Raleigh, N.C. — With the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) considering updating its mask guidance to suggest KN95 or N95 grade masks over cloth face coverings, many parents are left wondering which masks to buy for their children.
What's the difference between N95 and KN95 masks?
You will see a lot of healthcare workers using N95 masks. Throughout the pandemic, those were the only people who really had access to these types of masks, which can filter up to 95 percent of particles in the air. KN95 masks also filter 95 percent of particles.
N95 masks are made in the United States by the National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), while KN95s are manufactured in China and must pass that country's requirements.
According to the CDC, about 60 percent KN95 respirators in the United States are counterfeit or fake and do not meet NIOSH requirements.
Are N95 or KN95 masks made in children's sizes?
N95 masks are hard to find in kids' sizes and since NIOSH only regulates products for adults, there is no official, approved N95 masks made specifically for children at this time. But you can measure your child's face and determine if a NIOSH-approved N95 mask will fit your child. In some cases, older children can fit into smaller-sized adult masks.
There are a lot of masks that claim to be KN95 available in children's sizes, so you will need to do some investigation before purchasing.
It's all about the fit
UNC Health Talk recently interviewed Emily Sickbert-Bennett, PhD, director of UNC Medical Center Infection Prevention, who says that the fit is the most important component of any mask worn.
“The way your mask fits your face is the most important factor in determining how effective it (the mask) is,” Dr. Sickbert-Bennett says. “You should have a nice fit across the bridge of your nose and underneath your eyes. If you wear glasses with your mask on and you’re getting a lot of fog on your glasses, that’s a sign that it’s not fitting very well.”
The goal is a tight fit with the least amount of air leaking out from around the mask. A mask that has a nose wire or brace to hold it against the face is also a good option, according to UNC Health Talk.
The CDC says parents should choose a "well-fitting and comfortable mask or respirator that your child can wear properly. A poorly fitting or uncomfortable mask or respirator might be worn incorrectly or removed often, which would reduce its intended benefits."
The mask should cover the child's chin and nose but not impair their vision.
On Wednesday, Go Ask Mom sent questions specifically about children's masks to UNC Health. Look for those answers in an upcoming post.
What masks are best for my family?
When looking for masks for my children, I searched the internet and found some good articles that review specific masks. This article from USA Today has some good suggestions. Good Housekeeping also had a nice list of mask options, and I really found some good picks on the Parents.com.
After a lot of research, I ended up ordering a few different masks for my family to try. (I will write an update on the ones we liked the best once we have tried them all!)
For the adults:
VIDA: NIOSH and FDA Authorized N95 Mask - These masks are $38 for a pack of 10. They are pricey but they claim to offer "95%+ filtration efficiency against solid and liquid aerosols" and feature four protective layers, two head bands and an adjustable nose bridge to ensure a proper fit.
Bona Fide Masks: Harley N95 Respirator Face Mask - Model L-188 - NIOSH Approved - These aren't as colorful as the VIDA masks, but they are NIOSH approved and filter out at least 95 percent of 95% of airborne particles. They are also not as pricey with a box of 20 costing about $45 right now on Bona Fide Masks' website.
For the kids:
Kimberly Clark Child Face Masks - The only FDA-approved mask for children has a three-ply layer of protection. These are typically the masks you get at the hospital or the doctor's office. They are one-time use. They are popular and not too expensive, so they do sell out quickly.
VIDA: FDA Listed Kids Mask with KN95 Protection - VIDA boasts that these masks are "kid-tested and doctor approved." With a five-layer filtration system, the masks claim to offer 95 - 99%+ efficiency. As with the adult VIDA masks, these masks aren't cheap. A pack of 10 is about $35.
Evolvetogether - This company has some impressive children's masks. They offer a variety of KN95 options with four breathable layers, double filtration and no-tug ear loops. Those sell out quickly and are $14.95 for a 5-pack. If you want these, sign up to be notified when they are back in stock. For now, I ordered the kid-sized disposable masks that offers more than 95 percent Bacterial Filtration Efficiency and three layers of protection.
Bona Fide Masks: Smaller or Children's Sized Powecom KN95-SM Respirator Mask - Parenting.com and USA Today listed this mask among its picks. Powercom sells these through U.S.-based manufacturer Bona Fide Masks in New York. The masks come with an anti-fake sticker so you know they are authentic. A pack of 10 is $13.
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January 13, 2022 at 05:09AM
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