Because the COVID-19 pandemic 5 years in the past, WIRED has continued to replace our masks suggestions as a result of fixed modifications in availability and evolving steering. Add to that the threat of toxic air, not solely from wildfire smoke however, even worse, from burning houses. Now’s the time to buy masks in the identical manner one would purchase a primary support package or medication, simply in case. Some masks—like our high reasonably priced decide, the Honeywell Safety DF300 N95 Flatfold ($23 for 50)—are perfect for public transportation or to be used in a theater, and others—like our high general N95 decide, IQAir’s KN95/FFP ($70 for 12)—are placed on throughout or after a wildfire. With the danger of disruption hitting masks provide chains, together with the problems of counterfeit masks, group unfold of sickness, elevated wildfires, and the typically vanishing steering pages on authorities web sites, it’s essential to maintain your masks provides updated and on the prepared.
We have additionally included some recommendations on masks care and selecting the most effective sort of masks straps on the finish of this record. You should definitely try our different air high quality guides, together with the Best Air Purifiers, Best Indoor Quality Monitors, and Best Fans.
Up to date April 2025: We have added IQAir N95/FFP2 Masks, ChicoBag Reusable 3-Layered Fabric Masks, 3M Particulate Respirator N95 (8511), and Rugged Consolation Fast Latch Half Facepiece with Multi Fuel/Vapor Cartridges. We have additionally eliminated out-of-stock gadgets and up to date costs all through.
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Desk of Contents
Wait, Which Sort of Masks Ought to I Get?
Again in 2022, the CDC’s guidance on masks was up to date to say that N95 masks provide the “highest degree of safety.” Nonetheless, the company nonetheless says that the most effective masks is one you may put on appropriately.
One of the best sorts of disposable face masks to put on have not modified so much:
- N95 masks are your greatest wager. The federal Nationwide Institute for Occupational Security and Well being regulates N95s to satisfy a sure customary of high quality. N95s are typically known as “respirators.”
- KN95 and KF94 masks are additionally efficient, and sure comfier. KN95s are ruled by a special set of requirements particular to China and are sometimes easier to find. KF94 masks are much like KN95s however ruled by a Korean standard. These are additionally typically known as “respirators.”
- Surgical-style masks (three-ply) are the subsequent smartest thing you possibly can put on. They don’t seem to be as efficient because the above masks, but when they’ve a superb, tight match they will nonetheless be efficient in much less dangerous settings. We now have recommendations on easy methods to enhance your slot in our guide to our favorite masks.
- Fabric masks will not be as efficient. If you cannot get your palms on the masks listed above, a minimum of put on a material masks. They’re higher than nothing however possible far much less efficient, relying on their materials make-up.
It is extremely essential to get a masks that matches your face. A giant a part of the rationale material and even surgical masks might be much less efficient is as a result of gaps between the masks and the face. These areas can enable unfiltered air to get by means of and enter your nostril and mouth. N95 masks are typically designed to suit snugly, which is why they’re safer. Nonetheless, the CDC advises these with coronary heart or lung issues to speak to their physician earlier than utilizing an N95, since sporting these masks could make it more durable to breathe.
What Are Office Efficiency Masks?
A lot of the CDC and Meals and Drug Administration’s masks steering and requirements have been initially designed with medical settings like docs’ places of work and hospitals in thoughts. Nonetheless, Covid-19 made it rather more widespread and essential for individuals to put on masks in nonmedical contexts. To assist with this, the ASTM International standard makes it simpler to categorise masks for on a regular basis work.
Beneath this customary, masks might be labeled as both Office Efficiency or Office Efficiency Plus. The NIOSH recommends utilizing these masks in a office setting however, crucially, does not suggest them as a substitute for N95 or different respirators. When you or somebody you work together with recurrently is a high-risk particular person, or in case you work in a medical setting, you need to persist with N95s.
This customary charges masks based mostly on filtration, breathability, and an elective leakage ratio. The CDC has a list of masks here, and it tells which masks go sufficient of those standards to qualify for both of the Office Efficiency labels (as of writing, there are solely three that earned the label), however that is all based mostly on knowledge reported by suppliers and producers. If you cannot discover N95 masks however do not work in a high-risk setting, these are additionally respectable masks to select up.
Additionally, be aware that ASTM refers back to the company that classifies requirements, however this office customary is just not the one ASTM customary that governs masks. This customary is technically ASTM F3502-21, which solely has the 2 Office Efficiency ranges talked about above. You may additionally see different masks that use labels like “ASTM Degree 3,” which check with totally different ASTM standards for medical masks. For our functions, all of which means that in case you’re on the lookout for low-risk masks for the workplace, search for the Office Efficiency labels.
How Do I Keep away from Counterfeit Masks?
There are a number of methods to identify counterfeit N95 masks, similar to by on the lookout for markings on the masks itself or by avoiding N95 masks marketed to youngsters (for the reason that Nationwide Institute for Occupational Security and Well being doesn’t approve any kind of respirators for youths). These markings embrace the producer’s identify, TC (testing and certification)-approval quantity, mannequin quantity, lot quantity, and filter designation. The CDC presents rather more thorough steering on how to avoid N95 counterfeits on its site.
We do not suggest shopping for simply any masks you see on Amazon, since Amazon permits third-party sellers on its platform that won’t vet merchandise in addition to these bought by Amazon.com. You must know that Walmart, Goal, and different retailers may additionally promote third-party masks—ensure you at all times take a look at the vendor. The masks on this record are respectable, as are many masks you may discover in main retail chains, like CVS, or from US producers.
Early within the Covid-19 pandemic, the CDC approved the emergency use of KN95, KF94, and different non-N95 masks in well being care settings, and that order was revoked in June 2021. Nonetheless, many KN95 or KF94 masks are greater than sufficient for on a regular basis use for low-risk people, they usually’re much better than no masks in any respect. When purchasing for a masks, consider what your wants are and the way you propose to make use of the masks you purchase.
KN95s have to be stamped with GB2626-2019 if the masks are made after July 1, 2021 (which suggests they’re in accordance with new high quality management requirements by the Chinese language authorities). If the masks is stamped with a GB quantity ending in 2006, it was made based on the previous standard and continues to be superb to make use of as long as the expiration date hasn’t handed. KF94 masks, alternatively, will not have the stamp however should include “Made in Korea” on the packaging, together with the product identify, producer and distributor identify, expiration date, and lot quantity.
Can I Reuse Disposable Masks?
When you cease into a physician’s workplace for 2 minutes to make an appointment, do it’s good to throw it out? Not precisely.
For particular directions and data in your N95 masks, you need to examine the producer’s directions. However if you cannot discover knowledge out of your masks producer on what number of occasions you possibly can take a masks on and off, the CDC’s guidelines state that N95 masks will grow to be much less efficient the extra occasions they’re taken on and off. A part of the rationale for that is that the elastic bands put on out and end in a much less tight match. You must throw away your N95 masks when the straps are stretched out and now not match snugly in your face, or when the masks turns into soiled, moist, or broken. You additionally should not put your N95 within the oven or microwave to sterilize it.
Eradicating a masks additionally requires touching it, which may imply particles switch from the masks to your palms after which again to your face. It is an excellent thought to wash your hands effectively after eradicating or changing a masks. Attempt to keep away from touching the masks itself and use elastic bands.
Do Disposable Masks Expire?
Sure. In accordance with WellBefore, “many N95 masks have a shelf lifetime of 2-5 years, however you need to examine the expiration dates on them to make sure.” That’s as a result of, with time, the supplies and elastic bands used within the masks can deteriorate. The expiration date is usually printed on the masks or the filter. Nonetheless, in line with the CDC, the Occupational Security and Well being institute does not require the shelf life to be printed on the product packaging. You must contact your producer for extra info if it is not printed on the masks or you possibly can’t discover it. All KN95 and KF94 masks, alternatively, ought to have the expiration date printed on the packaging (in any other case, they’re counterfeit).
What to Know About Masks in 2025
Completely different masks shield you from totally different sorts of dangerous air. There’s a distinction between a surgical mask and an N95 respirator. After which there are the very totally different reusable respirators that one would possibly affiliate with house contractors, however are beneficial safety in areas of wildfire. And the way you put on a masks is simply as essential as sporting the proper masks for the proper scenario. We now know that the burning of a residential constructing, as within the case of the current Los Angeles wildfires, produces dangerous levels of volatile organic compounds referred to as VOCs. And to maintain your self secure, you’ll want greater than an N95 in that setting. You’ll want a respirator. And choosing the right respirator is yet one more step everybody ought to know, together with the color-coded system to assist shoppers perceive their degree of safety. Some respirators hold you secure from unhealthy ranges of PM 2.5, and others have the added safety of filtering out poisonous vapors.
Whereas material masks have been found to be less effective than surgical masks, they proceed to be the masks I can tolerate greatest for all-day put on. And as research recommend, the fabric masks efficacy relies on the variety of layers and supplies used. One other subject with masks is correct put on. I can’t be the one particular person to witness individuals sporting masks overlaying solely their mouth however not their nostril. A masks that’s not sealed and match to the face correctly will lose its full vary of safety. One of many CDC’s extra creative net pages is their infographic of authorised facial hair for masks. The soul patch, villain, and walrus facial hair all work with masks whereas mutton chops and chin curtain don’t.
N95 Respirator Face Masks
The CDC has a giant list of approved N95 masks. Sadly, the provide of many manufacturers is consistently fluctuating (even in 2025), so you could must examine again recurrently to see that are in inventory. Many shops even have regional inventory based mostly on in-store provide, so remember to examine your native zip code the place relevant.
Finest General N95
IQAir makes wonderful air purifiers, so it’s no shock it additionally makes a number of the best-fitting and most snug N95 masks we examined. There are two methods to customise the match. There are ear straps together with a hook with two measurement choices to hitch the straps collectively. For an entire seal, the straps on the masks face might be pulled to regulate the match. The masks additionally makes use of IQAir Masks Gentle Seal know-how to evolve to the face. The mushy grey materials does seal to the pores and skin with out being sticky.
Whereas it took a while fine-tuning the straps, I used to be in a position to put on the IQAir masks with glasses with out having them fog up. The masks are available 10-, 12-, and 100-packs and arrive with a zippered carrying case for a single masks. IQAir additionally makes child-sized variations. And like IQAir’s air purifiers, its masks will not be low-cost. A ten-pack will run you about $60. Nonetheless, I’ve been in a position to put on every masks greater than as soon as and the seal is strong. If there’s a new variant of Covid-19, this would be the masks I’ll be sporting.
Nice Safety at an Inexpensive Worth
At round $20 for a field of 10, 3M’s Particulate Respirator N95 is a NIOSH-approved masks to put on when the Air Quality Index (AQI) may be very unhealthy or hazardous. That is the masks to maintain in your automotive, subsequent to your emergency bottles of water and granola bars. And whereas hearth season appears to final all yr, having a strong respirator can mitigate a number of the well being hazards of inhaling dangerous air. 3M’s masks is just not as snug as IQAir’s soft-fitting masks, however it does have an adjustable nostril clip together with two rubber-band-like nonadjustable straps that go round your total head, and it boasts 3M’s proprietary Cool Movement Valve that claims to maintain the face cool in sizzling climate. That stated, the masks’s barnacle-like match on one’s face does precisely what is meant to do: It retains the seal.
Whereas it didn’t fog up my glasses, it isn’t made for consolation. Nonetheless, everybody wants a superb respirator N95 of their masks assortment, and 3M has made one that’s each efficient and budget-friendly.
An Improve Choose
This fold-style masks makes use of two over-the-head straps to maintain the masks comfortable in your face, whereas nonetheless permitting a good quantity of respiration room in entrance of your mouth and nostril. These are among the many pricier masks on our record, however members of our crew have used these and located them snug and durable. —Eric Ravenscraft
A Design That Suits Nicely on Most Faces
3M’s N95 respirators are individually wrapped and have two horizontal folds that create a decent-sized cup in entrance of your nostril and mouth. The masks include two straps that go over your head and neck to maintain a good seal. This is likely one of the smaller packs on our record, however you might have a better time discovering it in inventory at some shops. —Eric Ravenscraft
An Inexpensive Choice
The DF300 N95 from Honeywell is a extra reasonably priced choice on this record. With this masks, you may get multilayer absorption (together with a humidity- and moisture-resistant filter), a mushy inside lining, and latex-free head straps. The nostril clip can be adjustable and hidden beneath the masks. It comes full with a mushy foam nostril cushion as effectively, which ought to make it extra snug to put on for longer intervals of time. —Eric Ravenscraft
KF94 Masks
A Trendy Choice
Vida’s KF94 masks is each protecting and trendy. It is FDA-listed, CE-certified (and manufactured in South Korea), and presents a 94 % filtration effectivity. The four-layer masks is available in lovable colours together with Blush, Seafoam, and Glacier Blue. It is also obtainable in a wide range of pack sizes, from 10 to 10,000. —Brenda Stolyar
A Masks for Giant Heads
The BOTN KF94 masks solely are available giant and extra-large for adults, so these with smaller faces ought to look into the youth size, which additionally is available in a wide range of shade choices together with beige, darkish grey, pink, and yellow. The masks has ear loops and a nosepiece which are each adjustable, so it ought to assist guarantee a good match in case you go for the larger measurement. I want these when sporting make-up, as a result of the nosepiece stays put and doesn’t wreck my basis as a lot as different masks do. —Brenda Stolyar
A Widespread Choice
This one dips out and in of inventory. LG’s Airwasher masks is a regular KF94 with a three-dimensional design, four-ply material, an adjustable nostril clip, and rounded ear loops. In order for you a barely extra elevated choice, it additionally is available in a Black Style design that’ll possible pair effectively with fancier outfits for extra formal events. —Eric Ravenscraft
KN95 Face Masks
A Fashionable Choice
Evolvetogether’s masks are trendy among celebrities as a result of they’re each protecting and trendy. The Rio De Janeiro is fabricated from six-ply material (full with activated charcoal to scale back odors), double filtration, and a waterproof exterior. Every masks additionally has an adjustable nostril bridge and mild ear loops, making it excellent to put on for lengthy intervals of time. Of all of the KN95s we have examined, that is our favourite one for smaller faces. Whereas dear, these masks will not be solely light-weight and cozy however tremendous sturdy as effectively. —Brenda Stolyar
A Colourful Masks
This masks from Halidodo is available in a number of shade units—one of many choices contains eye-catching orange—and is equally reasonably priced. —Eric Ravenscraft
A Masks With Completely different Type Choices
The white Powecom masks include a multi-filtration system and an adjustable metallic nosepiece. You too can select between the usual KN95 ear loops or the N95 headband type, relying on what you discover extra snug. —Eric Ravenscraft
Finest Fabric Masks
The ChicoBag Reusable Three-Layered Fabric Masks has been third-party tested and boasts a PFE ranking of 0.3 microns. A very good surgical mask has superior filtration in comparison with a material masks. As per the FDA, disposable, loose-fitting surgical masks worn by medical professionals are made to guard in opposition to splashes and huge droplets, however they don’t provide sufficient safety in opposition to aerosol particulates. Nonetheless, the ChicoBag Masks has a built-in metallic nostril bridge and adjustable ear straps with a plastic hook to create a tighter seal than the surgical masks I’ve used up to now. I wore my masks with my glasses and didn’t expertise fogged lenses. There are three layers of material to ChicoBag’s masks. The outer layer is a knitted sports activities polyester harking back to my children’ soccer shorts, there may be an inside washable filter, and the layer that touches my face is an upcycled cotton.
ChicoBag claims {that a} single one in every of its masks replaces 547 single-use masks. I washed my masks to see if it might retain the identical match, and it truly hugged my chin a wee bit higher after I washed and dried it. And whereas I doubt I’ll get 547 wears out of my ChicoBag Masks, it comes with its personal pouch and is my present go-to masks for the subway.
Highest Safety for Wildfire and Burned Areas
I’m not positive I might have thought to incorporate a P100 Multi Fuel Respirator with Multi Gas/Vapor Cartridges in my masks gear earlier than this yr, however now this can be a must-have for my total household. This previous yr introduced New York Metropolis’s second-worst drought since record-keeping started, and that led to unprecedented wildfires inside the metropolis itself. Each Higher Manhattan and Brooklyn’s Prospect Park burned. My neighborhood smelled like a campfire for a number of days. That was nothing in comparison with what Los Angeles went by means of in early 2025, however it was sufficient to make me notice that air purifiers alone weren’t going to maintain me wholesome.
3M’s Rugged Consolation is extra wearable than 3M’s cheaper Half Facepiece. When you’re heading again to a residential space after a hearth, that is the face masks to put on. Its excessive electrostatic woven filter prevents dangerous PM 2.5, and its activated carbon protects from poisonous vapors like those created when residential buildings burn.
I examined the medium, and it match effectively. It took me a few changes to get the match proper, and I positioned my palms over the filters to make sure it was sealed. I additionally appreciated the quick-release chin latch to unseal the masks.
