I wasn't aware that N95s had been widely mandated anywhere (outside of hospitals, etc.) due to scarcity. Source?

KN95's have not been through formal certification via NIOSH. However, the CDC has been testing samples of KN95's and publishing lists of the filtration efficiency % by manufacturer (they test 10 per model). There are still no guarantees since they are just testing a sample, but confirming that the manufacturer is on the list as having achieved 95%+ in their test is at least a step toward confirming maybe you got one that would perform at an N95 level. That said, the other wildcard that they don't test is fit. If the mask isn't forming a good seal on your face, that is a point of entry/exit for the covid cooties.

I'd also say that having a mandate is not the same as the population following the mandate.

In some European countries you can get arrested for not having a mask and/or not wearing it properly. Have a vendor in Denmark that got a big fine for pulling one down while they were talking on the phone.

To the OP, if you are needing a good amount of protection a fitted sealed N95 mask is your best bet.

Fore Left! said:

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KN95's have not been through formal certification via NIOSH. However, the CDC has been testing samples of KN95's and publishing lists of the filtration efficiency % by manufacturer (they test 10 per model). There are still no guarantees since they are just testing a sample, but confirming that the manufacturer is on the list as having achieved 95%+ in their test is at least a step toward confirming maybe you got one that would perform at an N95 level. That said, the other wildcard that they don't test is fit. If the mask isn't forming a good seal on your face, that is a point of entry/exit for the covid cooties.

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what is the usage duration? Why aren't we encouraged to biohazard dispose of masks older than say 1 day?

N95 mask are rated at 1-2 days.

As stated the big thing that needs to be done is they need to be fitted and sealed.

My gator protects me from UV rays

N95 masks are good for up to 5 days under general or light use conditions, longer if for only occasional use ex. your trips to Walmart.

But as a 3M and Honeywell qualitative and quantitative fit tester and a fit tester of all respirator masks up to PAPR systems, why in the heck would you wear a N95 to Walmart?

Dispose of the N95 if the mask is introduced to any BBP, Airborne aerosols, or aerosol-generating procedures or transmission of infectious particles, or the mask becomes damaged. Also, store in a paper bag, never plastic or let hang.

If you want a good mask that is reusable but looks dorky AF, go with O2 Canada. Its breathable looks like a jockstrap cup, but extremely effective.

https://o2canada.com/products/o2-curve-1-2

I can find and wear kn 95s They are readily available on Amazon and that is the only place I order from. They still don't have a supply of the n95s

I wear level 3 surgical masks made in USA by Arnbrust USA outside of Austin. They're great and the best I've tried. I've worn them daily to work in the office and only flights for work every week since last summer. I've been wary of buying N95s off of amazon. Worried about fakes. But, I'm going to order some of the N95s from the company the OP linked and try them out. I read an article recently about the guys who started the company in DFW area. I always buy Made in America products whenever possible,

My order came today. The masks are individually wrapped which is nice. Most importantly, they make a good seal on my face.

3rd Generation Ag said:

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I can find and wear kn 95s They are readily available on Amazon and that is the only place I order from. They still don't have a supply of the n95s

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Aren't you vaccinated?