The Best N95 And KN95 Face Masks To Wear For The COVID Delta Variant | HuffPost Life

For a brief moment in time, it seemed like some people in the U.S. might get to enjoy a “hot vax summer.” The delta variant of the coronavirus had other ideas.

In fact, some areas of the country are experiencing the worst spread of COVID-19 yet in this pandemic, so it’s important to protect yourself in as many ways as possible ― including vaccination and wearing the best mask you can for stopping transmission.

Depending on your situation, the latter might include switching for now from cloth masks to styles like snug-fitting surgical masks or KN95, KF94 and even N95 masks that aren’t prioritized for health care workers. Studies have shown that N95 masks filter out small particles in the air most effectively, followed by surgical masks, and both are better than cloth. KN95s are the Chinese version of the American N95, and have been more readily available to buy during the pandemic.

It’s important to know how to spot a counterfeit face mask while you’re shopping. Meanwhile, check out these solid options that are either highly recommended by reviewers or carry specific agency approvals.

HuffPost may receive a share from purchases made via links on this page. Prices and availability subject to change.

WWDOLL 5-ply KN95 masks

The same mask in a pack of mixed colors

This 50-piece bundle of KN95 masks has all the same features as the mask above, but comes with 10 each in pink, blue, grey, red and purple. (Could make a great back-to-school gift for teachers!)

Get a pack of 50 from Amazon for $59.74.

Powecom KN95 masks

These KN95 masks carry a stellar 4.5 rating on Amazon, with more than 20,000 people weighing in. They have elastic ear loops and an adjustable nose bridge, and, according the manufacturer, fit small and medium adult faces.

Get a 10-pack from Amazon for $8.95 (also available in black).

The same mask, but with headband-style loops

And the same mask, again, but sized for kids

Individually wrapped black KN95 masks

Each mask in this 60-pack of five-layer KN95s comes individually wrapped, so you can carry a few on the go, send extras in your child’s backpack or pass them out to friends. They’ve got a 4.6 rating on Amazon and are priced at less than a dollar each.

Get the 60-pack from Amazon for $49.99.

NIOSH-approved N95 respirators you can purchase guilt-free

Another NIOSH-certified N95 mask available to the public

Surgical masks with ASTM level 3 filtration

Experts are still learning about COVID-19. The information in this story is what was known or available as of publication, but guidance can change as scientists discover more about the virus. Please check the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention for the most updated recommendations.

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