The Best N95 Face Mask for Coronavirus

The world is on its toes now with an international dilemma that beset it with the coronavirus that’s said to be more dangerous than the SARS virus in 2003 that affected more than 6000 people. It gave the world a scare and panic mode.

Here comes the new coronavirus in the midst of international news.  It’s a family of viruses that include the common cold, and viruses such as SARS and MERS. But this time, it’s said that this new strain of the virus in humans can cause more serious respiratory infections and in some cases, it can be lethal.

There is one precautionary measure that’s advised, wear an N95 face mask. This article will showcase some of the best N95 face masks for coronavirus virus protection. We also have a general article that talks about how some of the best n95 masks are used for virus protection.

You might be wondering why an ordinary face mask would be ineffective against coronavirus. You’ll find out why an N95 is our best line of defense. Nowadays, even counties with active volcanoes that are erupting and countries prone to wildfires are greatly informed to wear an N95 face mask.

It’s actually the only effective mask against coronavirus and ashfall from volcanic eruptions. Also, let’s not forget how it can also be a protection from those smokes and fumes from wildfires. There’s a surge of demand now for the N95 face mask. Here’s a complete run-through of everything you should know about the world’s saving grace, the N95 face mask.

The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommend the use of a NIOSH-certified N95 for the protection of healthcare workers and people who come in direct contact with patients or people with communicable diseases or those exposed in areas with flu and cough outbreaks.

What does N95 stand for?

The N stands for not resistant to oil and the 95 is the evaluation requirement for an N95 face mask. It means it has a high filtration efficiency of about 95%.  It can filter out pollutants in this high percentage.

It’s highly recommended especially for serious communicable diseases such as the likes of tuberculosis, SARS, and influenza. The requirements needed for an N95 mask are stricter and higher than an ordinary face mask or surgical mask for that matter.

What are the different respirator filters?

All respirator filters are rated either as N, R, or P for their level of protection against oil aerosols. This rating is very important in any usage or industry because some industrial oils can remove the electrostatic charges from the filter media, therefore reducing the filter efficiency and performance. 

• N if they are not resistant to oil
• R if somewhat resistant to oil
• P if strongly resistant to oil-proof

There are nine types of particulate respirator filters:

• N95, N-99, and N-100
• R-95, R-99, and R-100
• P-95, P-99, and P-100

For more information on particulate respirator filters, visit CDC website.

Are there different sizes of N95 face masks?

Fit is also very important in purchasing N95 face masks. And yes, it comes in small, medium, large, and low profile. This will be dependent on the brand and if they have their masks in different sizes.

For more information on N95 respirator sizes, visit CDC website.

What is an n95 mask used for?

An N95 respirator is a respiratory protective device that’s been designed to achieve a tight facial fit and it has a very efficient filtration of airborne particles.

The N95 respirator is capable of blocking at least 95 percent of even the very small 0.3-micron particles when it was tested.

Will N95 face mask protect against coronavirus?

Yes, an N95 face mask will protect you from coronavirus. Backed with a recommendation from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention that advised health workers caring for coronavirus patients to wear an N95 respirator. It has been proven to filter out approximately 95% of airborne pollutants and microbes.

Do N95 masks expire?

For most N95 mask models, they have expiry dates that are printed on the packaging. The standard shelf life of most N95 masks is up to five years from its production date. This will also be dependent on the storage condition. They should be stored in their original box.

For more information, read our related article on Do N95 masks expire.

How long can you use an N95 face mask? When do you change it into a new one?

Those who wear it even at work can attest to using an N95 face mask for several hours uninterrupted. It’s safe to say that it can be used for 8 hours continuously. As for reusing a face mask,  the CDC directive advised that it can be reused as long as it maintains its structural and functional integrity and the filter material is not physically damaged, tattered or soiled.

Can an N95 face mask protect you from catching the new coronavirus?

Coronavirus is airborne, and that it can be transmitted from person to person. Researchers strongly believed that the virus may have been transferred from animals to people through the inhalation of airborne particles in a seafood market that sold live wild animals. It does follow that covering your nose and mouth is needed.

N95 face masks offer more protection and they are designed to prevent 95 percent of small particles from entering the nose and mouth area. But make sure they fit properly because it’s the only way it will work and be effective. They aren’t suitable for children or people with facial hair though.

N95 respirators can also make it more difficult for a person to breathe, so it could be dangerous for people showing symptoms of infection of the new coronavirus that includes coughing and shortness of breath. Make sure to be vigilant of your family member’s health status.

Should you use N95 or surgical mask for coronavirus?

There are two basic main types of face masks that are being used most often.  The first one is a  surgical mask that’s being worn by surgeons during operations. These masks are specifically designed to block liquid droplets and it might also diminish the chance of catching the virus from another person.

But surgical masks are not equipped to offer full protection against airborne viruses because they don’t fully seal off the nose and mouth area that particles can still get in. Also, the very small particles can simply pass through the material of the mask. 

Even with its use, surgical masks aren’t a valid defense that 100% effective because a virus or pathogen can still slip through the sides or enter the body through the eyes.

Make sure to get a 3 ply surgical mask if you’ll decide to use a surgical mask. It can somehow give you the protection of 80% against catching any virus.

For more information on respirators vs surgical masks, visit the OSHA website.

How to wear an N95 mask

Please watch this step by step youtube video.

How can you prevent catching coronavirus?

Aside from wearing an N95 face mask, there are other precautionary measures to avoid catching and spreading the coronavirus based on WHO website.

• Wash your hands regularly and practice good hygiene
• Cover coughs and sneezes with a handkerchief or your inner arm
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, or mouth with your hands. 
• Stay home from work or school if you have a fever or don’t feel well
• Stay away from people who have signs of a respiratory tract infection like a runny nose, coughing, and sneezing.
• Avoid large gatherings and going to crowded places
• Avoid traveling to the affected region or overseas 

Where can an N95 mask protect you aside from coronavirus?

N95 masks, in reality, have a lot of uses. Here is the following:

• It can help protect your lungs from wildfire smoke. Straps must go above and below the ears. A surgical mask will not protect your lungs from wildfire smoke.
• N95 mask protects the wearer from breathing in some hazardous substances.
• An N95 mask protects you from breathing in small particles in the air such as dust and mold.
• It will protect a person from ashfall, particles, and sulfur residue from a volcanic eruption
• It protects you from all airborne pollutant, germs, and microbes

For more information such as flood cleanup, visit the NY government website.

Here are some of the recommendable N95 face masks

⭐ 3M 8511 Respirator with Cool Flow Valve N95 (10-Pack)

3M is one of the front-runners with a lot N95 masks is concerned. They have a Pro Series and the 3M 8511 respirator with cool flow valve that is designed with the pro in mind to help bring you protection and comfort.

It’s the bestselling and most popular valved disposable respirator that is equipped with a cool flow valve to reduce the heat build-up inside the respirator thus helping to enhance your comfort while wearing it on even for a longer period of time.

This N95 respirator that’s lightweight also features an advanced electrostatic media that’s very effective in capturing the airborne particles while it still allows you breathing easier. Also, it has other notable features like an adjustable M-nose clip that helps provide a custom and secure seal. It has stretchable and braided headbands for comfort that’s quite welcoming too.

Lastly, it’s NIOSH approved N95 for it can at least filter 95 percent against certain non-oil- based particles and aerosols.

Pros:

• In terms of fit, dust leakage around the side of the mask, and durability this is a better quality filter mask
• This mask is thick and has two-part construction in-depth
• The surface of the mask is rigid on the outside
• The interior of the mask is softly compliant
• The springy exterior of the mask keeps the straps from pulling out, keeps the valve where it needs to be and holds the mask shape
• The interior of the mask is soft, follows the curves of your face and wicks away sweat
• It has a soft surface of the interior and it is perhaps the most important feature of the design both in terms of the fit and in preventing from dust from working its way around the side of the mask into your nose and mouth
• The breather valve has been added to reduce the effort in breathing through the mask.
• Filters the air I breathe very well
• Each mask is reuseable
• NIOSH-approved mask

Here’s a video featuring this product.

Cons:

• It would be better if the mask is made in different sizes
• The elastic straps cannot be adjusted, and are very tight

Where to buy:

• Amazon
• 3M
• Lowe's Home Improvement
• Sears
• Walmart

⭐ Moldex 2200G N95 Series Healthcare Particulate Respirator & Surgical Mask

This large particulate disposable regulator with a dura-mesh shell comes in a contour-shaped with a soft foam nose cushion for extra comfort. It includes an exclusive easy breathing wave design that makes it less resistant and less exhale resistant than the leading valve respirators.

It features Softspun lining for increased comfort and durability. It is 100% PVC free that meets heat and flame resistance in accordance with ANSI / ISEA 110-2003 Section 7. 11. 1 and ideal where practical respirators are preferred.

It costs less than other valve respirators and is sold in 10 pieces per box. It’s a more economical way to be protected from air pollutants.

Pros:

• Good mask
• Comfortable 
• Very effective
• It works well  and easy to breathe through 
• This mask is comfortable and since it does not use a valve, you do not feel like every breath is a struggle
• The mask is cooler to wear since air actually moves through it
• They are more flexible so that’s why they fit better

Cons:

• The straps are a little tight

Where to buy:

• Amazon
• Moldex

⭐ Makrite 9600-N95S Disposable Particulate Respirator

This Makrite 9600-N95S is NIOSH approved N95 disposable dust particulate respirator which can greatly provide reliable breathing protection of at least 95% filtration efficiency against non-oil based airborne particles that are at least 0.3 microns in diameter.

It’s equipped with these following features:

• It’s foldable for easy storage in a person’s pocket
• It has an ergonomic design that provides excellent fit and comfort 
• It comes with an exceptional inside filter for very low breathing resistance
• Comes individually with adjustable aluminum nose clip for excellent fit and a secure seal
• It has a high-density urethane foam nosepiece to reduce leakage and improve the wearer’s comfort
• It is designed to be ideal to be used when being exposed to areas with high air pollution levels for a long period of time.

Pros:

• They can be adjusted to fit tightly around your nose and chin
• A good combination of filter features
• These masks have the ventilator for improved breathing and have the ability to handle fumes and odors with the carbon coating
• A solid choice for good filtration
• It fits quite comfortably around the bridge of the nose where most disposable masks tend to create a pressure point
• You can wear this mask for extended periods of time without feeling any discomfort
• It has a good charcoal layer and shield
• NIOSH-approved mask

Cons:

• Big for an average adult face

Where to buy:

• Amazon

⭐ Bielcor B200 N95 Particulate Respirator

Be wise and ready to avoid inhaling harmful particles that can damage your lungs or make you sick with a protective N95 dust mask from Bielcor.

It has a lot of usage possibilities like in woodworking, planting new flowers when the pollen count is high, smoke from wildfires, protection from airborne diseases and even pollution in the cities.

It’s important to protect your long-term health by wearing a protective breathing mask. The Bielcor N95 dust masks can help block out ultra-fine particles as small as 0.3 microns while still allowing you full, deep breaths of clean and fresh air.

It’s designed with an adjustable metal nose piece and flexible head strap, these lightweight masks slip over your face to protect you against a wide range of non-oil-based particulates and it’s a smart and effective way to filter out airborne particles, and protect your lungs from all air-pollutants that’s harmful.

Pros:

• These are great masks and they fit securely 
• The price is reasonable
• It’s more affordable and comes in large quantity too
• It’s very soft and comfortable 
• It has a good seal
• Your glasses won’t be fogged up when you breathe while wearing it
• NIOSH-rated mask
• This one is a cup shape mask and it is so much more comfortable than the flat ones available
• This is easy to breathe in and it doesn’t rub against the face

Cons:

• These masks are scented with a vanilla fragrance. It isn't an unpleasant smell but some might not like it scented
• It would be better if some other material is to used in place of the rubber band to avoid hair to be pulled when you try to adjust it or get it off

Watch a video that showcases this product.

Where to buy:

• Amazon
• Bielcor

⭐ Amston N95 Disposable Dust Masks (20 pack)

It’s really a good deal for the money with 20 respirator face masks per box. The Amston face mask is lightweight, easy to breathe through; maintenance free for indoor and outdoor use and it’s highly recommended.

It went through being tested by the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health and it’s certified to protect you from at least 95% of non-oil-based toxic airborne particles, allergens, pollen, pet hair and dander, molds and mold spores, leaves, grass clippings, smoke, mites, and more.

Made with a commitment to providing quality, and affordable personal protective equipment for professional and home use activities including sanding, cleaning, sweeping, cutting, gardening and landscaping, woodworking, grinding, and sawing; also great for traveling in low air quality destinations.

It comes with two latex-free elastic cloth straps that allow a comfortable fit without slipping to keep you and your lungs protected for hours. It’s also adjustable, has a flexible soft metal nose clip that provides a contoured, custom fit and secure seal for both men and women.

Pros:

• The mask fits comfortably and securely on the face and it has dual straps
• The straps are made of a durable material that doesn't pull or pinch against the 
• NIOSH-certified
• The quality is great and sturdy
• The price is good
• The masks are comfortable and stay in place
• Nice and light
• Easy to use
• They are much stiffer and hold up to wear and tear

Cons:

• The metal nose clip is a bit uncomfortable at first but you can easily bend it to adjust to your nose bridge and that will fix the problem

Where to buy:

• Amazon
• Walmart

After Thoughts

Our world is plagued with prevalent critical issues such as the coronavirus, volcanic eruptions, wildfires, and climate change. They are all airborne related in nature. All we need to be is to be well-informed and to be always ready to fight them.

Our best line of defense in all these is an N95 mask.  Panic and fear will get us nowhere in dealing with these inevitable challenges. Being more aware and globally conscious will help us to protect ourselves and our family, and our country as a whole.

We can do our share and part by keeping ourselves safe and healthy with the use of an N95 which is heaven-scent nowadays. It would be wise to purchase and stock on N95 masks so it would be easily accessible anytime and anywhere to you and your loved ones.

Don’t wait, now is the right time to have N95 masks in all the homes in the world.

More related articles:

• Best N95 mask for small face
• Best N95 mask brand to buy
• Best N95 mask for flu and to prevent flu
• Best N95 mask for virus protection
• Best N95 mask for wildfire smoke
• Best N95 mask with valve
• Best N95 particulate respirator mask
• Best Disposable N95 mask
• Best Fitting N95 mask
• Activated carbon mask for coronavirus
• Kids N95 face mask child size

More informational articles:

• Does N95 mask protect against coronavirus?
• Is the N95 mask good for coronavirus?
• Do N95 masks expire?
• Can I still use expired N95 mask?
• How long can 3M N95 mask be used?