Used to protect against coronavirus as well as to prevent inhalation of toxic dust, N95, FFP2 or KN95 masks filter out 95% of micro-particles and pathogens down to 0.3 microns. Now available to the general public, they come in several shapes and types. To help you make the right choice, read our comparison of the best N95 masks in 2020.
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Our selection
"CE marked and compliant with European standards, the EasyCHEE Powstay PM01A goggle combines comfort of use and a very good level of protection, all for…"
"Offering good comfort of use and high filtration capacity, the CRAZYCHIC protective mask is an excellent choice in its price range."
"The 3M 8822 FFP2 face mask is a full face mask with a Cool Flow valve for ultra-comfortable breathing. FFP2 certified and sold in packs…"
"If you're looking for a high-quality face mask, the 3M 9322+ is a great choice. Not only does it protect against harmful particles, but it…"
CE marked and compliant with European standards, the EasyCHEE Powstay PM01A goggle combines comfort of use and a very good level of protection, all for an affordable price.
See priceSold in a 2-piece pack, the EasyCHEE Powstay PM01A disposable mask is FFP2, the European equivalent of N95. Each mask is CE marked and complies with the European standard EN 149:2001 + A1:2009. This information is a guarantee of quality ensuring optimal protection against airborne infectious particles. For your peace of mind, the masks are packaged in individual bags in an envelope.
This breathing mask allows you to breathe in and out without resistance. The comfort of wearing the mask is enhanced by the flexibility of the straps and the padded nosebands that allow the mask to fit snugly on the face. We particularly appreciate the possibility of using an optional retention clip to avoid discomfort in your ears.
Offering good comfort of use and high filtration capacity, the CRAZYCHIC protective mask is an excellent choice in its price range.
See priceThe CRAZYCHIC FFP2 respirator filters out 94-95% of potentially harmful micro-particles, providing good protection against contamination by infectious viruses. Compliant with the European standard CE EN149:2001, it is offered here in a set of 20. Each mask is CE marked and packed in an individual bag for transport.
Thanks to its 5 filtering layers, this disposable mask protects the wearer as well as those around him. It is comfortable to wear and has a lower breathing resistance. The metal nose clip keeps it in place. Finally, the elastics are flexible and comfortable. If you wear glasses, they will not cause you any discomfort.
The 3M 8822 FFP2 face mask is a full face mask with a Cool Flow valve for ultra-comfortable breathing. FFP2 certified and sold in packs of 10, it effectively protects against potentially infectious fine particles.
See priceAlthough initially designed to provide excellent protection against dust and fine particles, the 3M 8822 mask also protects against coronavirus. Certified FFP2 and compliant with EN 149:2001, it filters out 95% of airborne aerosols and infectious agents.
The qualities of this protective mask are numerous. Its inner shell makes it resistant to crushing, and its well-designed structure allows a perfect fit on your face. In addition to its convex shape, it has a foam and an adjustable nose bridge. Note the presence of a Cool Flow valve that prevents heat from accumulating inside the mask, for effective protection and comfort.
If you're looking for a high-quality face mask, the 3M 9322+ is a great choice. Not only does it protect against harmful particles, but it also offers unparalleled comfort in use.
See price3M, an emblematic brand, offers here a protective mask as effective as comfortable. It is a FFP2 mask, the European equivalent of the American N95, capable of filtering out 95% of micro-particles. In these times of pandemic, it's an excellent choice if you're looking for reliable protection.
The three-piece design provides excellent voice intelligibility, allowing you to communicate easily. Its Cool Flow valve ensures better exhalation and eliminates moisture, reducing condensation. Beyond its minimal breathing resistance, the 3M 9322+ mask provides excellent wearing comfort thanks to its flexible nose with absorbent padding. Note that it facilitates the wearing of glasses, without forgetting that it avoids the formation of condensation on the glasses. Note that the price is for one piece.
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The best entry-level N95 goggle
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| TOP OF THE TOP | CHEAP | TOP OF THE LINE | EXCELLENT | |
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| OUR SELECTION |
EasyCHEE Powstay PM01A Masque respiratoire FFP2
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CRAZYCHIC - Masque FFP2 NR - Norme CE EN149
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3M 8822 Masque anti-poussière jetable FFP2
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3M 9322 Set of 2 Filtering Respirators
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CE marked and compliant with European standards, the EasyCHEE Powstay PM01A goggle combines comfort of use and a very good level of protection, all for an affordable price.
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Offering good comfort of use and high filtration capacity, the CRAZYCHIC protective mask is an excellent choice in its price range.
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The 3M 8822 FFP2 face mask is a full face mask with a Cool Flow valve for ultra-comfortable breathing. FFP2 certified and sold in packs of 10, it effectively protects against potentially infectious fine particles.
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If you're looking for a high-quality face mask, the 3M 9322+ is a great choice. Not only does it protect against harmful particles, but it also offers unparalleled comfort in use.
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Comfort
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Quantity
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2 pièces
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20 pièces
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10 pièces
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2 pieces
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N95 Equivalence
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FFP2
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KN95
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FFP2
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FFP2
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Type
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Pliable
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Pliable
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Coque
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3-panel foldable
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Flexible nose with absorbent padding
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Non
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Non
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Non
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Yes
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Compliance with current standards is a good quality criterion when buying a respirator or a face mask. Make sure that the model you are interested in meets the European standards. Make sure it has the CE mark and EN 149 which defines the FFP2 protection class, the European equivalent of the US N95.
Choose a recognized brand when purchasing your FFP2 or N95 respirator. By knowing the exact origin of the product, you are enlightened in your choice and you also benefit from a good traceability. Remember to check that it comes with a certificate of origin to avoid ending up with a counterfeit product.
The N95/FFP2/KN95 protective masks come in several styles. They can be foldable, hard-shell, or designed with three vertical panels. There are also models with and without valves.
Because
it is designed to be worn for many hours on the face, an N95 face mask should offer the maximum possible comfort. Read the product description and check to see if it comes with a few comfort features, such as a padded, tight-fitting brim, a nose clip for adjustment, or a hot air outlet valve.
Some N95/FFP2 masks have adjustable straps to fit the user's face. The metal nosepiece can also be used as an adjustment to properly fit the mask. In any case, make sure that the product you are interested in satisfies most adult users. If you need a mask for your child, the child size should be clearly marked.
Invented by Taiwanese-American scientist Peter Tsai and his team, the N95 mask filter requires proper cleaning to maintain its effectiveness. It is essential to clean it well in order to reuse it. According to Dr. Tsai, it is a good idea to take turns using the masks. This allows each mask to rest for at least three days before wearing it again.
He also says that immersing an n95 in steam at 125°C/260°F or boiling water for 3 minutes is a good method for disinfecting it, while maintaining its filtration efficiency. Also, avoid excessive stirring of the mask while boiling it.
But this method is not recommended if your mask has both inner and outer layers. This is because the steam and boiling method will only disintegrate the paper layers holding the filter media together. For the cooking method, there must be another oven other than the food preparation oven to avoid the risk of contamination. And Dr. Tsai adds that heating a mask for 30 minutes at 70°C (160°F) is an excellent decontamination method.
Cleaning the mask with liquid alcohol or soapy water is not recommended if you want to keep it effective for as long as possible. This will greatly reduce its filtration efficiency because these methods affect the way the mask filters small particles. Specifically, they could break down the inherent electrostatic charge on which this filtration depends.
There are three main types of N95 masks on the market: foldable, shell and three-panel foldable masks.
This type of N95 face mask is folded in half vertically while still in its original packaging. It is characterized by its very small size
, allowing you to take several with you without requiring much space. It also has the advantage of being economical. Nevertheless, its one-piece structure does not always allow for a high number of filtration layers. Most of the time, a foldable N95 mask has three layers, two of which are made of fabric, and the middle one is made of non-woven, melt-blown fabric. Some models, however, have 5 filter layers.
The
first advantage of a clamshell mask is that it retains its shape, which has been specifically designed to provide better protection. Indeed, its edges fit perfectly on the face
by sealing around the mouth and nose, providing at the same time a higher comfort.
The shell-shaped mask also keeps a large volume of air inside the mask to avoid contact with the mouth and facilitate conversation. Breathing is better, especially with models that have an exhalation valve. The full-face mask is generally more expensive than the standard folding mask.
Sometimes
also referred to as the N95 diamond-shaped mask, the three-panel folding mask has a recognizable characteristic shape. Its strength lies in the level of comfort and good ergonomics it provides, due to its three-part horizontal structure. It also offers a large interior air volume for conversation
.
The upper and lower panels allow for a precise fit on the face and nose. Foldable, this type of mask is also lightweight and can be easily stored in a case or appropriate packaging. Finally, some models are equipped with an internal filter to enhance protection. The price of a 3-panel mask is also often higher than that of a mask that can be folded in half.
The valve on the N95 masks has a specific function: to facilitate the exit of hot and humid air and to improve exhalation. The comfort of use is much better compared to a mask without a valve, as breathing is optimized thanks to less expiratory resistance. This means that this type of mask can be used for a longer period of time. The N95 masks with valve are generally shell or three-panel foldable masks.
Whether it is a shell or three-panel mask, an N95 mask without a valve offers less breathing comfort than a model with a valve. Warm, moist air from the exhalation process is not efficiently exhausted, making breathing more difficult. Therefore, this type of mask is not suitable for prolonged use. In terms of protection against pathogens and fine dust, it still offers the same filtration capacity as a mask with a valve.
Although they are equal in terms of protection, an N95 mask with a valve and another model without a valve do not offer the same comfort of use. As a result, they are intended for more or less different uses. If you need to wear a protective mask for a long period of time, up to 8 hours, choose a model with a valve. The breathing quality it provides allows you to stay focused on your activity for longer. If, on the other hand, you need optimal protection for a short period of time, such as 3 hours, a FFP2 / N95 mask without a valve may be suitable.
The filtering capacity of an N95 face mask is partly determined by the number of filter layers it has. In most cases, this characteristic is indicated. However, depending on the quality of the product, a larger number of layers may increase the breathing resistance. Also, the specifics of each layer may be decisive.
N95 masks are primarily used by medical personnel in regular contact with Covid-19 patients. Both private doctors and hospital medical staff wear these masks when working with patients. Thus, they offer high protection against infectious agents. However, N95 masks are now available in several models for the general public. Vulnerable people, in particular, must wear this type of protection.
Choosing an N95 mask has several advantages:
The major disadvantage of N95 masks is their price. Indeed, they can cost up to 10 times more than cloth masks. However, the difference is justified by their unparalleled quality level in terms of the masks available for purchase.
Shave before wearing a N95 face mask
A beard reduces the effectiveness of an N95 facepiece. It must be sealed around the mouth and nose to ensure optimal protection. Remember to shave before wearing one.
Change your mask as soon as necessary
If you are
sweating, change your mask if you notice that it is wet. A wet mask will prove less effective and less comfortable to use.
Reduce operating time
When
possible, limit wear to no more than one hour at a time to ensure maximum comfort and effectiveness
.
Use an N95 mask only when necessary
It
is advisable to limit the use of an N95 facepiece only in a situation where social distancing is difficult
to achieve.
Choose a mask that fits your body type
Before
settling on a model, make sure that its dimensions and other specificities correspond to your morphology. Indeed, the N95 mask should be neither too tight nor too wide to guarantee excellent protection.
The best N95 goggle depends on your needs and budget. Read our buying guide for the best products available.
Depending on the type of mask and the quality of manufacture, the price of N95 / FFP2 protective masks ranges from 1 to 15 euros per piece.
No, N95 masks should be discarded after use. They are not designed to be washed.
Wash your hands with soap or use a disinfectant before putting on your N95 facepiece. Cover your nose and mouth, making sure there are no gaps between the mask and your face.
Pull it from behind and throw it away. Avoid touching it directly when handling it. Wash your hands again with soapy water or disinfect them.
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