We’ve researched and rounded up the real deal — including some colorful picks.
While many Americans are reaching for their trusty masks again due to the spread of the flu and Covid-19, residents in and around Los Angeles are masking up for another reason: wildfire smoke. The fires that have caused over 153,000 Angelenos to evacuate are also spreading dangerous smog and smoke.
Should you be wearing a mask outside right now?
Late last week, the South Coast Air Quality Management issued a wildfire smoke advisory that has been extended, and advised residents to avoid or limit outdoor activities if they can smell smoke or see ash from a wildfire. The city of Long Beach is distributing N95 respirator masks to at-risk residents at public library locations “as well as various community centers and senior centers across Long Beach” to help protect against impacts caused by pollution — though the city warns “masks do not reduce exposure to other potentially harmful constituents of wildfire smoke such as toxic gases or vapors.” The city’s announcement added, “The most effective action the public can take to reduce the risk of health effects from the inhalation of wildfire smoke is to stay indoors in cleaner air and minimize the amount of time spent outdoors in smoky conditions.”
Most of us have spare masks at home from Covid, but if you don’t, it’s time to refresh your collection to protect yourself from smoke inhalation.
Finding legitimate N95 and KN95 masks online can be tricky, unfortunately: Counterfeit masks are being sold by retailers worldwide. Thankfully, the CDC released a list of what to look out for in counterfeit masks. But, you should also know what makes a mask legitimate. To ensure your mask offers the protection it promises, always look for signs that it’s the real deal.
Legitimate masks will arrive in sealed packaging that hasn’t been tampered with since the manufacturer placed them in the packaging. Manufacturer information should be listed on the package, like an address or website you can visit to find out more about the company that produced them. There should also be an expiration date on the mask, as masks do degrade over time and lose effectiveness.
We’ve done the research for you to find legitimate mask manufacturers and sellers online. Whether you’re looking to buy in bulk or just want something a little more fun than a black or white mask, here are some places you can buy N95 and KN95 masks online.
Where to Buy N95 and KN95 Masks Online
Brave New Look Adult KN95
Brave New Look
Adult KN95 masks come in black, white, and gray, and Brave New Look also offers KN95 masks for children, too (in nine different colors and patterns). These masks also fold in half for easy transport, but have ear loops, instead of an around-the-head strap, to keep the mask in place.
evolvetogether KN95 Set of 5
evolvetogether
As important as a proper mask is, it never hurts when they look nice, too. These KN95 masks from evolvetogether have a flat front, eliminating that “duck face” look that some other masks can create. They have an adjustable nosepiece that you can bend to your liking, and there’s a flap that goes under your chin for a secure fit.
ShopVida Masks with KN95 Protection
ShopVida
Good news for the aesthetically inclined: A fun colored KN95 mask protects you just as well as your standard one. These, from Shop Vida, come in seven different colors, all of which are sure to bring a smile to your face — even if no one will see it. Do note that these are not washable, despite looking like a fabric mask.
Bona Fide Masks Harley N95 Respirator Face Mask
Bona Fide Masks
This N95 folds in half so you can easily slip it into a pocket, and an adjustable nosepiece ensures that it fits tightly against your face. The straps on this model go around your head as opposed to looping around your ears, which can be more comfortable if you’ll be wearing the mask for a long period of time. Plus, you can get 25 percent off right now with the code HAPPY2025.
ShopVida Kid’s KN95
ShopVida
Making sure children are protected correctly is extremely important, and thankfully, there are lots of comfortable and effective KN95 masks for children. Not only are these equipped with five-layer protection, they also come with a prepaid label that allows you to send in the used masks for recycling, ensuring they don’t end up in a landfill.
3M N95 Particulate Respirator Mask
Envirosafety
Buying in bulk is a great idea, especially at this price. These 3M masks have been considered the gold standard and are certified by the National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health. They loop around your ear for security, and have a rounded mask shape. And, glasses wearers, rejoice: Because of the construction, these are the least likely to fog up your specs!
MaskC Variety KN95 Face Masks
MaskC
MaskC offers KN95 packs in a ton of different colors and patterns with a soft inner lining that makes this selection surprisingly comfortable. The thicker elastic on the ear loops help keep it secure and comfortable while you wear it.
