By Joal Ryan, carolin lehmann
Updated on: March 10, 2022 / 8:31 AM / Essentials
CBS Essentials is created independently from the CBS News staff. We may receive commissions from some links to products on this page. Promotions are subject to availability and retailer terms.
When it comes to buying N95 masks, the first thing you should look for is the last thing anyone wants: fakes. The CDC says about 60% of the KN95s it evaluated in 2020 and 2021 were counterfeit: That is, the items did not work as they were supposed to. Fake N95s, meanwhile, are so prevalent CDC has published a running list of counterfeit models.
Top products in this article:
Kimberly-Clark professional N95 pouch respirator (50 pack), $48
3M Aura N95 respirator (10 pack), $21
Evolvetogether KN95 kids' mask (5 pack), $15
So, how can you shop safely? First, know the difference between N95 and KN95 masks.
The N95 face mask isn't a mere mask. It's a respirator that filters the air you breathe in (rather than just catching the stuff you breathe out, à la an ordinary mask). Even more than that, N95 is an official designation bestowed by the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health. By definition, a properly fitted and worn, NIOSH-certified N95 respirator filters out 95% of air particles. (Surgical-grade N95s, per the CDC, are an N95 subcategory, and should be reserved for those who work in a healthcare or medical setting.)
As for KN95: That's an international designation, and, per the CDC, filtration standards may vary. There is no KN95 on the market that's been officially graded by a U.S. agency.
If you think it sounds like the N95 is the gold standard for the average American consumer, then you're right. But KN95s can be useful, too, because, for one, they're usually easier to find in stock than N95s, and, two, when properly fitted, the CDC says they "seal tightly to your face" – a quality you should be looking for in any mask or respirator. KN95 masks also tend to be less expensive than N95 masks.
Once you know what N95s and KN95s are, then it should be easier to spot the counterfeits. Remember the part about NIOSH certification, for instance? If an N95 respirator doesn't feature the NIOSH initials -- or, big red flag, if "NIOSH" is misspelled -- then it's not a real N95.
Here are some other warning signs, per the CDC:
NIOSH markings on KN95s. This is an obvious sign of a counterfeit because, as discussed, the NIOSH has not certified any KN95s.
Respirators bedecked in sequins or other "decorative fabric." Real N95s are all business.
Respirators that you loop around your ears (surgical masks) instead of around your head, à la genuine N95s.
Respirators sold via websites that feature the telltale signs of e-commerce bad actors, such as: pages filled with dummy text; mismatched logos or brand names; typos; and company email addresses that are associated with free email account services.
You should also be on the lookout for kids' masks that claim to be N95s. While N95-style masks for children do exist, children's masks are not evaluated by NIOSH and will not carry an N95 designation. Look for a KN95 or KF94 designation instead.
The CDC's page on counterfeit respirators is a great resource, and contains examples (and pictures!) of N95s and KN95s that the agency has flagged. Here are two other CDC pages you may want to keep at the ready: a list of NIOSH-approved N95s; and, additional respirator-buyer-beware tips.
When you're up to speed, and ready to shop, here's a rundown of some leading N95 and KN95 respirators that you can buy, order or check stock on today. Luckily, their prices are down compared to previous months. The Biden Administration is also offering free N95 masks through local pharmacies (such as Walgreens, CVS and some supermarkets) and local health centers, so you can check if your local stores have any free ones available currently.
While there are many mask options available for adults, a properly fitted N95 mask will provide the most protection. Once difficult to find, you can now find N95 masks for sale for less than $1 each.
If you're willing to purchase 50 masks, you can get a great per-mask price (less than $1 a mask) on these duckbill style masks from Kimberly-Clark. They have a large breathing chamber for comfort, and soft but strong headbands.
Kimberly-Clark professional N95 pouch respirator (50 pack), $48
These 3M masks prevent eyewear fogging and have a foam cushion for maximum comfort on your nose.
3M N95 8210 mask (20 pack), $18 (reduced from $30)
These disposable fish-style N95 masks by 3M feature an adjustable nose clip, chin tab and a low-profile design that directs air away from the nose panel to reduce eyewear fogging.
3M Aura N95 respirator (10 pack), $21
3M Aura N95 respirator (20 pack), $29
While there are no face masks for kids that carry the N95 designation, there are a number of KN95 kids' masks to keep your family safe.
These individually wrapped face masks are $1.49 each, or $1.19 each when you sign up for a regularly shipment. They're made of five layers (for kids for ages 5 to 12), or four layers (for ages 2 to 4). Their earloops are adjustable, and they have a moisture-wicking inner layer. Find them in three sizes for kids.
WellBefore KN95 kids masks, $1.49 each
WellBefore also sells individually wrapped KN95 fish-style masks for kids. They too are $1.49 each, and available in three sizes.
These masks, with four layers, come individually packaged, are made of an eco-friendly material, and claim to meet Korea's KF94 standard (94% filtration efficiency). Reviewers recommend this size for older children.
Happy Life kids KF94 (20 pack), $30
Evolvetogether, a mask brand that's wildly popular with celebrities, has a line of KN95 masks that includes KN95 masks for kids. The masks are available in black, white, khaki and navy blue.
Evolvetogether KN95 kids' mask (5 pack), $15
This multi-layer, breathable KN95 mask for kids can be purchased in a 10 pack (or more).
Powecom kids KN95-SM respirator mask (10 pack), $13
First published on January 20, 2022 / 11:57 AM
The Department said the textbooks had exercises based on critical race theory.
After a brief return to pre-pandemic life, many college students are again wearing masks and taking classes online.
As inflation surges, one Wall Street analyst expects U.S. food costs to continue rising this year and into 2023.
From painting with a bloody finger to leaving fecal matter in bed, these are some of the most shocking things Johnny Depp talked about during his testimony so far.
Apple store workers are organizing to form unions, and could inspire legions of other retail workers to do the same.
Electronic waste is the fastest growing type of trash. Here's how to ensure your devices won't end up in a landfill.
Some of America's best-known corporations aren't delivering on their promise to invest in employees, think tank says.
Industrial conglomerate run by right-wing billionaire says it's looking out for 600 workers at two glass factories.
Fed Chair Jerome Powell acknowledged that policy makers must move fast to stem rising inflation.
To fight climate change, apparel brands like Lululemon, Eileen Fisher and Patagonia are making it easier to resell their items.
The group noted more than 300 legislative proposals nationwide reference the LGBTQ+ community, with roughly 140 targeting trans youth.
Ukrainian Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal, Senator Elizabeth Warren and more appear on "Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan" this Sunday.
The former president has thrown his support behind two Michigan candidates who have supported his false claims about widespread election fraud.
The entertainment giant has not commented publicly on the proposal to dissolve its government, which has been in operation for 55 years.
Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas acknowledged that the planned end of Title 42 border expulsions in May could pose "significant challenges" for the U.S. government.
The Toronto Zoo has been administering COVID-19 vaccines to susceptible animals — including hippos, tigers and bears. The zoo has received 320 vaccine doses for 120 animals, with two doses required per animal given about two or three weeks apart.
The mask mandate went into effect in Philadelphia on Monday.
The president's chief medical adviser criticized the "disturbing" decision by "a judge with no experience in public health."
Diesel emissions disproportionately affect communities of color and poor neighborhoods because industrial facilities are often located in poorer areas. Ben Tracy takes a look at the negative effect diesel trucks are having on residents of a Los Angeles neighborhood.
The confusion over masking is growing after the Justice Department appealed a judge's ruling that struck down the travel mask mandate. Norah O'Donnell spoke with White House COVID-19 response coordinator Dr. Ashish Jha on why the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention thinks a mask is still necessary on public transportation.
The unit was created in 1997 and worked on cases such as the capture of notorious drug kingpin Joaquin "El Chapo" Guzman.
In an interview with CBS News, Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas said his department is trying to reduce border apprehensions by referring some migrants for criminal prosecution.
"Seeing kids laugh, a taste of normal life, it feels fantastic," Pavel Fedosenko says.
Shadeed Abdulmateen allegedly stabbed the woman to death on the night of June 14, 2021 with a folding knife.
Rylov stood on stage with with medalists from other Olympic sports and wore a jacket with a "Z" on the chest.
From painting with a bloody finger to leaving fecal matter in bed, these are 15 of the most shocking things Johnny Depp talked about during his testimony so far in his libel lawsuit against his ex-wife Amber Heard.
Singer-songwriter Charley Crockett's road in the music industry hasn't been easy or traditional. He was named Emerging Act of the Year at the Americana Awards in September, and is now headlining his own tour and joining Willie Nelson on the road this summer. Anthony Mason talks with Crockett about his new album, "Lil' G.L. Presents: Jukebox Charley" in New Orleans, where he used to busk on street corners.
"NBC, Bravo and True foster a corporate and workplace culture in which racially-insensitive and inappropriate behavior is tolerated – if not, encouraged," the suit says.
Viola Davis' new memoir, "Finding Me" was announced on "CBS Mornings" to be the 95th Oprah's Book Club pick.
One of the most acclaimed guitarists today, who's played with Rob Zombie, Marilyn Manson and David Lee Roth, found inspiration as a child by watching "Hee Haw."
Apple store workers are organizing to form unions, and could inspire legions of other retail workers to do the same.
An Apple store in Georgia has become the first in the country to officially file for a union vote. It comes days after a New York location started collecting signatures to unionize. CBS News tech reporter Dan Patterson has the latest.
Electronic waste is the fastest growing type of trash. Here's how to ensure your devices won't end up in a landfill.
The former president said the current information ecosystem is deepening existing racial and religious divides.
Online retail giant's "Buy with Prime" service, geared to online stories, will initially be available by invitation only.
Eleven-time Grammy winner Taylor Swift has secured herself a place in the history books — but it's one dedicated to bugs, not music.
To celebrate Earth Day, CBS News is speaking with people around the world doing their part to help the planet. Sasibai Kimis, founder of Earth Heir, works to use Malaysia's natural resources to create sustainable artisanal products, and she joins CBS News to talk about it.
Those who have experienced extreme weather have become more concerned.
Outside of Monterey Bay, an underwater robot is searching for elusive deep-sea creatures.
The Amazon rainforest in Brazil is facing threats that impact the global climate. Research shows 17% of the world's largest rainforest has been destroyed in the last 50 years, and scientists warn a road project in the region is accelerating deforestation. The Washington Post's Rio de Janeiro bureau chief, Terrence McCoy, recently traveled highway BR-319 and shared what he saw.
The unit was created in 1997 and worked on cases such as the capture of notorious drug kingpin Joaquin "El Chapo" Guzman.
The little girl had a blood-alcohol level of .680%, more than eight times the .08% driving limit for an adult, authorities said.
Carolyn Bryant Donham was named nearly 67 years ago in a warrant that accused her in Till's abduction.
Shadeed Abdulmateen allegedly stabbed the woman to death on the night of June 14, 2021 with a folding knife.
Wendi Adelson had told authorities that her brother had joked about hiring a hit man as a divorce present but had decided instead to buy her a TV.
Trouble getting the Axiom-1 crew back to Earth triggers domino-like delays for upcoming missions.
It's not known when NASA might be ready to make another attempt to fuel the SLS rocket in a critical test.
Scientists say a "missing link" that helps to explain the mysteries of the birth of the universe has been hiding in plain sight.
Look up! Shooting stars are arriving as we celebrate our planet.
No details about the spy satellite payload were revealed, but the NRO declared mission success in a statement.
A look at the evidence in "The Dexter Killer" case; plus, newly revealed letters from the man police say wanted to be like fictional serial-killer Dexter Morgan.
Bizarre clues and evidence in the investigation into the Colorado mother's disappearance include a spy pen, plastic needle cap, and a chipmunk alibi.
Which state has the highest proportion of gun owners? Here's what we know.
Forbes' annual billionaires list reveals which big-money titan has the most money of them all.
In 2020, the American Airlines manager was gunned down during a morning walk with his wife and dog. Two years later, his wife, Jennifer, pleaded guilty for her role in orchestrating his death.
Former U.S. Senator Doug Jones speaks on the Supreme Court confirmation process of Judge Ketanji Brown Jackson. Jones describes how his past influences the way he currently views the judicial process.
From painting with a bloody finger to leaving fecal matter in bed, these are 15 of the most shocking things Johnny Depp talked about during his testimony so far in his libel lawsuit against his ex-wife Amber Heard.
An Apple store in Georgia has become the first in the country to officially file for a union vote. It comes days after a New York location started collecting signatures to unionize. CBS News tech reporter Dan Patterson has the latest.
Russia appears to be changing its tactics in Ukraine. Retired U.S. Marine Corps Colonel Mark Cancian, a senior adviser at the CSIS International Security Program, joins CBS News to discuss the latest on the battle for Mariupol.
Johnny Depp's defamation case against ex-wife and actress Amber Heard will enter its third week in court on Monday. The actor is suing her for $50 million after she wrote an opinion piece claiming she was a victim of domestic violence. Heard has also countersued Depp for defamation. CBS News' Michelle Miller and Mola Lenghi chat with Entertainment Tonight co-host Kevin Frazier about the courtroom controversy.
Copyright ©2022 CBS Interactive Inc. All rights reserved.