COVID-19 Face Masks: Latest News & Where to Find N95 Masks for Sale

One of the first things the new Biden administration did was sign an executive order implementing a mask mandate on all federal property. The new POTUS is urging all Americans to "mask up" for the next 100 days to battle the worsening COVID-19 pandemic. Any face covering is better than none at all, but not all face masks are created equal. The CDC recommends medical-grade masks such as the N95, or its equivalent KN95 face mask. What makes the N95 and KN95 better than a cloth or 3-ply mask? Where can you find KN95 or N95 masks for sale despite the soaring demand? We'll answer those important questions and more, so keep reading!

A Year Into the Pandemic: What the Numbers Reveal

This week the US hit another tragic milestone — 400,000 deaths since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic. To put that into perspective, more Americans have died from coronavirus in one year than in the four years of battles during World War II. Why is the US being hit so hard when other countries — notably, most Asian lands — have seemed to escape the brunt of the pandemic? Like it or not, the numbers speak for themselves. The countries where citizens wear masks in public (even before COVID-19) have fared far better than countries that have balked at the recommendation. Meanwhile, some western lands have had great success getting their citizens to mask up — and providing everyone with high-quality masks. The Austrian government is distributing FFP2 masks (the European equivalent of N95 masks) to its citizens over the age of 65. In Bavaria, Germany, the government has not only boosted its mask supply but has also mandated FFP2 masks on public transportation and in stores. Other nations clearly see the need for masking (and using the most effective masks). This is one reason why the new Biden administration is pushing so hard for mandatory mask-wearing. However, as mentioned at the outset, not all masks offer the same level of protection. It's more important than ever to make an informed decision with more contagious variants circulating the globe. Keep reading to learn more about cloth masks vs KN95 masks and N95 masks for sale today.

Comparing Face Masks: Which Offers the Most Protection?

Experts agree that when you do have to be around other people, you should use a mask. However, not just any mask will do.

To avoid getting infected, a surgical mask is a better choice than a cloth mask. A tight-fitting surgical mask is a better choice than a loose-fitting mask. An N95 or KN95 mask is better than a surgical mask.

Most Americans, however, still rely on cloth masks, which are least effective at protecting you from the coronavirus. Unfortunately, the CDC continues to recommend cloth face masks despite research that suggests higher-quality masks are needed.

Here's a brief breakdown of the most common types of face masks and the protection they offer wearers.

Washable Cloth Masks

These masks are non-medical-grade face coverings made of cotton or synthetic fabric. They're convenient because you can wash and reuse them. And while they do offer protection for the people around you, cloth masks offer only limited protection for the wearer. Experts estimate cloth masks are anywhere from 26%-80% effective at preventing the spread of the coronavirus. To increase the protection offered, WHO recommends looking for a mask with a three-layer structure.

Surgical Masks (Medical Masks)

These three-ply medical-grade masks are made from nonwoven synthetic materials. The filtration layers woven into the middle offer moderate protection for both the wearer and the people around them. Surgical masks are single-use only. They offer more protection than a cloth face mask, but less than the KN95 and N95 masks for sale on medical websites. They're recommended for healthcare workers, anyone with COVID-19 symptoms, and seniors over the age of 60.

Respirator Masks (KN95 & N95)

Respirator masks are also called FFPs, or filtering facepiece. These single-use masks use an electrostatic filter to capture tiny particles, including viruses. Premium respirator masks have up to 99.9% filtration efficiency. These types of masks are ideal because they protect other people from the wearer's respiratory emissions. They also provide the highest protection possible for the wearer. They're the go-to choice for any healthcare workers involved in high-risk procedures.

What If I Can't Find N95 Masks for Sale?

The supply chain is getting steadier, but some areas may still face a shortage of N95 masks. Are there alternatives that offer the same level of protection? Yes! This technical bulletin from 3M outlines equivalent masks in different parts of the world: • N95 (United States NIOSH-42CFR84) • FFP2 (Europe EN 149-2001) • KN95 (China GB2626-2006) • P2 (Australia/New Zealand AS/NZA 1716:2012) • Korea 1st class (Korea KMOEL - 2017-64) • DS (Japan JMHLW-Notification 214, 2018) The KN95 mask is an approved equivalent to the N95 mask. Our in-depth guide goes into more detail about mask ratings and why you can wear a KN95 mask with confidence.

Stock Up on Respirator Masks Today

Looking for KN95 masks near me? Your search is over, because we're fully stocked and ready to ship a supply of masks directly to your door. Click here to view our full selection of KN95 masks, surgical masks, and other vital PPE.

If you have any questions about our products or what's currently in stock, give us a call at 800-660-5998. We're available Monday through Friday from 9am to 4pm to answer your questions.