Resources, links to buy, video review, tools for better fit, how to test for a good seal, and more!
Note: We have no financial ties to any of these masks, we just want to help you be protected. We gathered the best information we could find to share with you and your loved ones here.
Table of Contents
Start here:
Masks4All has an extensive FAQ page here masks4all.co/faqs-on-better-masks
They include TONS of resources, including how to avoid fakes, tips for how to choose and wear a better mask, and more! It is a great page to start with.
*note: some pages on this site focus on homemade masks that were needed when there was a shortage of PPE. As of this writing, there is no longer a shortage.
Types of Masks – with great demo video
Video: Dr. McDonald: Fit, Filter and Function of masks
(follow Dr McDonald on twitter)
*note: envo kit now comes with an valve plug for optional filtered exhalations, and we think it’s a very fashionable mask.
Disposable mask review by @MaskNerd
Adult KF94, KN95 masks
| Adult KF Masks – 5:12 | |||
| Bluna FaceFit KF94 | behealthyusa.net kollecteusa.com | ||
MaskLab FFP2 | masklab.us colorful designs available | ||
| CleanTop Evergreen KF94 | kollecteusa.com | ||
| BOTN Medium KF94 | behealthyusa.net kollecteusa.com | ||
| Dr. Puri Medium KF94 | behealthyusa.net | ||
| BOTN Black Large KF94 | behealthyusa.net kollecteusa.com www.everydayemall.com | ||
| LG Airwasher Style Black KF94 | www.everydayemall.com | ||
| Adult KN Style Masks – 10:43 | |||
| Powecom Black KN95 | bonafidemasks.com | ||
| Arun External Nose Clip KN95 | longanmerch.com *NOTE TO SELECT EXTERNAL NOSE CLIP* | ||
| 3M 9502+ NIOSH | kn95respiratormasksforsale.com | ||
| 3M 9502+ KN95 | kn95respiratormasksforsale.com |
N95 masks
Readimask | strapless, adhesive NIOSH certified N95 optional integrated eye shield METAL FREE – MRI friendly great for haircuts small size fits kids readimask.com shop.projectn95.org/readimask |
3M VFlex 9105 or 9015s | NIOSH approved N95 Extremely breathable, even for singing in! Comes in regular (9015) and smaller size (9105s) Often found for less than $1 each www.3m.com |
3M Aura 9205 | NIOSH approved N95 Fits a wide variety of faces www.3m.com www.homedepot.com |
Airgami | Passed N95 pre-certification tests Pursuing NIOSH certification In white or many colors available Reusable, Heat disinfectable Ear loops or head straps Small size can fit some children (sizing) specs www.airgami.life |
Softseal | NIOSH n95, cup or v-fold styles with or without exhalation valves silicone seal molds to face comes in sizes, small fits children softsealmask.com |
| American made mask sampler kit  | Find the mask that fits YOUR face the best without having to buy a pack of everything out there! Support American made masks to ensure a future domestic supply. www.armbrustusa.com |
| see “Where to buy” below for more |
Where to buy
Project N95 is a national non profit focused on providing vetted masks, respirators, home-testing equipment and more. shop.projectn95.org/all
Protectly.co Protectly is a grassroots firm, founded by a tight-knit team based in Portland, OR. Veterans in sourcing and distribution, they source high-quality and reliable Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) for less. www.protectly.co
American Mask Manufacturers Association A list of American mask manufacturers, linking to their individual websites. www.ammaunited.org/members
Canadian Association of PPE ManufacturersA list of Canadian PPE manufacturers, linking to their individual websites cappem.ca
(On twitter twitter.com/CAPPEM2)
Canada Strong Masks CanadaStrongMasks.ca
(On twitter twitter.com/masks4allCanada)
Kids’ Masks see our page dedicated to protective masks for children.
Elastomeric Respirators are featured below, with more information here.
Improve fit of surgical masks
A good seal is critical to ensuring air flows through the filtering material, and not into the gaps around the edges.
Mask Fitter – Badger seal
Adding the Badger Seal to a 3-ply disposable mask reduces the effective particle penetration by typically 15x. DIY instructions here can be customized with head elastic, double elastic, or ear loops.
Open source design from UW Maker space
making.engr.wisc.edu/mask-fitter
Mask brace – FixTheMask
How does it create a good fit?
Patent pending Nose Cushions apply light pressure across your cheeks instead of placing it all directly on your nose. It’s the key difference between our flat rubber sheet template and the Essential Mask Brace, and truly changes the game.
There’s also a DIY option you can cut from a rubber sheet with scissors.
Mask fitter review
(see @masknerd Aaron Collins’ YouTube channel for extensive mask reviews)
Masks and Respirators
Home Depot offers a great guide to respirator masks here.
Remember that COVID is Airborne, so you want N95 or equivalent. (or surgical with brace as above)
Elastomeric Respirator examples
| Name | Image | Link |
|---|---|---|
| Envo Mask (kit with filters $79) Very easy to speak through Kits come with valve plug |  | envomask.com |
| 3M 6000 (~$32 for kit with p100 filters) exhalation valve filters $9 or cover with a surgical mask if needed |  | protectly.co or www.grainger.com |
| GVS Ellipse P100 with Source Control NIOSH Respirator (no exhale valve) ($30 with filters) Easy to speak through |  | www.gvs.com |
| Dentec Comfort-Air®Nx (black) Dentec Comfort-Air®NxMD (white) (~$25) NIOSH approved No exhale valve Easy to speak through N95 or P100 filters |  | manufacturer page: www.dentecsafety.com to buy: authorized distributors US and Canada |
| Flo mask for kids No exhale valve Over 99.8% Viral Filtration Efficiency (~$50) |  | flomask.com |
| Compare more masks at PatientKnowHow.com (thank you @sri_srikrishna) |  | patientknowhow.com |
| Non-valved NIOSH approved | CDC’s list of Non-Valved, (i.e., no exhalation port) Particulate-Filtering Elastomeric Half Mask Respirators (NV EHMRs) | www2a.cdc.gov |
Please visit our more detailed page about Elastomeric Respirators for more information.
Clear panel masks
| Name | Image | Link |
|---|---|---|
| Savewo Smile (discussion) |  | store.savewo.com email for US orders or www.shoppwp.com |
| Canopy |  | www.onecanopy.com |
How to wear – user seal check
If you have an N95, be sure to watch this video below so you have better idea about how to use it. We recommend you print out this short guide on how to do a user seal check.
Here’s a video from OSHA (Occupational Safety and Health Administration) on how to do a user seal check (different from a fit test):
Home Depot offers this visual guide to help users understand how to wear a respirator and do a seal check.
More examples of respirators
Take a look at some real photos of real people loving the protection of their respirators!
Do NOT take your mask off indoors
Dr Denise Dewald reminds us not to take masks off indoors, even if there is no one else around, because the virus persists in the air.
In the news
Why We Need to Upgrade Our Face Masks—and Where to Get Them
www.scientificamerican.com/article/why-we-need-to-upgrade-our-face-masks-and-where-to-get-them
NYTimes: A Clunky Mask May Be the Answer to Airborne Disease and N95 Waste
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