Don't be deceived by fake N95 and KN95 masks—here's how to buy legitimate ones
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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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How to tell if an N95 mask is counterfeit
Look for the NIOSH stamp of approval
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.
N95s never have ear loops
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.
Look out for the price
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.
NIOSH-approved N95 kids' masks don't exist
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.
How to tell if a KN95 mask is counterfeit
KN95s cannot be NIOSH-approved
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.
Look for the KN95 standard printed on the mask
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.
If it feels questionable, it probably is
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.
Where to buy real N95 and KN95 masks
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.
Project N95
$20 from Project N95 $20 from Project N95 $13 from Project N95Bona Fide Masks
$19 from Bona Fide $12 from Bona Fide $13 from Bona FideWellBefore
$1.39 from WellBefore $1.04 from WellBefore $1.04 from WellBeforeAmazon
$19.74 from Amazon $7 from Amazon $6 from Amazon $14.39 from AmazonThe Home Depot
$15 from The Home Depot $23 from The Home DepotThe product experts at Reviewed have all your shopping needs covered. Follow Reviewed on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, TikTok or Flipboard for the latest deals, product reviews and more.
Prices were accurate at the time this article was published but may change over time.