Even with the vaccine, the coronavirus pandemic continues to worry the public. Knowing the right approach to mask-wearing is daunting as it is unclear as to which masks are the most effective for personal protection and whether or not these benefits should be reserved for those most in need. On the other end of things, more and more people prioritize their self-care during these trying times and consider buying the safest and most effective face mask coverings, an extension to their self-care regimes. When you’re strolling through Target or Whole Foods, you’ll see plenty of cloth and other fabric options, but what about those heavy-duty masks? Where exactly do you buy N95 and KN95 masks if you want the most protection possible? Here we answer these questions and explain how to go about the online shopping process, visit site to buy it online.
Source: Martha Stewart
Contents
N95 vs KN95
For a while now, the best mask around has been the N95. From its tight fit to its ability to filter out 95% of particles, everyone from your neighbor to the Cleveland Clinic has sought out these specialty masks to ensure their protection against the spread. As the virus worsened, the supply of them started to decrease. To compensate for these losses, the KN95, imported from China, was used as a replacement. Unfortunately, many of the masks that are imported do not have the same certification level for protection and effectiveness that the US N95 has. For everyday situations in low-risk environments, KN95 is effective at keeping people safe. This, however, does not translate to medical settings, as the KN95 is not the most resistant one against bodily fluids.
Source: BBC
Upticks and Decreases in Supply
For these reasons, the original US N95 mask supplies are supposed to be reserved for medical staff and sick patients. It is unclear as to how exactly different people get their hands on this mask, but it is evident that they are not all being reserved for medical workers and those in need. This leaves medical staff with no option but to rely on K95 as a substitute despite their limitations. The recent uptick in 3M N95 has also surfaced for their ability to block out 95% of particles in the air like the N95s. Again, these masks are allegedly reserved for essential workers and those in need, but this rule of thumb is not always followed. The need to provide for one’s own safety, and their family’s safety is a vital survivalist principle that is hardwired into human DNA. All species in the wild will go to fierce measures to protect themselves and their families. Why should people be any different? The popular opinion is that in order to protect everyone, those most in need should have priority in terms of protective care. Some people disagree with this belief, arguing that by limiting the general public’s ability to protect themselves, it is more likely that more and more people will end up falling ill and contracting the virus. As people continue to debate what makes the most sense, the best mask supply continues to go downhill.
Source: Business Standard
Where to Find N95 masks for sale
Since the supply of high-quality masks is so low, it can be difficult to find these ones online and in stores. Likewise, if you are able to access retail supplies, there are a vast number of retailers, and it can be hard to sift through which manufacturers provide the most reliable masks for purchase. There are also counterfeit ones that reduce reliability even further. It can be challenging to weed out the best from the worst, even on major public resources like Amazon. To help you determine which N95 for sale to purchase and which to avoid, we have compiled a list of guidelines. First of all, you need to know what each type of mask looks like to determine whether or not you are considering purchasing a genuine or counterfeit mask. For example, an n95 mask that is legitimate will have bands that are shown to be placed over the backside of your head to offer a snug fit. You might find counterfeit n95s with loops instead of straps; this is a warning sign that this is not a trusted brand.
Source: CNN
Beware of Retail Powerhouses
Additionally, even powerhouse sites like Amazon have their drawbacks when it comes to considering which masks to purchase. Some retailers have high ratings by customers, but these are false, and the reviews often tell the true story. The algorithms on Amazon are not advanced enough to detect false advertising, and they use ratings from customers to bring certain products to the front. You need to do your own research and look at the reviews to truly know what it is you are considering purchasing.
Source: arizona
Use Authorized Sources
If you don’t feel like sifting through scams, go straight to an authorized source. An authorized source is an online retailer that clearly states their documentation as an authorized distributor of US face masks. Based on other researchers’ findings, the manufacturer Bonafide Mask is a genuine online retailer that sells certified masks. You can also find legitimate ones for sale by Demi Tech and Prestige Ameritech. Oftentimes when you buy a product from the manufacturer directly, you override the hurdles that are commonly seen on mask manufacturing sites like Amazon.
Source: OregonLive.com
The Bottom Line
Do your research if you choose to select masks from mass retail sites. There are dozens of manufacturers online looking to make a quick buck, so don’t be fooled by the first affordable option you find. Take time studying what the N95 should look like, feel like, and be certified with before you order from any online retailer. Ordering directly from a manufacturer may be the safest bet to ward off counterfeit sellers and others who lack the true quality of the product that you are looking for. You deserve the best options for your protection, so don’t be quick to settle.
