6 NIOSH

Jan 16, 2024

Experts say N95s offer superior protection from the Omicron variant compared to surgical and cloth masks

Kayla Hui is an eCommerce writer at Meredith Corporation, covering all things health, wellness, and beauty. Kayla graduated from the Boston University School of Public Health with her master's degree in public health and currently lives in New York City. During her free time, Kayla enjoys reading, trying new restaurants, and buying plants she doesn't need.

Christina Butan has been working in media since she graduated SUNY Purchase in 2017 with a bachelor's degree in journalism and the Peter Keller Journalism Prize. She started out as an editorial assistant and news writer for PEOPLE, and then joined the Dotdash Meredith commerce team as an Amazon writer in 2019. She quickly became well-versed in commerce content and worked her way up to becoming a Senior Commerce Writer and Strategist for InStyle, where she pitches, writes, assigns, and edits stories covering celebrity style, beauty trends, editor's picks, and more.

We independently evaluate all recommended products and services. If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation. Learn more.

While cloth and surgical face masks may have been your go-to method of protection so far during the pandemic, it's important to pay attention to COVID-19 safety guidelines, since they are constantly changing. Now, based on preliminary data from the University of Hong Kong, which found that the Omicron variant is more transmissible and multiplies 70 times faster than the Delta variant, experts say that it's time to upgrade to a high-filtration respirator, such as an N95 mask.

Unfortunately, counterfeit face coverings are common, but the good news is that the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has a list of approved mask manufacturers, including those tested and evaluated by the National Institute for Occupational Safety & Health (NIOSH). To make finding one even easier, we combed through Amazon for NIOSH-approved N95 masks that you can buy right now. Along with vaccination, social distancing, and frequent hand washing, investing in a CDC-approved mask is an effective way to lower the risk of transmission and contraction.

[Editor's note: Due to high demand, the availability of N95 face masks online is limited and fluctuating. Keep checking back for restocks, and we'll update this list as more options become available.]

Unlike surgical or cloth masks, N95 masks are classified by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration as respirators. They are more fitted and eliminate gaps thanks to their "duckbill" designs, adjustable nose clips, and sealed-like edges. Plus, they're made with multiple layers, this way, "the air we breathe does not bypass the filter," Joel Burken, Ph.D., the chair of the department of civil, architectural, and environmental engineering at Missouri University of Science and Technology, previously told PEOPLE.

N95 masks filter out at least 95 percent of airborne particles, including large ones and those as small as 0.03 microns. Because COVID-19's viral particles tend to be as small as 70 nanometers, your surgical or cloth mask won't do as good of a job as an N95 mask. "Based on our current tests, fabrics [alone] are not very efficient in stopping aerosols in a size range of 100 to 400 nanometers," says Yang Wang, Ph.D., assistant professor of civil, architectural, and environmental engineering at the Missouri University of Science and Technology.

Constructed out of woven fibers, N95 masks also tend to be more porous, making them breathable yet still thick enough to capture viral particles. And since the CDC currently recommends anyone over the age of 2 to wear a mask in indoor public spaces, as well as in areas where there are surging COVID-19 cases, it's time to stock up on some comfortable options that'll keep you and your loved ones safe.

Adjustable and made with a soft inner lining, this NIOSH-approved N95 mask provides wearers with a comfortable experience. It's made with a three-panel design that works to filter out 95 percent of non-oil-based particles and keeps exhaled air away from your nose to prevent your glasses from fogging. The adjustable nose clip secures the mask in place, and the duckbill shape will contour to a myriad of face sizes and shapes.

One Amazon shopper wrote: "These are very comfortable and secure fitting and don't put unpleasant pressure on the bridge of my nose like my previous rigid 3M (#8511) N95 mask did. The foam noseband runs all across the inside top and provides a comfortable, moldable, snug seal that does a better job of keeping my glasses from fogging than my previous mask. I wasn't able to wear my glasses in the correct position with my rigid mask, but [I] don't have that problem with this mask."

Buy It! 3M Aura Particulate Respirator, 3 Pack, $9.99; amazon.com

Constructed out of three non-woven layers, the NIOSH-approved Harley N95 mask filters 95 percent of particles, while also protecting against dust and pollution. The mask is comfortable and molds to the wearer's face thanks to the adjustable and soft sponge nosepiece. And as an added bonus, it's compatible with eyewear and hearing devices.

"This fits the contours of my face smoothly, tightly, and I can actually breathe and wear this mask for an extended period of time comfortably. The foam strip across the nose on the inside keeps my glasses from fogging," said a reviewer.

Buy It! Harley N95 Mask, 20 Pack, $26.99; amazon.com

Fantigian's NIOSH-approved N95 face mask also has the approval from nearly 3,000 Amazon customers. It's made with four layers (and made from latex-free materials), has an adjustable nose bridge, and features two over-the-head straps. You can get a pack of 10 for $26.

One shopper, who works in a dental office, said the Fantigian face mask is the "perfect all-around mask for everyone in the office" because it's "soft on the skin," has a "nice tight seal" around the face ("no matter the face size"), and features an "elongated nose" that "allows for adequate breathing room" and "lessens fogging" on loupes and face shields.

Buy It! Fangtian N95 Face Mask, 10 Pack, $25.95; amazon.com

Honeywell has several N95 respirators that appear on the NIOSH-approved list, including this cup-shaped option with two head straps and an adjustable nose clip. Amazon customers say the mask "stays in place" and is the "best-fitting" one they've tried, but also note that the respirator is on the smaller side and makes a better fit for adults with small faces.

Buy It! Honeywell Surgical N95 Respirator, 20 Pack, $34.50; amazon.com

If you've got a latex allergy, try the Maxboost N95 mask, which is made out of latex-free materials. Using a four-layered filter, the NIOSH-approved N95 mask filters 95 percent of non-oil-based particles and has an adjustable nose bridge, which helps to provide a secure seal to ensure no gaps. Thanks to the approval of over 2,000 Amazon shoppers who left it a five-star rating, it's currently the best-selling reusable respirator on the site.

An Amazon shopper said: "The best feature for me personally is that while it fits tight around my face, it doesn't smash against my nose and lips. I'm super claustrophobic and this mask doesn't freak me out. Easy enough to wear for a full nine-hour shift without getting a headache or feeling smothered."

Buy It! Maxboost N95 Mask, 20 Pack, $39.95; amazon.com

If you're looking for a lot of N95s to last you for a while or share with friends and family, MedicPro offers pouches in counts of 50, 100, and 500, which are some of the largest packs available on Amazon. The U.S.-made N95 face mask is "sturdy" and "not too tight," according to shoppers, and it's even comfortable enough to be used "all day in a classroom."

"I have been using these for [two] months," one customer wrote. "I have a smaller adult face, and they still give me a tight seal around my face. They are comfortable to wear, and are soft against my face. I have worn them for extended periods of time and did not experience any problems breathing. I have asthma, so that was a concern for me. I also like that each mask is individually packaged, so I can carry a couple in my purse just in case another person needs a mask. I like these much better than the surgical masks! Better fit."

Buy It! MedicPro N95 Face Mask, 50 Pack, $99.95; amazon.com