where are blscode masks made?
Face masks are now commonplace, and required in most businesses, offices and public places, but many people are still wearing the same cloth masks that they have been wearing since last summer. While cloth masks are still better than nothing, they were originally meant to be a stopgap measure due to the need and relative shortage of high grade N95 and KN95 masks for medical workers.
Those higher grade masks are now available to purchase online due to increased manufacturing. You can even check which masks meet the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Emergency Use Authorization standards and filter at least 95% of airborne particles.
Below you can find a list of N95 or KN95 respirators available to purchase online right now. KN95 masks tend to be cheaper because they are only required to meet regulatory approval in other countries, such as China, but they are still approved for use by medical professionals in a healthcare setting. Read more about the difference between N95 and KN95 respirators from the CDC.
Instructions for how to properly use every mask are available on the CDC website or, for the KN95 models, the FDA website.
BLSCode KN95 Protective Mask (60-pack)
These relatively cheap masks are made of two layers of non-woven cloth, two layers of melt-blown fabric, one layer of hot air cotton. Available in a 60-pack for $65.99 from Amazon.
Well Before KN95 individually wrapped masks
Individually wrapped disposable masks featuring 5-layer design and adjustable nosepiece. Available for $1.99 a piece from Well Before. Kids masks also available.
Powecom KN95 Face Mask (10-pack)
FDA Emergency Use Authorization certified masks featuring multi-layer protection. Available in a 10-pack for $19.99 from Amazon.
Individual AOK N95 masks
Buying your masks individually may not be the most cost effective option, but this is still one of the cheapest N95 masks out there. Available from Well Before for $2.99 per mask.
Kimtech N95 Pouch Respirator
A large duckbill-style breathing chamber and foam headband maximize comfort a bendable nosepiece customizes the fit and ensures a consistent seal. Available for $3.99 each from Well Before.
Respokare Niosh N95 Respirator (10-pack)
This mask features patented multilayer, anti-viral technology. Available in a 10-pack for $89.99 from N95MaskCo.com. Also available in a 5-pack for $49.99 or a 20-pack for $179.99.
NIOSH Cup Style N95 Respirator Mask (40-pack)
Need to buy N95 protection in bulk? These Xiantao Zhongyi masks start in 20-packs ($179.99) and can be purchased up to 1,000 packs ($6,999) and beyond.
Don’t see what you like here? There are more masks available from WellBefore.com, N95medicalsupplies.com and Amazon.com.
A lot of retailers are in short supply and you may have to wait several days to get some.
That’s not the case at Amazon.com, which has dozens of KN95 and N95 face masks available online.
Here are some of the better deals for adults and kids:
A 50-pack of LundyBright 5-Layer Protective Masks with Elastic Earloop Respirator, Breathable Cup Facemask Against PM2.5 Dust, Air Pollution is a steal at $39.99.
This 60-pack of KN95 Face Mask White, BLScode Individually Wrapped 5-Layer Breathable Mask with Comfortable Elastic Ear Loops, Filter Efficiency≥95% are just $69.99.
This 50-pack MedicPro N95 Mask NIOSH Approved, Individually Wrapped N95 Particulate Respirator Mask Made in USA is selling for $120.
A 20-pack of artnaturals Face Mask Disposable Face Masks Protection W/Ear-loop, Filtered Masks From Dust, Pollen - Nose Mouth Cover Ideal for Everyday Use, Extra 5 Layers protection, Kids, Adult is selling for $31.95.
For the kids, this Funight Kids KN95 Masks for Children, 5 Layers Kids Masks Disposable With Adjustable Buckle for Boys Girls is $69.99.
Want colorful face masks for the kids? This 50 pack of KN95 Children Rainbow Color Disposable Mask for Boys and Girls Aged 2-12 with Adjustable Earloop is $94.99.
— Recommendations are independently chosen by Reviewed's editors. Purchases made through the links below may earn us and our publishing partners a commission.
As we continue to make our way through 2023, it’s important to remain vigilant in the fight against COVID-19. According to experts, infections are especially likely from the latest variant, XBB.1.5, which is said to be five times more contagious than omicron and now accounts for more than half of infections. While getting a vaccine reduces the chances of getting COVID-19 and greatly reduces the risk of serious hospitalization, breakthrough infections can still occur.
►Related: FDA vaccine panel to consider recommending annual COVID shots
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) continues to recommend masks for people over the age of two in areas of high COVID-19 community levels. N95 and KN95 masks remain the gold standard when it comes to face masks, as they can filter up to 95% of particles in the air. While these protective masks are accessible to buy at major retailers and online distributors, there are a lot of fake and faulty masks out there. The KN95 masks are especially plagued by poor quality. The CDC estimates that about 60% of KN95 respirators evaluated by the National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) failed to meet their standards.
When it comes to the health of you and your loved ones, only the real deal will do. Luckily, there are some tells that distinguish fake masks from genuine ones out there. Here are a few tips from the CDC and other experts that will help you steer clear of fraudulent N95 and KN95 masks.
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The most important thing to look for in N95 masks specifically is that the respirator has been tested and certified by NIOSH. There should be an approval number on the filtering respirator and "NIOSH" must be spelled correctly.
Both the mask and its packaging should be labeled "NIOSH-approved," Dr. Stella Hines, Associate Professor at the University of Maryland School of Medicine, says. "These masks must meet a specific set of criteria to guarantee that they provide the expected level of protection and performance," Dr. Hines explains. "A formal fit-testing procedure ensures that there is an adequate seal to the face."
You can also reference the manufacturer and approval number from the N95 mask to ensure it's listed on the NIOSH-Certified Equipment List. That way, you can be certain that it meets NIOSH standards.
Legitimate N95 masks do not have ear loops—they have straps or a headband instead—and no other decorative accents. N95 respirators use headbands that secure around the head to ensure a proper fit to the face.
Jim Churchman, vice president, Procurement and Supply Chain at Duke University Health System recommends keeping an eye out for any N95 masks that are significantly more expensive than the average respirator or ones that are available in suspiciously large quantities. He says that both of these are strong indicators of potential fraud.
Looking for N95 masks for kids? Unfortunately, N95s are essentially non-existent in kids' sizes due to NIOSH only regulating products for adults, as parenting staff writer Janelle Randazza reports.
While an N95 mask might not be an option for your children, protective KN95 or KF94 masks designed for smaller faces or kids are an alternative solution. Many of them are made from the same brands as N95 masks—such as Powecom and WellBefore—and are sold by reputable distributors like Bona Fide Masks and Project N95.
While NIOSH tests and certifies N95 masks, they don't approve KN95 masks, KF94 masks or any other respirator product that may receive international certification. If a retailer or manufacturer claims the KN95 masks are NIOSH-approved, you've most likely encountered a counterfeit product.
In 2020, the FDA granted emergency-use authorization (EUA) for some KN95 masks due to N95 masks supply being scarce. This included respirators and filters certified under China's standards: GB 2626-2006 or the most recent GB 2626-2019. Look for either of these codes printed on the KN95 mask, as this could help identify if a mask is counterfeit or not.
While sorting through N95 masks is more straightforward, shopping for KN95 masks can be more confusing. If you really aren't sure about any kind of mask from an unknown retailer, ask yourself the questions that you would when encountering other potentially counterfeit products: Is the manufacturer making false claims about certifications? Does the packaging look neat and intact or does it look like it's been tampered with? Are there positive or negative reviews to look into? If something feels questionable, it most likely is.
Shopping for N95 or KN95 masks can feel daunting, especially when retailers like Amazon house thousands of unknown brands and manufacturers of N95 and KN95 masks.
“The absence of US government oversight of claims of filtration quality other than for the NIOSH and ASTM authorized coverings has led to widespread confusion about quality,” Project N95 executive director Anne Miller said in a press release from the brand.
One main method to ensure you're purchasing legitimate respirator masks is by buying from retailers you know and trust. Retailers like Lowe's and Home Depot sell NIOSH-approved N95 masks for many different uses, including for industrial or home improvement needs. Those N95 masks are still certified to provide efficient filtration, so you can buy and use them as needed. You can also find N95 respirators from pharmacies like CVS as well.
If you're looking for more options for N95 masks or want to try KN95 or KF94 masks, you may want to look to an online distributor that vets personal protective equipment (PPE) like masks. Places we'd recommend shopping from include Project N95, Bona Fide Masks and WellBefore as they all work to provide affordable, accessible and legitimate PPE to those who need it. Dr. Sabrina Assoumou, an infectious disease physician at Boston Medical Center, says she uses Project N95 herself.
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Prices were accurate at the time this article was published but may change over time.
The U.S. has officially crossed the two-year mark since COVID-19 was declared a pandemic. Recently, the CDC announced updated recommendations around when Americans should consider wearing face masks.
The recommendations currently put a majority of the nation’s counties at low or medium risk. This means masks are no longer necessary for most people. According to CDC metrics, many states have also completely eliminated face mask mandates.
You can still choose to wear a face mask or keep a stash at home irrespective of this. Earlier this year, the CDC announced that respirators offer more protection than regular cloth masks. KN95 and N95 masks are examples of respirators.
Lately, black Hotodeal KN95 face masks have been super popular in the USA. In fact, these masks are now the #1 best-sellers on Amazon. They also happen to be on sale today at the best price we’ve seen so far in 2022 — just $0.42 each!
Instead of waiting for the inevitable next wave of infections, why not stock up now? We should note that during the last big wave back in January, these popular KN95 masks on Amazon cost more than three times what the company is charging right now.
That is indeed a fantastic price for face masks that are as popular as these. But there’s another type of face mask that’s even more popular with our readers.
The N95 mask is the gold standard for masks in the medical and construction fields. It is regulated by the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH). N95 face masks use head straps that wrap behind the head. These masks are made of tough, flexible non-woven polypropylene fiber.
They’re mostly round with a protrusion near the top to help cover your nose. N95 masks sometimes feature a valve for easier breathing, but this is not compulsory. The mask should be labeled with “N95” on it. Typos in spelling might mean the mask is a counterfeit.
There are various types of N95 respirators. You have to ensure that whichever one you’re using is rated for the performance you want. Some N95 masks as surgical masks, and some are fluid-resistant.
That said, All N95 face masks should protect you from airborne particles, according to 3M, the manufacturer of most N95 masks in the USA.
In an extensive review of various face masks published in September 2020 in the journal Science Advances, researchers from Duke University found that N95 masks have the highest filtration efficiency. These high-performance masks offer the best protection against airborne particles.
The KN95 mask meets the Chinese standards for medical masks. They feature a tentlike shape that creates a little pocket of air between your nose and the fabric for maximum comfort. They come in smaller sizes than N95 masks and have bands on the side that loop onto your ears. A legitimate KN95 face mask will come with a stamped text. This stamped text will usually include the name of the manufacturer, the model, and “GB2626-2019,” which is a reference to a quality control standard approved by the Chinese government.
These breathable masks don’t always meet the NIOSH standards for filtration efficiency. However, they are better than surgical masks or cloth masks as long as they offer a good seal. Non-certified face masks that use head and neck straps will also serve you better than those with ear loops.
KN95 face masks are not NIOSH approved hence, there’s a high rate of counterfeiting amongst them. Roughly 60% of KN95s are fakes that do not meet NIOSH standards, according to the CDC.
Both masks are rated to filter out 95 percent of very small particles. however, nly N95 masks have the approval for medical use in the U.S. KN95 face masks work similarly to N95 masks, but they aren’t regulated by the same organizations.
The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) regulates N95 masks, putting each mask prototype from various manufacturers through a rigorous testing process. While the Chinese government regulates KN95 masks.
KN95 and N95 face masks employ a multi-layer filtration system for optimum protection. They make use of multiple layers of synthetic material to protect you from outside particles. As their names suggest, they both filter out 95 percent of particles that are 0.3 microns in size or larger.
KN95 respirators have a supplementary layer between the filter layer and the inner layer, called the cotton layer. This occupies 70% of the face mask.
For average persons, the differences between these masks are negligible. Either of these masks is suitable for people that are not health care workers. If you’re unable to get either kind of mask, try double masking with a surgical mask beneath your cloth mask.
Masks come in different shapes and sizes. We have the duckbill-shaped mask, flat fold masks, and cup-style masks. You should go for a mask that has a snug fit on your face. A snug but comfortable fit. You can purchase and try different styles to find the best one for your face.
Many masks are mostly one size fits all. However, some face mask brands offer the options of small size, medium-size or large size. You’re not getting full protection from a respirator if you put it on and it’s not forming a tight seal to your face.
N95 masks have been hot with BGR Deals readers, but nowhere near as popular as KN95 masks. Scarcity and much higher price points are both contributing factors. But many of our readers still buy masks like these Kimberly-Clark N95 masks sold directly by Amazon.
Honeywell N95 masks are also very popular right now. We’ve been told by many readers that they prefer N95 masks because they’re made in the USA.
We’ve also been asked by our readers time and time again to recommend KN95 masks that are made in the USA. But good options have been very difficult to come by… until now.
That’s right, Amazon finally has KN95 masks made in the USA. And right now, they’re going for their lowest price ever. These masks have been best-sellers since late 2021, and they have tons of 5-star reviews. But no one who bought them last year or even earlier this year got them for just $14.99 per 10-pack.
That’s just $1.50 each for super-popular Breatheze KN95 masks that were made right here in the USA. Dig as much as you want but you won’t find them on sale for less anywhere else.
We’ll also show you plenty of N95 masks in stock at Amazon, so skip to the end of this post if you prefer those..
Powecom’s KN95 face masks were featured on the FDA’s EUA list. They are available in black and white and come in a pack of 10. Powecom masks feature an adjustable nose piece and latex-free ear loops. This makes them suitable for use by anyone with a latex allergy. They come in a headband version and ear loops version.
Breatheze KN95 masks aren’t just popular because they’re made in the USA. According to the manufacturer’s Amazon page, they’re tested by a third party to ensure that they meet the highest safety standards.
Readers tend to trust them more than all the no-name masks that are made in China.
Image source: Jiri Hera/Adobe
Beyond the mere fact that these are KN95 masks made in the USA, they also feature 4-layer construction. This is something that many of our readers look for in a mask. Many KN95 mask options on Amazon have fewer layers of material, but these masks have an additional layer.
These new Breatheze KN95 masks just hit Amazon and we know they’re going to quickly become very popular options among our readers. In fact, they could become top-sellers before you know it.
So many people have emailed us in search of KN95 masks made in the USA. And now we finally have a good option from a reputable company to recommend. On top of that, these are highly sought-after 4-layer KN95 masks instead of the 3-layer masks that some other companies sell on Amazon.
Also, they’re available in both white and a sleek new blue color for even less than the white masks.
Some people say they want KN95 masks made in the USA because they prefer elastic earloops to elastic headbands. Headbands are a requirement on all N95 masks, of course. Others say they’re looking for USA-made KN95 masks because they’re less expensive than N95 masks.
Whatever the case may be, Breatheze KN95 masks are a great option and they only cost $1.99 each when you buy a 10-pack on Amazon.
That’s a little bit more than the black Hotodeal KN95 face masks that are now the #1 best-sellers on Amazon.
But remember, there’s one huge difference and people are often happy to pay a premium for it.
Unlike Hotodeal masks, there’s something important that sets these apart. Breatheze masks are KN95 masks on Amazon that are made in the USA. Meanwhile, Hotodeal masks and most other KN95 masks out there are made in China.
There isn’t necessarily anything wrong with that, of course. But if you’re specifically looking for US-made masks, you’ll want to stick with Breatheaze.
Here’s some additional info from Breatheze’s masks on Amazon:
If you’re looking for some more good options for KN95 masks, we’ve listed a few here. Just note that unlike Breatheze masks, these are not made in the USA
Would you prefer to use N95 masks that are also made here in the USA?
Best-selling N95 face masks are in stock from 3M, Honeywell, Kimberly-Clark, and other top brands
These masks are all approved by NIOSH, and they’re all manufactured right here in the USA. If you’d rather not use a face mask from China for whatever reason, these are among the best real N95 masks you can get.
You can also find more NIOSH N95 masks for sale online in our earlier coverage.
Big retailers typically work with NIOSH approved manufacturers or their distributors, so you can be confident you’re not getting a fake. You can check manufacturer websites to see authorized distributors and stockists.
Legitimate N95s and KN95s are required to have specific stamped texton the front of the mask. Masks that are printed with fancy designs or don’t have text printed on them are most likely fakes.
Your N95 face mask should be stamped with ‘NIOSH’, the company name, the model & lot numbers and a ‘TC approval’ number. The TC approval number can be used to look up the mask on a list of approved masks. The C.D.C. has created an infographic showing you the printing to look for on your N95.
A legitimate KN95 mask should be stamped with the name of the manufacturer, the model, and ‘GB2626-2019’, which is a reference to a quality control standard approved by the Chinese government. If your mask has a GB number that ends in 2006, just check the expiration date.
There’s a number of resources available to help the mask buying process. For example, Project N95, a nonprofit that vets personal protective equipment.
The C.D.C. has a few lists you can use to confirm if a mask has been vetted. When shopping masks online, look closely at seller ratings and product reviews. Beware of third party sellers that seem to pop up out of nowhere.
In addition to the KN95 and N95 face masks we covered, there’s something else that you could stock up on right now.
That’s right, we’re talking about COVID-19 rapid tests.
It was almost impossible to find COVID-19 home test kits in stock in stores for a while there. That was especially true if you live in a populated area. The good news is that the wave we dealt with earlier this year has definitely died down now. But the bad news is that another wave is inevitable.
Why not stock up on tests now instead of waiting until things get crazy again and not being able to find any? Amazon has several best-selling options in stock. What’s more, several of them are now available at new, lower prices.
Amazon’s #1 best-seller among our readers is On/Go At-Home COVID-19 Rapid Self-Tests, which are just $12 per test in 2-packs or 4-packs. These tests are made right here in the USA and they’re very accurate according to lab tests.
Other popular options include Lucira Check It Single-Use COVID-19 Tests and BD Veritor at-Home COVID-19 Digital Test Kits (70% off!).
While BD Veritor tests are on sale with that massive discount, they’re the most affordable COVID-19 home tests on Amazon right now. Believe it or not, they’re only $5 each!
They’re both back in stock at Amazon. Of course, they’re both quite popular so there’s a chance they’ll sell out again quickly.
And finally, you can get 2-packs of iHealth COVID-19 Antigen Rapid Test for just $17.98. That makes it one of the most affordable options on Amazon right now since tests are only $8.99 each.
