The Best N95 Masks

All of you need to check Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC Website) for accurate information about COVID-19 (Coronavirus disease).

PLEASE consider FDA guidelines. FDA comment: N95 Respirators Not for Use by the Public! Read more.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends wearing cloth face coverings in public settings where other social distancing measures are difficult to maintain (e.g., grocery stores and pharmacies) especially in areas of significant community-based transmission. The cloth face coverings recommended are not surgical masks or N-95 respirators. The best way to prevent illness is to avoid being exposed to this virus. However, as a reminder, CDC always recommends everyday preventive actions, such as hand washing, to help prevent the spread of respiratory diseases.

For the general American public, there is no added health benefit to wear a respiratory protective device (such as an N95 respirator), and the immediate health risk from COVID-19 is considered low.

While facing numerous types of hazards existing in the atmosphere, people have to resort to face masks to block themselves against such danger. In particular, we are living in a world where the possibility of catching harmful viruses, toxic airbornes or wet dirt is alarmingly high. Therefore, the best N95 mask is a must-have item in every household.

With this article, we are going to lead you through a series of practical, effective and well-made masks available. Afterward, there is essential information in the searching process to help you pick the best one that suits your demand. You can comfortably use all of our material to make the final decision.

Best N95 Mask Reviews

1. 3M 8511 N95 Respirator

What’s the first on our list is the 3M 8511 N95 Respirator. People have been relying on this high-quality face shield for a long period now.

After being tested to meet the NIOSH standard for an N95 mask, this piece is brought to the market to save thousands of people from getting sick every year. According to the certification, the guard is qualified to block nearly all non-oil based particulates from getting into our respiratory system.

We can make use of the item on any day due to its cool flow valve’s ability to offer good breathability. When we step into hot weather, it is hard to keep the mask on our face all day long no matter how much we need the protection. That is why the valve system is constructed to lead the heat building up inside out of the piece.

For a secure seal, the manufacturer adds an adjustable nose lip for users. Everyone can feel free to press the clip until it embraces nicely on the edge of their nose. After feeling ultimately comfortable in the shield, you are ready to go out into an unfavorable environment with more confidence.

With the view to bringing good comfort for all users, the brand creates elastic braided headbands for this piece. Such parts will not leave red marks on your ears after a long working day, and exactly, it is what people need for their long-term and intense projects. Plus, every customer seems to be excited to know that this item is incredibly lightweight.

On purchasing the product, you will receive 10 pieces per pack. The multiple-package device offers us guaranteed quality at a reasonable price. Nobody should hesitate to own these effective respirators, especially when it comes from such a well-known brand.

2. 3M 8511 Respirator N95

It seems like 3M Safety will have more than enough options for you to look at for a while. Among numerous pieces from the brand, this8511 Respirator N95 might meet your faceguard standard.

To lessen some confusion for customers while they are overwhelmed by how many models of 3M available, we will discuss its best feature compared to other pieces. And that must be this device’s excellent breathability. If you want to experience effortless breathing, this is your best chance.

Just like many items produced by the label, this one’s filtering capability is certified by the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health. We can agree that there is no need to question its products’ quality since the brand already has a solid reputation in this industry for years.

To mention some of the mask’s outstanding functions, we can talk about how easy it is for users to feel comfortable in it. The familiar braided headbands are a big help in this. On top of that, this one is extremely lightweight. There is no chance an employee finds the mask a burden on her face after hours into the mission.

Everyone might already know about the secret behind the device’s great airflow. It is built by the maker to reduce the heat build-up after we breathe out and make way for the fresh air to come in constantly. The majority of wearers are satisfied with this functional design.

Last but not least, it can fit well on more types of face than I think it can be. Once you put the piece on and make some little adjustment, it can sit there for your whole working session without falling off or being distorted. However, it will be incredible if they make more sizes of this model.

3. LotFancy N95 Particulate Respirator Mask

Last but least, we can not leave out this wonderful LotFancy N95 Particulate Respirator Mask when searching for reliable protection.

First of all, this one meets the NIOSH standard for its filtration efficiency as an N95 mask. That means most of the solid and liquid particles that are harmful to the respiratory tracts will be prevented from coming through our noses and mouths. Under current circumstances, people can wear this one to protect themselves against coronaviruses.

Moreover, numerous workers purchase these respirator masks for them and their family members. Whether you need protection against air pollution, wildfire smoke or fine dust, you are encouraged to utilize this product frequently. People from all walks of life who do any types of duties can somehow rely on the piece for good defense against air hazards.

The trustworthy device shows its fantastic convenience in its structure. Individuals can fold the piece easily and put it into their pockets for emergencies. By that, it is with us on every road we go.

It is exciting to know that colleagues can freely communicate with each other while still wearing this apparatus. It not only promotes better verbal contact but also reduces breathing hindrance. Due to the excellent exhaust valve part, we are able to breathe comfortably and talk without much difficulty.

What we all need in a faceguard when performing is its consistent excellent functionality. With four layers of filter cloth provided, any employees can enjoy working confidently for hours on end.

Furthermore, when your tasks require extra personal equipment tools such as helmets, ear muffs or glasses, by all means, just wear them. This piece will not stand in the way of your safety work gear or slow down your pace. In short, it can be a useful part of everyone’s set of gadgets.

3M 1860 Medical N95 Mask (Outdated)

The next piece that is incredibly helpful to numerous nurses, doctors, and patients is the 3M 1860 Medical Mask N95.

All this time, we rely on this product to keep us away from heavy smoke and airborne substance existing around. People with breathing problems can be kept safe due to the use of this medical product. With the filtering ability reaching 95 percent, more and more customers choose to wear the piece when entering unfavorable settings.

What seems to be not a big problem but can affect your choice is its appearance. Some people just want to wear black or white shields to go outside, while others might find this blue color refreshing. Consider this factor carefully if you pay a lot of attention to how you look at the job site.

Masks with a tight seal that cover our noses and mouths snugly are what all of us want for our unsafe atmosphere. Once we put the piece on, there should be no hazards that are able to get through those filtration layers. The good news is that this respirator is a close-fitting product that shields our face well.

Many users have been complimenting this 3M guard for its easy-to-use function. From the soft edge to the adjustable clip on the top, those features are optimized to help customers have a more pleasant time while working hours on ends.

We understand that lots of workers who suffer from asthma and allergies are struggling to find a suitable device. Therefore, we recommend this piece for you as it is a safe product made to stop users from inhaling unwanted scents.

3M Safety N95 8210Plus Particulate Respirator (Outdated)

Here comes another good choice from 3M safety brand, please check out this 8210Plus Particulate Respirator.

We can easily notice that this one is a classic model of faceguard from this well-trusted label. It becomes everyone’s essential companion for quite some time now. I think its simple design in a basic white color seems to go well with anyone regardless of their gender and age.

People are wearing the breathing apparatus everywhere now to be protected against viruses, dust or other air particulates. Many individuals see it as a must-have product when they go to work or go out on the road. We can purchase this device to take good care of our family members when they enter a dirty atmosphere.

Purchasing this mask is a good way to stay healthy and comfortable during work time. Its features are customized to make people feel as comfortable as possible. The cushioning nose foam and the braided headband show the maker’s significant effort in constructing this item.

In order to improve the mask’s overall durability, welded attachment is used for reinforcement. It will be harder for the headband to be broken in the middle of work due to this added function.

Furthermore, on a one-time purchase, we have twenty pieces carefully packed. As being sold in bulk, the respirator helps customers to save some money if they are in need of faceguard on a daily basis. It is great that even though this high-quality product comes from an established brand, it does not cost people a big fortune.

SAMPEES Unisex Adjustable Anti Dust Face Mouth Mask (Outdated)

If you are going around to find a product that keeps your lung function well, you might want to give this SAMPEES Unisex Mask a go.

One of the best things we benefit from this piece must be its adjustability. Since the manufacturer intends to create a model that fits most customers, they optimized the design of the ear loop to make it flexible. Just by a swift move of adjusting the length of the part, we can have this mask cover nicely on our faces.

Gladly, female employees can stop their struggle to find a well-fitted guard to their faces when they stumble on this excellent product. The brand is famous for creating respirators that fit well anyone in need.

People always look for a device that gives them the best comfort for a long period of performing. Knowing that fact, the maker applies cotton fabric to the production of this face shield. It results in amazing softness and nice embracement. Customers can not complain about how great they feel after putting the piece on to work.

Furthermore, breathing through this cotton respirator is incredibly pleasing. The item keeps you safe from all kinds of airborne particles without compromising the low breathing resistance. Such an all-round mask that we can trust on different occasions, both indoors and outside.

Also, I am excited to tell you that this item is a reusable product. We are allowed to wash it, and a gentle treat might help to reveal a spotless piece after a long day getting soaked in dust. That means we are putting our money in the right place by purchasing the device for long-term use.

Moldex N95 Disposable Particulate Respirator (Outdated)

The Moldex N95 Disposable Particulate Respirator deserves a high spot in the ranking of some best blocking shields in the market this year.

For people who have been triggered with serious allergy symptoms when coming in direct contact with polymerizing vinyl chloride (PVC), this facemask is totally safe. There is no said substance included in the process of producing the device. We can rest assured that the adverse side effect does not appear with the use of this guard.

Most customers are willing to rate this piece’s ability to bring comfort with five stars. The fabric is soft enough not to make people’s skin irritated. As a result, workers are eager to put them on for an extended period of performing.

It is great to find out about the one-way check valve of this respirator. Due to this type of design, our item will not be clogged with moisture and heat, especially on hot summer days. It is successful at reducing the breathing resistance that often suffocates users when they handle tasks in hostile environments.

Despite being a one-time use apparatus, this item is durable enough for a prolonged session of a harsh job. It is pretty hard for a disposable mask to remain well-functioned at the end of the day. But this one excels at keeping its original shape and excellent features. As a matter of healthy fact, we do not encourage people to reuse the piece; however, it might be fine if most of your missions are easy and light-duty.

Old customers keep coming back to buy the respirator and recommend it to other individuals. Luckily, the piece fits well around most face sizes, from oval-shaped to broad faces. Of course, it will offer a tight seal so that dust and dirt can not attack our lungs.

Protect Life Disposable Dust Masks For Face (Outdated)

We never run out of choices for well-made shields when we have this Protect Life Disposable Dust Masks For Face available.

Just as you expect from a sold-in-bulk product, this piece is convenient, budget-friendly and ideal for almost everyone. By purchasing them in a package of fifteen to share with others, you lower the money spent and own the best reusable n95 mask at this good price.

It is true that this item is a go-to dust shield for the occupational safety of numerous workers. We can see people who do sanding, sweeping, dusting, or mowing and gardening at home cover their faces with this guard. Fortunately, the brand does not disappoint with its amazing particulate filters.

When it comes to defending users against coal, iron particles, wood or viruses, no other piece can beat N95 masks at being extremely effective. The four layers of purification do a fantastic job of increasing overall air quality that we breathe in every day.

To deliver extreme comfort, the manufacturer constructed it with soft material and adjustable noseband. On top of that, the mask is so lightweight that we might even forget its present after wearing it for a while.

Sometimes, people feel breathless after having their nose and mouth covered for so long. This happens when the respirator mask is not breathable enough. To tackle such an alarming problem, the manufacturer adds to this device a smart exhalation valve. Thus, heat and moisture are released immediately from the inside, letting the cool air flow better.

Furthermore, the product improves verbal communication among colleagues during work. It also works well with other personal tools such as hard hats, earplugs, goggles and so on. Those functions are enough to turn the apparatus into an indispensable piece of one’s work gear collection.

PreumaticPlus Disposable Dust Masks NIOSH N95 (Outdated)

When you are no longer content with the old respirator, you should take this PreumaticPlus Disposable Dust Masks NIOSH N95 for a change.

Most wearers always expect their faceguard to promote easy breathing. This piece right here is made to surpass their expectation of a breathable respirator. It is all possible thanks to the exhaust valve added to get rid of the heat and moisture inside the piece. Therefore, it is unlikely that there will be fog blurring our visions during work.

The label of safety and health NIOSH on these items is enough to prove people their purifying capability. At least 95 percent of air dust will be blocked once they touch the device’s surface. Due to the qualification, lots of employees wear the respirator mask to deal with wildfire smoke, virus protection, and so on.

In a great attempt to make its product comfortable, the manufacturer adopted a nose clip that allows adjustment and two straps that stay on well. People should no longer worry about the falling-off incidents when this piece is constructed to be kept in place for as long as you are performing.

The excellent thing about a disposable half-mask is that it can be brought to everywhere we go with ease. Moreover, this one is created to be flat and foldable. As a result, can put the item into our small set of work gear and get ready to travel to a distant job site.

Without much difficulty, individuals can fit the piece perfectly on their faces. It can cover our noses and chins, which not all respirators can. The tight seal leaves no hole and leaks for exterior bacterias and dirt to get in easily. The product appears to satisfy the majority of its users thanks to the fantastic fitment.

SolidWork N95 Dust Masks (Outdated)

Another deserving spot in the list of high-ranking respirators against sick bacterias belongs to the SolidWork N95 Dust Masks.

It is true that the piece is tested to be great at defending workers against coronaviruses in our surroundings. By applying two layers of fabric, the brand tries to make sure that their cloth masks function effectively in dangerous environments. The NIOSH approval tells customers to trust its filtration efficiency.

With the help of this face respirator, you will spare much time and trouble trying to find something that fits. What makes that possible is the piece’s flexible shape, it is different from the stiff and fixed items common in the market. We can see these shields adapt greatly on various sizes and types of faces. Also, its nose clip will be there to make sure customers have good seals always.

One of the maker’s highest priority must be about extreme comfort, and this safety respirator design says it all. The exhalation valve will take care of the hot breath and fog we produce in between inhaling and exhaling process. By leading those things out of the piece, the valve creates a fresh and cool atmosphere for the employee to feel comfortable.

Unlike some disposable products available, this item can withstand changing weather conditions at the workplace until the end of the day. Its stretchy fastening straps are not easily broken by pulling force since it was already welded to the device firmly.

In order to win the trust of numerous wearers, the company publishes an official policy of returning products when not satisfied. This label truly goes out of its way to express dedication and care for every user’s experience.

What to Look for When Buying N95 Masks

Work Condition – First and foremost, what matters to us when choosing a mask is our current working and living conditions. It is important to know well what hazards you are facing daily to pick the best piece that offers proper protection for you and your family.

Start with this first clue, what is your main purpose in buying these pieces? If that is to block oil-based particulates, an N95 respirator is a wrong choice. Keep in mind that these masks can only filter out non-oil-based particles in both solid and liquid forms. Once you know what you are dealing with, the journey to find a good item is one-step nearer.

About the job site, if there are iron ore, smoke, wood and dust there, people are advised to wear this device to block all those particulates. What’s more, air pollution is becoming a big thing now, and it exists almost everywhere we pass by. Consequently, every individual, old and young, needs to be equipped with this faceguard.

We know for sure numerous customers are seeking the best n95 mask for coronavirus since the epidemic breakout is threatening to harm many people’s health. If that is also the case for you, you just need a good quality face shield that can block bacterias from coming directly to the lungs.

Qualification – The qualification of a respirator mask should never be taken lightly. Since it is proof for you to know that the piece you are checking out is tested to pass the certification of a relevant standard. Or else, it can be very dangerous to buy the no guarantee confirmation item.

It is best to buy the piece that is proved by the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health. Most respirators from established brands receive the NIOSH approval for their efficiency. There might be some other testing institute that you can trust, especially the one related to the medical system.

In the market, it is easy to find the model that has NIOSH label on it. So this becomes a basic factor that you should pay attention to. There is no reason to settle for some masks that are not qualified by any well-known organization. Once you are sure it meets the quality standard, you can move on to check other things.

Design – The design of a piece can directly affect many other vital factors that we should consider before making the final choice. Among those elements, we have breathability, filtration capability and so on. Do not forget to check your desired functionality of the ideal piece carefully to see if they match with the current item.

In order to offer users impressive convenience, the makers constructed those masks with a foldable feature. That means the item is flat and neat so it takes space as small as possible in your pocket. People need devices like these when they want to bring them along to worksite or to travel back and forth. This also comes into handy in emergency situations.

When it comes to breathability, the exhalation valve system plays an essential role. The majority of wearers are willing to pay extra money for a piece with a valve than to go for cheaper masks without one. The part is incredible at leading moisture and heat out of the piece and let the airflow in better. Thanks to this design, users are able to work for hours without signs of suffocation.

Besides bringing effortless breathing and cool air, the valve also does a good of reducing the amount of fog formed. Our vision can stay clear when we perform complicated work due to this part. Furthermore, hot summer days with a high level of humidity will not be a big problem when we wear these items.

It is important to know about the compatibility of your mask with other work gear you have. Lots of people can not deal with their missions if they are not geared with either ear muffs, safety helmets, goggles, and other tools. That is when they prefer a respirator that never gets in the way of those types of equipment. You need to make sure all of those pieces can work well together.

Respirators with more layers of filter fabric will indeed do better at blocking air hazards. It is also correct that those thick layers offer the mask a more consistent high-quality performance during employee’s work time. Therefore, we should opt for the item that is durable enough to last to the end of the day without much damage.

Last but not least, various employees might want a facepiece that promotes trouble-free communication. That way, they can comfortably talk and stay in touch with other colleagues for important information during work. If your missions require this function, you should prioritize the feature when choosing.

Use – The most popular models of N95 face masks in the market is the disposable one. That means people will be more likely to stumble on single-use respirators than the reusable items. There are good things and negative impacts of that trend. However, you make your choice based on your specific needs.

Devices made to be worn over and over again will be good for long-term projects. It saves users much money spent on too many pieces of masks. Furthermore, people do not waste time and effort seeking a suitable respirator in an ocean full of various choices. Plus, reusable products do justice to our heavily-polluted environments.

On the other hand, with disposable apparatuses, we do not have to take care or wash the mask every time we finish performing. In short, this option will give us better convenience when encountering urgent duties. These items are also easy to use and carried around.

Moreover, buying one-time use products in bulk for families and colleagues can help us reduce the total cost of face shields. It suits better under the circumstances of a virus outbreak. We will want to get rid of the item that had come into contact with hazards outdoors.

Size and fit – It is common to see most of the available respirator masks labeled “N95” are made in just one size. When numerous brands claim that it can fit various face types, there is no possibility that everyone is content with the piece they are offered. It would be amazing if they can produce more sizes for any employee in need.

For items that are created “one size fits most”, we must rely on the straps and its shape to be covered securely and tightly. Some devices will allow people to change the length of their ear hooks. Most pieces are featured with adjustable braided head straps. Those parts will stay longer at work if they are welded to the masks.

The thing to remember is you have to pick the one that offers a good seal consistently. We can not afford to have small leaks that let all the tiny particles or other air hazards get in the respiratory tracts. That is why numerous customers prefer a shield with an adjustable nose clip for a tight embracement.

Price and style – For the price, there will be a slight difference between the price of well-known brands’ products and others. It is not necessarily a bad thing since you are guaranteed better quality for more expensive pieces. That is the case most of the time. Meanwhile, there are items with the same excellent features which are more budget-friendly. It is up to you to make a cost-effective investment.

To be honest, a good style for a face mask is not a vital point to take into serious consideration. Most devices are made with basic white or black, and others might be covered in blue. You can pick other colors for a refreshing change, but do not get sad if you can not find anything stylish enough.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who is this for?

Although the N95 respirators can have some limitations of its protecting ability, we can confidently use them as long as we need the help of those pieces’ filtration. Meanwhile, everyone needs to understand how this type of face mask works before deciding to rely on them for good.

First of all, these items are becoming an essential companion for this sensitive period of new Coronaviruses outbreak. The piece becomes a defense tool for them whenever they enter crowded places on the street or go to work. Most individuals are encouraged to put the device on during the performing time to have ultimate safety.

Besides, when air pollution is becoming a global issue, it is best to have a shield with you. Fine dust is everywhere in the atmosphere, especially in big cities with the increasing development of various industries. Lots of solid and liquid particulates threaten to attack our respiratory system if we do not cover our mouths and noses well.

Customers who work in different fields can make use of these respirator masks. For example, construction workers who deal with debris and airbornes will definitely need to block those hazards from coming into their lungs. The best shield they have for such purpose is a high-quality N95 mask.

What are the advantages and disadvantages of using n95 masks?

We benefit much from using N95 masks, especially when we are in the middle of an epidemic. Needless to say that this piece keeps us safe from numerous kinds of air hazards, one of them is viruses. Wearing those masks will lower the chance of people getting a bad cold, flu bacterias, and so on.

Furthermore, individuals who work in unfavorable settings can make use of this apparatus to boost their work efficiency. It helps them breathe more easily when the outer atmosphere is dangerous and suffocating. Thus, employees can keep working at a normal pace, and even in a quicker manner than usual.

Once we put on the mask, we understand the importance of protecting ourselves everywhere we go. It is a sign to raise awareness of other people, remind them to do the same for the sake of our society’s health and safety.

Some users might encounter some bad effects of this product when they choose the wrong types of respirators for their duties. Keep in mind that N95 face shields are in charge of certain kinds of particulates and not all hazards can be stopped by this device. Therefore, choosing the wrong one can lead to horrible consequences.

Finally, it is likely that several users are too confident about the effectiveness of the mask to realize it is just a way to defend dangers. We always need to be cautious when entering challenging environments.

How to use it?

Just like when you wear other types of masks, putting this one on does not require detailed and complicated instructions. The first thing you do after unpacking the box is checking for damage or defect on your pieces. If there is no such thing, it is time to move to the next step.

Some items can give off a bad smell at the first use, and you might be familiar with this warning in some of our reviewed products above. For people who are sensitive to weird scents, bringing the mask out for several minutes before wearing it is a good idea. Do not try to breathe in the unpleasant smell immediately if you are not ready.

After positioning the facepiece on your face, remember to fasten the head straps (or the ear hooks) until the whole item fits nicely. Adjust the nose clip by pressing it so that the part embraces the bridge of your nose perfectly. When all those steps are completed, try to move the device slightly to see if it offers a tight seal. If the answer is yes, you are ready to go.

Can n95 mask prevent coronavirus?

Currently, many customers are trying their best to find an N95 mask for Wuhan coronavirus, and you might be one of them as entering this site for useful information. It is good to stop for a second and understand the actual role of this respirator in preventing people from getting dangerous viruses.

According to the World Health Organization, simply wearing a faceguard without other proper hygiene practices before putting it on can not completely keep you safe from the attack of this virus. However, this piece is an essential tool to keep the bacterias from coming through our noses and mouths when taking public activities.

When entering crowded places, having a respirator is a must. Other than that, do not forget to follow other hygiene instructions and avoidance behavior from your country’s health ministry. Never skip washing hands by soap before and after going out on the street. Those important steps contribute to protecting you against infection.

How long is an n95 mask good for?

Normally, it would last for a day or more if the job site is extremely hazardous. However, in the case of mask shortage these days, we are encouraged to reuse the respirator. It is still good as long as the item “maintains its structural and functional integrity and the filter material is not physically damaged or soiled” – according to the OSHA.

Where to buy?

A trip to the local stores that sells face protection equipment might help solve your problem. Usually, they have all kinds of shields that offer good features and functionality there. You can easily find an N95 piece in big shops since it is pretty common.

Otherwise, shopping online is an excellent idea when the current situation is complicated. We just need to make sure about the shipping fees and time, as well as the correct size and model (if there are multiple choices). Be cautious and thorough in every step.

What is the warranty policy?

For your information, the guarantee policy of different companies is various. If you want the exact details, contact the label’s customer service for support. Or else, you can go to the official website of the brand to read about their warranty.

How to care and store?

Some of the masks can be washed lightly by warm water. You have to make sure that the cleaning process will not damage those layers of the filtration of your respirator. Careful moves are appreciated for the item that is fragile after some time. Do not forget to store your used and new devices in dry and dust-free places.

Conclusion

Under any urgent and dangerous circumstances, the most important thing we do is to react calmly and find the best way to keep yourself and your families safe. Besides wearing the best N95 mask for good-quality defense, everyone needs to follow detailed instructions of hygiene.

All respirator manufacturers are trying their best to provide a sufficient amount of shields for people. Therefore, there is no need to be in panic. And do not forget to wear your guard whenever you go out. It minimizes the chance of facing potential health risks caused by air hazards.

Daniel Rocha

Our PPE expert, Daniel Rocha, has been working in the industry for 23 years. He provides guidance to our content editor and writers so they may provide well-informed suggestions and tips for machinery and equipment.