February 1, 2022
As supply has increased and variants have evolved, it may be time to upgrade to a higher quality mask. Most important is wearing a mask with the best fit, protection, and comfort for you. While any mask is better than no mask, some offer a higher level of protection than others.
With many counterfeit masks and respirators now on the market, it’s important to purchase from trusted sources and reputable vendors.
Purchasing directly from the manufacturer helps reduce the chance of receiving counterfeits. Project N95, a nonprofit site known for vetting mask suppliers may also be a helpful resource. With demand on the rise, many trusted suppliers are experiencing shipping delays.
Avoid Counterfeit Masks
Legitimate N95s should be stamped with the text “NIOSH,” manufacturer name, model and lot numbers as well as a “TC approval” number.
Legitimate KN95s should be stamped with manufacturer name, model and “GB2626-2019,” the most recent Chinese quality control standard.
KF94s aren’t stamped with text. Packaging should say “Made in Korea” and include product, manufacturer and distributor name.