Here's where to obtain free N95 masks.

The CDC has recommended highly protective N95 masks to combat the surging cases of Covid-19's omicron variant, and President Biden has provided 400 million N95 masks to pharmacies and community health centers. You may be wondering how to obtain them, particularly for free.

Although some free masks are currently available and more will be delivered soon, locating them can be difficult. While the availability of N95s, which filter out at least 95% of air particles, has improved for healthcare workers, finding them in stores or online can still be challenging.

The CDC advises wearing the "most protective mask that fits well and is worn consistently," but its updated guidance states that N95s offer the "highest level of protection," followed by similar respirator masks like the KN95 and KF94 or well-fitting disposable surgical masks, which are better than cloth masks, which offer the "least protection."

Beware of fake N95 respirators as 60% of Chinese-made KN95 masks do not meet NIOSH inspection standards. It is crucial to be cautious when purchasing masks and to choose the right ones.

Where to find legitimate N95 masks

To guarantee you receive NIOSH-approved masks, it is recommended to obtain them from a healthcare professional. The Biden administration has initiated a program to provide three free N95 masks to each individual visiting a participating community health center, as well as participating pharmacies and retailers such as CVS, Costco, and Walmart.

You can find a health center near you here, and see which pharmacies and retailers are participating with this program in your state here. However, not all health centers are participating, and masks might be prioritized for underserved communities. Therefore, it's best to call ahead for availability. According to a White House official, the program will only be fully up and running by early February.

To ensure maximum protection, it is recommended to opt for NIOSH-approved N95 masks and limit your purchases to reputable retailers that have a direct relationship with mask manufacturers, such as CVS or Home Depot, or from the manufacturers' own websites, like 3M or Honeywell.

To ensure the quality of your mask, it's recommended to purchase from verified manufacturers, such as Bona Fide Masks, Project N95, or WellBefore. If you're shopping on a site with multiple vendors, like Amazon, stick to purchasing from trusted manufacturers.

Knowing your N95s from your KN95s and KF94s

While some individuals prefer respirator masks like KN95s and KF94s due to their ear loops and ease of fit for children, their loose fit may reduce their effectiveness compared to N95s. Nevertheless, they are still more effective than cloth masks.

The CDC has stated that KN95s and KF94s are highly effective masks, but they are manufactured according to standards specific to China and South Korea, respectively, rather than the American standards. As a result, there is no CDC-approved list of manufacturers for these types of masks.

It can be challenging to differentiate between authentic and fake KN95 and KF94 masks. When purchasing, it is recommended to stick with larger retailers and reputable vendors, such as 3M. CNBC Select and Project N95 both have lists of top KN95 masks. However, these masks are in high demand, so supplies may be limited or out of stock. The prices for N95, KN95, and KF94 masks are generally the same, ranging from $1 to $2 per mask, and are typically sold in packages of 10, 20, 30, or 50 masks. N95 masks are more likely to be priced at $2 or more, while KN95 and KF94 masks are more readily available at a lower price point, around $1 per mask.

Ensure you follow CDC guidelines for wearing respirator masks, regardless of the type you purchase.

How to spot fake masks

To determine if a respirator is NIOSH-approved, look for a label that starts with TC and has seven digits. KN95s and KF94s do not have this label, as they are not NIOSH-approved.

The proper N95 masks should have straps that go around the head and an “approval holder” designation that specifies either the manufacturer or brand name of the product, as well as a four-digit “part number” or “model number” on the mask.

It is harder to identify fake KN95s and KF94s without NIOSH approval. To ensure authenticity, it is recommended to purchase from reputable vendors. However, there are certain features you can look for to verify the product's legitimacy.

A KN95 mask is typically a duck-billed mask with ear loops, and it should have either a GB2626-2019 mark if it was made after July 2021, or a GB2626-2006 if it was made before then. KN95 masks should have a two or three-year expiration date, and the packaging should indicate when they were manufactured.

KF94s are circular and less pointed than KN95s, and should be made in South Korea, as stated by CNET. To ensure the product's authenticity, look for a red, white, and blue seal or label on the packaging that indicates it has been approved by South Korea's Ministry of Food and Drug Safety.

Any mask with a label or printing containing spelling errors should be considered suspicious. For more information on identifying fakes, refer to this CDC tip sheet.

The Biden administration's free N95 mask initiative has been updated.

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In Seoul, South Korea, a 26-year-old expat lives on an annual budget of $24,000.