N95 masks for travel: What to wear as TSA extends its mask mandate for planes, trains and buses - CBS News

2022-04-22 22:10:38 By : Mr. Henry Feng

Updated on: March 11, 2022 / 11:35 AM / Essentials

CBS Essentials is created independently from the CBS News staff. We may receive commissions from some links to products on this page. Promotions are subject to availability and retailer terms.

While mask mandates are becoming more relaxed across much of the nation, the Transportation Security Administration has extended its security directive for mask use on public transportation through at least April 18. If you're planning a Spring break trip or other travel, you'll want to pick up a supply of N95 masks -- even though COVID-19 case numbers are down, you'll still need them.

Top products in this article:

Honeywell DC300 N95 particulate disposable respirators (20 pack), $30

Kimberly-Clark professional N95 pouch respirator (50 pack), $48 (reduced from $58)

Honeywell Safety DF300 N95 Flatfold Disposable Respirator (50 pack), $44

Your safest bet for travel is an N95 mask, in combination with being vaccinated and boosted. These masks are designed to filter at least 95% of all airborne particles larger than 0.3 microns when worn correctly.

The Biden Administration is making 400 million N95 masks available to Americans for free through local pharmacies and health centers. Supplies of these masks, sourced from the government's Strategic National Stockpile and now available, are limited to guarantee availability. And you need to pick them up in person.

So to ensure you have enough N95 masks for your upcoming trip, we've found some options. They're approved by the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), which is key, as there are many counterfeit N95 masks for sale online. Fortunately, face masks are more affordable than they've been in the past, with COVID numbers declining. 

(For more information, check out our COVID-19 guide : including where to buy N95 masks , how to avoid counterfeit N95 masks and what masks to buy for kids .)

These NIOSH-approved masks have four filter layers and feature an adjustable nose clip. The double elastic head straps eliminate pressure on the ears and is meant to make wearing the mask more comfortable. 

Benehal N95 Mask Particulate Respirators (20 pack), $25 (reduced from $53)

Honeywell DC300 N95 particulate disposable respirators (20 pack)

This new Honeywell design is made to fit more face shapes and minimize pressure points. It comes in a pack of 20.

Honeywell DC300 N95 particulate disposable respirators (20 pack), $30

If you're willing to purchase 50 masks, these, from Kimberly-Clark, have a large breathing chamber for comfort and soft but strong headbands. They're selling for less than $1 per mask.

Kimberly-Clark professional N95 pouch respirator (50 pack), $48 (reduced from $58)

These 3M masks prevent eyewear fogging and have a foam cushion for maximum comfort on your nose.

3M N95 8210 respirator (20 pack), $18 (reduced from $30)

These N95s have an adjustable nose clip and head strap. They come in a 25-pack.

N95 disposable multi-purpose respiratory mask (25 pack), $42

This N95 face mask has a soft foam nose cushion for maximum comfort. Its humidity- and moisture-resistant filter media repels moisture. At less than $1 per mask, these Honeywell N95s are one of the best N95 mask deals out there. 

Honeywell Safety DF300 N95 Flatfold Disposable Respirator (50 pack), $44

First published on January 28, 2022 / 2:44 PM

The Department said the textbooks had exercises based on critical race theory.

After a brief return to pre-pandemic life, many college students are again wearing masks and taking classes online.

As inflation surges, one Wall Street analyst expects U.S. food costs to continue rising this year and into 2023.

From painting with a bloody finger to leaving fecal matter in bed, these are some of the most shocking things Johnny Depp talked about during his testimony so far.

Apple store workers are organizing to form unions, and could inspire legions of other retail workers to do the same.

Electronic waste is the fastest growing type of trash. Here's how to ensure your devices won't end up in a landfill.

Some of America's best-known corporations aren't delivering on their promise to invest in employees, think tank says.

Industrial conglomerate run by right-wing billionaire says it's looking out for 600 workers at two glass factories.

Fed Chair Jerome Powell acknowledged that policy makers must move fast to stem rising inflation.

To fight climate change, apparel brands like Lululemon, Eileen Fisher and Patagonia are making it easier to resell their items.

The group noted more than 300 legislative proposals nationwide reference the LGBTQ+ community, with roughly 140 targeting trans youth.

Ukrainian Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal, Senator Elizabeth Warren and more appear on "Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan" this Sunday.

The former president has thrown his support behind two Michigan candidates who have supported his false claims about widespread election fraud.

The entertainment giant has not commented publicly on the proposal to dissolve its government, which has been in operation for 55 years.

Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas acknowledged that the planned end of Title 42 border expulsions in May could pose "significant challenges" for the U.S. government.

The Toronto Zoo has been administering COVID-19 vaccines to susceptible animals — including hippos, tigers and bears. The zoo has received 320 vaccine doses for 120 animals, with two doses required per animal given about two or three weeks apart.

The mask mandate went into effect in Philadelphia on Monday.

The president's chief medical adviser criticized the "disturbing" decision by "a judge with no experience in public health."

Diesel emissions disproportionately affect communities of color and poor neighborhoods because industrial facilities are often located in poorer areas. Ben Tracy takes a look at the negative effect diesel trucks are having on residents of a Los Angeles neighborhood.

The confusion over masking is growing after the Justice Department appealed a judge's ruling that struck down the travel mask mandate. Norah O'Donnell spoke with White House COVID-19 response coordinator Dr. Ashish Jha on why the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention thinks a mask is still necessary on public transportation.

The unit was created in 1997 and worked on cases such as the capture of notorious drug kingpin Joaquin "El Chapo" Guzman.

In an interview with CBS News, Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas said his department is trying to reduce border apprehensions by referring some migrants for criminal prosecution.

"Seeing kids laugh, a taste of normal life, it feels fantastic," Pavel Fedosenko says.

Shadeed Abdulmateen allegedly stabbed the woman to death on the night of June 14, 2021 with a folding knife.

Rylov stood on stage with with medalists from other Olympic sports and wore a jacket with a "Z" on the chest.

From painting with a bloody finger to leaving fecal matter in bed, these are 15 of the most shocking things Johnny Depp talked about during his testimony so far in his libel lawsuit against his ex-wife Amber Heard.

Singer-songwriter Charley Crockett's road in the music industry hasn't been easy or traditional. He was named Emerging Act of the Year at the Americana Awards in September, and is now headlining his own tour and joining Willie Nelson on the road this summer. Anthony Mason talks with Crockett about his new album, "Lil' G.L. Presents: Jukebox Charley" in New Orleans, where he used to busk on street corners.

"NBC, Bravo and True foster a corporate and workplace culture in which racially-insensitive and inappropriate behavior is tolerated – if not, encouraged," the suit says.

Viola Davis' new memoir, "Finding Me" was announced on "CBS Mornings" to be the 95th Oprah's Book Club pick.

One of the most acclaimed guitarists today, who's played with Rob Zombie, Marilyn Manson and David Lee Roth, found inspiration as a child by watching "Hee Haw."

Apple store workers are organizing to form unions, and could inspire legions of other retail workers to do the same.

An Apple store in Georgia has become the first in the country to officially file for a union vote. It comes days after a New York location started collecting signatures to unionize. CBS News tech reporter Dan Patterson has the latest.

Electronic waste is the fastest growing type of trash. Here's how to ensure your devices won't end up in a landfill.

The former president said the current information ecosystem is deepening existing racial and religious divides.

Online retail giant's "Buy with Prime" service, geared to online stories, will initially be available by invitation only.

Eleven-time Grammy winner Taylor Swift has secured herself a place in the history books — but it's one dedicated to bugs, not music.

To celebrate Earth Day, CBS News is speaking with people around the world doing their part to help the planet. Sasibai Kimis, founder of Earth Heir, works to use Malaysia's natural resources to create sustainable artisanal products, and she joins CBS News to talk about it.

Those who have experienced extreme weather have become more concerned.

Outside of Monterey Bay, an underwater robot is searching for elusive deep-sea creatures.

The Amazon rainforest in Brazil is facing threats that impact the global climate. Research shows 17% of the world's largest rainforest has been destroyed in the last 50 years, and scientists warn a road project in the region is accelerating deforestation. The Washington Post's Rio de Janeiro bureau chief, Terrence McCoy, recently traveled highway BR-319 and shared what he saw.

The unit was created in 1997 and worked on cases such as the capture of notorious drug kingpin Joaquin "El Chapo" Guzman.

The little girl had a blood-alcohol level of .680%, more than eight times the .08% driving limit for an adult, authorities said.

Carolyn Bryant Donham was named nearly 67 years ago in a warrant that accused her in Till's abduction.

Shadeed Abdulmateen allegedly stabbed the woman to death on the night of June 14, 2021 with a folding knife.

Wendi Adelson had told authorities that her brother had joked about hiring a hit man as a divorce present but had decided instead to buy her a TV.

Trouble getting the Axiom-1 crew back to Earth triggers domino-like delays for upcoming missions.

It's not known when NASA might be ready to make another attempt to fuel the SLS rocket in a critical test.

Scientists say a "missing link" that helps to explain the mysteries of the birth of the universe has been hiding in plain sight.

Look up! Shooting stars are arriving as we celebrate our planet.

No details about the spy satellite payload were revealed, but the NRO declared mission success in a statement.

A look at the evidence in "The Dexter Killer" case; plus, newly revealed letters from the man police say wanted to be like fictional serial-killer Dexter Morgan.

Bizarre clues and evidence in the investigation into the Colorado mother's disappearance include a spy pen, plastic needle cap, and a chipmunk alibi.

Which state has the highest proportion of gun owners? Here's what we know.

Forbes' annual billionaires list reveals which big-money titan has the most money of them all.

In 2020, the American Airlines manager was gunned down during a morning walk with his wife and dog. Two years later, his wife, Jennifer, pleaded guilty for her role in orchestrating his death.

Former U.S. Senator Doug Jones speaks on the Supreme Court confirmation process of Judge Ketanji Brown Jackson. Jones describes how his past influences the way he currently views the judicial process.

From painting with a bloody finger to leaving fecal matter in bed, these are 15 of the most shocking things Johnny Depp talked about during his testimony so far in his libel lawsuit against his ex-wife Amber Heard.

An Apple store in Georgia has become the first in the country to officially file for a union vote. It comes days after a New York location started collecting signatures to unionize. CBS News tech reporter Dan Patterson has the latest.

Russia appears to be changing its tactics in Ukraine. Retired U.S. Marine Corps Colonel Mark Cancian, a senior adviser at the CSIS International Security Program, joins CBS News to discuss the latest on the battle for Mariupol.

Johnny Depp's defamation case against ex-wife and actress Amber Heard will enter its third week in court on Monday. The actor is suing her for $50 million after she wrote an opinion piece claiming she was a victim of domestic violence. Heard has also countersued Depp for defamation. CBS News' Michelle Miller and Mola Lenghi chat with Entertainment Tonight co-host Kevin Frazier about the courtroom controversy.

Copyright ©2022 CBS Interactive Inc. All rights reserved.