Powecom KN95 masks in various colors are available from Bonafidemasks.com. A box of 10 is $16.

In January, the Biden administration announced that it would make 400 million free N95 face masks available at pharmacies and health centers nationwide.

Federal officials said the masks provide better protection against the omicron variant of COVID-19 than cloth masks. Each person will be permitted to receive three masks.

The N95 respirator masks are regulated in the U.S. by the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, a division of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The KN95 masks are regulated by the Chinese government.

N95 masks fit tighter around the face so as to not allow air in around the edges. The KN95 masks have a looser fit. N95 masks, according to the CDC, “filters at least 95% of airborne particles but [are] not resistant to oil-based particles.”

Masks that are approved by the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health will be marked with the NIOSH number.

Counterfeit face masks have been an issue since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic. Manufacturers will claim they are selling approved masks and even hijack approval numbers and names of other brands. You can see respirator masks that have received approval here.

If you have been unable to find the free masks, they can be purchased online from these retailers that have them in stock now:

These face masks are available from N95 Medical Supplies. Upper left is ALG Health, 25 for $54.99. Upper right is Harley N95 soft shell, 20 for $49.99. Bottom right is ALG Health, $49.99 for 20. Bottom left is Harley N95 hard shell, 20 for $49.99.

Well Before KN95 masks are $1.19 each.

Moldex N95 surgical masks from Well Before are $2.99 each.

Americhem is a company based in Middletown. Masks can be purchased there, 1401 AIP Drive. Customers can call 717-939-7100 or send an email to orders@americhem.net.

The Kimberly-Clark N95 pouch respirator is available from Amazon. A box of 50 masks sells for $56.89.

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