The Best KN95 Face Masks on Amazon, According to Reviews | PEOPLE.com

2022-05-20 21:45:01 By : Ms. Myra Gu

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has changed its face mask guidelines a few times over the course of the pandemic. In January 2022, it refreshed its recommendations once more, clarifying that well-fitted masks and respirators, such as National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH)-approved N95s and international KN95s, offer higher protection than loosely woven cloth options.

KN95 masks are considered the Chinese equivalent of N95s; they're multilayered, designed to filter 95 percent or more of particles in your surrounding air, feature ear loops on either side, and are disposable. There are many varieties of KN95 masks available, but only a handful have been previously approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for emergency usage in healthcare settings.

The FDA approved hundreds of imported KN95s in January 2020 when N95 respirators were in short supply and reserved for frontline workers. And while the agency revoked this emergency authorized list of non-NIOSH-approved respirator models manufactured in China in July 2021 due to the increased supply and availability of NIOSH-approved respirators, experts like Bill Taubner, president of Bona Fide Masks, previously told PEOPLE that one of the best ways to pick a KN95 mask is to find one that was formerly on the FDA's list. 

Below, shop five previously FDA-approved KN95 face masks that have also earned the trust of thousands of Amazon shoppers. [Editor's note: Since KN95 face masks are in high demand right now, the options included in this story are fluctuating in stock.]

Manufactured by: Dongguan Sengtor Plastics Products Co.

Huheta's KN95 masks are one of the most positively reviewed options on Amazon, with over 15,000 five-star ratings from people who say they're "soft," "skin-friendly," and comfortable enough to wear for "extended periods" of time. Other than black, you can get them in colors like burgundy, navy, and light blue. The individually wrapped masks are made with five layers: two non-woven outer layers, two meltblown inner layers, and one non-woven cotton layer in the center. 

Buy It! Huheta KN95 Face Mask, Individually Wrapped, Pack of 30, $33.99; amazon.com

Manufactured by: Chengde Technology Co.

The Wwdoll masks are a best-seller on Amazon and have nearly 36,000 five-star ratings. Made with five protective layers, one of which is a skin-friendly interior, the masks come in nine colors, including green, pink, and yellow. Shoppers consistently mention they're comfortable, soft, and of high quality in their reviews. Wwdoll KN95s are not NIOSH-approved, but they did meet the FDA's previous KN95 mask standards for emergency usage in healthcare settings.

Buy It! Wwdoll KN95 Face Mask, Pack of 25, $28.74 (orig. $47.42); amazon.com

Manufactured by: Chengde Technology Co.

The ChiSip masks are manufactured by the same company as the Wwdoll KN95s, so they have a similar look and are made out of the same materials (five layers of non-woven fabrics and meltblown layers). The masks often appear on Amazon  top sellers lists and have racked up over 28,000 five-star ratings; customers say their coverage is "fantastic" because of how closely they fit around the face. If you're looking to stock up on KN95s, ChiSip also offers a 60-pack of masks.

Buy It! ChiSip KN95 Face Mask, Pack of 20, $37.99; amazon.com

Manufactured by: Guangzhou Powecom Labor Insurance Supplies Co.

The Powecom masks are a popular KN95 choice on Amazon that have sold out several times. Over 14,000 customers have left them a five-star rating, with hundreds of people calling them the best they've used. Powecom's masks are made up of four layers, according to shoppers, including cotton and "meltblown layers." Many customers mention they're "breathable" and easy to talk in. Each pack of masks comes with an anti-counterfeit label, which can be verified for authenticity via the brand's website. 

Buy It! Powecom KN95 Face Mask, Pack of 10; amazon.com

Manufacture by: Jinhua Jiadaifu Medical Supplies Co.

If you only need a few KN95s to get you through the week, the Dr. Family pack comes with five masks, which makes it practical to keep in your car or bag. The masks are made with five layers and have an adjustable nose bridge and elastic ear loops. They have nearly 6,000 five-star ratings from shoppers who are happy with their fit and feel. The Dr. Family masks even have the stamp of approval from an essential worker, who said: "They fit my face perfectly, feel snug and secure… and don't have any unpleasant odors. These are going to be my go-to for the foreseeable future, and I highly recommend them."

Buy It! Dr. Family KN95 Face Mask, Pack of 5; amazon.com