]

17. Kick for masks info.