If you’ve been struggling to find affordable N95 masks – or any N95 masks at all – help is on the way. Back in January, the Biden administration announced it would be distributing 400 million free N95 masks to Americans at thousands of local pharmacies and community health centers across the country.
N95 masks are protective face coverings designed to filter at least 95% of all airborne particles larger than 0.3 microns. Health experts maintain they offer far more protection than cloth masks. "Well-fitting disposable surgical masks and KN95s offer even more protection, and well-fitting NIOSH-approved respirators (including N95s) offer the highest level of protection," the Centers for Disease Control has stated about the protective masks.
According to the CDC, the Strategic National Stockpile has begun to dole out multiple styles of non-surgical N95 respirators from the brands 3M, Draeger, Honeywell and Moldex, to pharmacy distribution centers.
The first batch of N95 masks started arriving at major pharmacy chains last week and will continue to be distributed in the coming weeks. Per the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), each person is allowed up to three free masks, "pending availability."
To take advantage of the program, visit a participating pharmacy. The following major retailers have announced free N95 mask availability.
If you need a reliable supply of N95 face masks for daily use, you'll still need to find a way to buy them. And, given that only adult-sized masks are available as part of the free program, people looking for KN95 or KF94 masks for children will still need to buy them, as well.
(Confused by terminology? You can learn more about the difference between N95, KN95, surgical and cloth masks here.)
If you're looking to purchase N95 masks for quick delivery, here are some options:
This new Honeywell design is made to fit more face shapes and minimize pressure points. It comes in a pack of 20.
If you like buying masks in bulk, this 50-pack from Kimberly-Clark offers large breathing chambers for comfort and soft but strong headbands -- and offers one of the best per-mask prices around. After a short period of unavailability, these N95 masks are back in stock at Amazon for quick shipping, so grab them before they sell out (again).
Kimberly-Clark professional N95 pouch respirator (50 pack), $58 at Amazon
These 3M masks prevent eyewear fogging and have a foam cushion for maximum comfort on your nose.
Home Depot has several N95 face mask options, including this 25-pack. These N95s have an adjustable nose clip and head strap.
These individually wrapped face masks are $1.49 each, or $1.19 each when you sign up for a regular weekly 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.
This multi-layer, breathable KN95 mask can be purchased in a 10 pack (or more). Quantity discounts are available.
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