Where to buy N95 masks following updated CDC federal mask guidance - CBS News

2022-07-01 19:20:55 By : Mr. Wiikk Wiikk

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.

Masks are no longer required on public transportation or in public places. But the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) continues to recommend masks for travel, releasing a new statement on May 3. And, of course, some private businesses and schools still have mask mandates in place. So while you might not be wearing a mask as much as you were last year, chances are you'll run into a few situations where one is still required.

Unlike early in the pandemic, N95 respirator availability is high -- and N95 prices are more affordable than they were before. The CDC says that N95 masks "provide the highest level of protection from particles, including the virus that causes COVID-19." We've rounded up some good and popular deals to help you get the very best N95 masks.

Top products in this article:

Our most popular N95 mask: Kimberly-Clark N95 duckbill mask (50 pack), $58

Best per-mask price: 3M N95 8210 respirator (20 pack), $14 (reduced from $19)

Small pack of N95 masks: 3M Aura N95 respirator (3 pack), $10

The CDC still recommends that everyone age 2 and older wear a mask or respirator in indoor areas of transportation and in transportation hubs, such as on airplanes and in airports. This public health recommendation is based on "an understanding of domestic and global epidemiology, circulating variants and their impact on disease severity and vaccine effectiveness, current trends in COVID-19 Community Levels within the U.S., projections of COVID-19 trends in the coming months" and more.

N95 masks offer the best protection against COVID-19, as they're designed to filter at least 95% of all airborne particles  larger than 0.3 microns when the mask forms a tight seal on your face. This means an N95 mask will be your best protection against the BA.2 Omicron subvariant that's spreading through the Northeast , when combined with social distancing.

It's important to pick up an N95 mask that's approved by the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH). Find the full list of approved N95 brands here (and all the picks below are NIOSH-approved, naturally). Beware: There are counterfeit N95 masks online, so be sure to check the brand name on the NIOSH site, and to shop at trusted retailers to avoid ending up with a fake N95 face mask .

One more thing you should know about N95 masks -- you can rewear them. The CDC says that health care professionals can rewear an N95 mask up to five times before its thrown out. Experts note, however, that you should discard a mask sooner if it no longer forms a tight seal on your face, or if it gets dirty or wet.

We've found protective N95 face masks available at Honeywell, Amazon and more below. 

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), $22 (reduced from $53)

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 at a time, these duckbill N95 masks from Kimberly-Clark have a large breathing chamber for comfort and soft but strong headbands. After a short period of unavailability, these N95 masks are back in stock at Amazon for quick shipping, so grab them before they sell out (again).

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

These 3M masks prevent eyewear fogging and have a foam cushion for maximum comfort on your nose. They're currently on sale at Amazon for $0.675 per mask if you buy a 20-pack, making this one of the lowest per-mask prices we've ever seen for N95s.

3M N95 8210 respirator (20 pack), $14 (reduced from $19)

These disposable N95 masks by 3M feature an adjustable nose clip, chin tab and a low-profile design that directs air away from the nose panel to reduce eyewear fogging. 

3M Aura N95 respirator (10 pack), $23 

This N95 face mask has a soft foam nose cushion for maximum comfort. Its humidity- and moisture-resistant filter media repels moisture. This 50 pack of Honeywell N95s will run you $0.88 per mask. 

Honeywell Safety DF300 N95 Flatfold Disposable Respirator (50 pack), $44 (reduced from $51)

Don't forget your little ones when it comes time to mask up. While they're not officially designated N95 -- no child-sized mask is -- they do meet a similar 95% international filtration standard.

These individually wrapped face masks are $1.49 each, or $1.04 each when you sign up for a regular shipment. They're made of five layers (for kids for ages 5 to 12), or four layers (for ages 2 to 4). Their earloops are adjustable, and they have a moisture-wicking inner layer. Find them in three sizes for kids.

WellBefore KN95 kids masks, $1.49 each

WellBefore also sells individually wrapped KN95 fish-style masks for kids. They too are $1.49 each, and available in three sizes.

Kids' masks don't have to be dreary -- they can be colorful and fun. These U.S.-made KN95 masks from Vida are available in 12 vivid colors, from aquamarine to magenta to tangerine. If you can't choose just one, there are multicolor packs as well.

Quantity discounts are available here: The more you buy, the more you save.

Vida colorful KN95 kids' masks (10 pack), $35

Vida colorful KN95 kids' masks (20 pack), $60

Evolvetogether, a mask brand that's popular with celebrities, has a line of KN95 masks that includes KN95 masks for kids. The masks are available in black, white, khaki and navy blue.

Evolvetogether KN95 kids' mask (5 pack), $15

The Biden Administration announced a plan to make 400 million N95 masks available to Americans for free through local pharmacies (such as Walgreens, CVS and some supermarkets) and local health centers. You can now locate free mask pharmacy locations with the CDC's mask locator.

Supplies are limited to guarantee availability, and children's masks are not yet being offered with the program. And unlike the free at-home COVID-19 tests offered by the government, these free N95 masks cannot be shipped. So if you need a reliable supply of N95 masks delivered, you'll have to open up your wallet and choose one of the N95 options above.

First published on January 5, 2022 / 4:47 PM

"That was a threat to our institutions of government," Hutchinson said about Jan. 6.

One perk of buying a ticket on an oversold flight? If you agree to be bumped, some airlines may pay you thousands in cash.

Former Georgetown University tennis coach Gordon Ernst has been sentenced to 2 1/2 years in prison for his role in the sprawling college admissions bribery scandal.

Bush said that the resurgence of the song put her "on top of that hill." Streams have increased almost 17,000%.

Technoblade, who revealed his name as Alex, died after a battle with stage four cancer, his family said.

One perk of buying a ticket on an oversold flight? If you agree to be bumped, some airlines may pay you thousands in cash.

Bush said that the resurgence of the song put her "on top of that hill." Streams have increased almost 17,000%.

A home-grilled cheeseburger cost $2.07 this year, an increase of 21 cents from the last Fourth of July holiday, USDA says.

The start of 2022 has pushed Wall Street into a bear market. Here's what the rest of the year could hold for investors.

Airlines that say they're facing severe pilot shortages amid a resurgence in air travel are boosting pay.

"That was a threat to our institutions of government," Hutchinson said about Jan. 6.

President Biden met virtually with several Democratic governors on efforts to protect women's abortion access.

Democrats on the left want their party to take action to ensure women have access to abortions.

The awards will be presented Thursday, July 7.

Prime Minister Krisjanis Karins urged countries struggling with inflation to accept it as a small price to pay, as "Ukrainians are paying with their lives."

Dr. Karen Onel, pediatric rheumatology chief, explains symptoms of stiffness and joint swelling to look for in children.

The overturning of Roe v. Wade "is going to make pregnancy more dangerous," one doctor said. Another put it bluntly: "Many, many people will die."

The epic show of solidarity for little Roqaia has given other parents hope, but it's a race against time to get one of the world's most expensive drugs.

Nearly all abortions were immediately banned in Arkansas last week immediately after the Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade. Governor Asa Hutchinson joins "CBS Mornings" to discuss the state’s legislation.

The new program, which will take until 2024 to fully implement, will provide coverage for an additional 764,000 people.

Parents are re-reading last messages, swiping through photos, waiting for a phone call and praying.

Prime Minister Krisjanis Karins urged countries struggling with inflation to accept it as a small price to pay, as "Ukrainians are paying with their lives."

The epic show of solidarity for little Roqaia has given other parents hope, but it's a race against time to get one of the world's most expensive drugs.

The latest hearing yielded no real information on the strategy adopted by the WNBA star's legal team, but a U.S. diplomat says she's doing "as well as can be expected."

The U.S. has received tens of thousands of humanitarian parole applications from Afghans seeking refuge from the Taliban.

Technoblade, who revealed his name as Alex, died after a battle with stage four cancer, his family said.

Emmy and Tony-nominated actor David Harbour speaks with Anthony Mason about filming volume 2 of "Stranger Things" season four, his marriage to singer Lily Allen and his new starring role in the West End production "Mad House," which is partly based on his experiences with mental illness.

The 1992 track, "Killing in the Name," was played on loop until at least Wednesday – but it is unclear who is behind the mysterious music marathon.

Bestselling author Malcolm Gladwell joins “CBS Mornings'' to discuss the seventh season of his podcast "Revisionist History." He talks about uncovering his family history and how his latest book is being adapted into a documentary series.

As movements like #exvangelicals continue to grow, CBS News spoke to three queer artists who have reclaimed elements of their religion in their art.

Tech companies are facing numerous questions on whether they will cooperate with law enforcement officials who may seek to prosecute abortions where the procedure is now banned. CBS News tech reporter Dan Patterson has more on the pressures these companies are facing, including from their own employees.

CNET Editorial Director Dan Ackerman joins “CBS Mornings” to share innovative technology that can help families beat the heat and save money this summer.

Memes and status updates explaining how women can legally obtain abortion pills in the mail have surged on the platforms.

Billionaire investor Mark Cuban joins "CBS Mornings" to discuss his new online pharmacy's goals of disrupting the prescription drug industry and providing low-cost generic drugs.

Attack is the third major theft this year involving services that help users trade crypto across different blockchains.

State officials said Greenidge Generation's mine is a threat to New York's climate goals. A Greenidge spokesperson says, "It simply would not."

Dozens of wildfires were burning across the nation this week. Climate change is making these fires more frequent and intense, and the crews that fight them are feeling the toll. CBS News’ Ben Tracy sat down with Kelly Martin, president of the Grassroots Wildland Firefighters Association, to talk about what these brave firefighters go through.

Florida officials confirmed the recurrence of an invasive snail species that destroys wildlife and poses serious threats to human health.

Drought and warming temperatures - conditions favored by the insects - have fanned the outbreaks.

Most bacteria are microscopic, but this one is so big it can be seen with the naked eye.

Former Georgetown University tennis coach Gordon Ernst has been sentenced to 2 1/2 years in prison for his role in the sprawling college admissions bribery scandal.

Analysis of FBI data shows that the rate at which murder investigations in the U.S. are being solved dipped to an all-time low of around 50% in 2020. CBS News' Tanya Rivero and Nikki Battiste talk with Wilson Walker, a reporter for CBS News' San Francisco Bay Area station KPIX 5, about his reporting on the issue.

Parents are re-reading last messages, swiping through photos, waiting for a phone call and praying.

An emergency management official was also injured and a police dog was killed, an arrest citation said.

During his trial in 2018, no one disputed that McIver shot his wife. The question for jurors was whether they believed he meant to do it.

The SES-22 relay station is the first of six new satellites that will deliver TV, radio and data across the U.S.

"Seeing the Earth from the outside ... it really puts things into perspective," Katya Echazarreta said.

The solar-powered microwave oven-sized craft is a key part of the agency's Artemis moon program.

Depending on the results of an independent review, budget impacts and other factors, the Psyche mission could face cancellation.

An early Super Heavy-Starship failure could disrupt SpaceX astronaut fights to space station.

One of these shows could be your next binge obsession.

Looking for something fresh to watch? Here are the top films available on the streaming platform.

If you work in one of these industries, you already know the risks.

As abortion-rights activists mourned the end of an era, anti-abortion advocates celebrated a long-fought victory.

Inside the life of a teenage girl and how her disappearance inspired a movement.

A poor Guatemalan family is reeling over the deaths of two teenage cousins, who were among the 53 migrants found dead in a tractor trailer in Texas. One of their grandmothers said there are not many work opportunities where they live – and that's why he left for a better life in the U.S. "If I had money, he would not have had the need to leave."

Chinese president Xi Jinping is in Hong Kong to mark 25 years since Great Britain returned control of the city to China. He also oversaw the inauguration of the city's new Chief Executive, John Lee. CBS News anchors Tanya Rivero and Nikki Battiste spoke with Amy Celico, principal at the Albright Stonebridge Group, about the significance of Xi Jinping's presence in Hong Kong.

The Fourth of July holiday weekend is expected to be a difficult one for travelers. The airline industry is struggling with a spike in flight cancellations and delays, while drivers face high gas prices. CBS News transportation correspondent Errol Barnett has more.

The first day of WNBA star Brittney Giner's trial in Russia has wrapped up. She could face 10 years in prison for alleged drug smuggling, but the U.S. says she is wrongfully detained. CBS News foreign correspondent Charlie D'Agata and William Pomerantz, acting director of the Kennan Insitute, explain the latest on her trial and the potential to free her through a prisoner swap.

Ukrainian authorities say at least 19 people were killed after a Russian airstrike on the port city of Odesa. CBS News foreign correspondent Ramy Inocencio has the latest on the war, and whether Ukrainian leaders need more support from the West.

Copyright ©2022 CBS Interactive Inc. All rights reserved.