Protect yourself from smoke and other hazards with these N95 masks

With the Environmental Protection Agency issuing air quality warnings for several states over the smoke from the Canadian wildfires, it's important to understand and obtain the correct protection. One of the first and best lines of defense is a good disposable face mask, and they also work wonders for dusty work environments or communicable disease outbreaks.

An N95 mask often incorporates several layers of filtering material along with a one-way respirator valve, a moldable nosepiece, and a strong elastic band.

In terms of durability, comfort, and protection, we highly recommend an affordable disposable product from an industry leader such as 3M.

Having enough N95 masks to protect you and your family can provide security and comfort in an emergency. Hospitals routinely issue N95 masks to visitors, and they are also recommended during natural disasters, such as forest fires. By design, N95 masks are nonreactive to oil and filter out 95% of most pollutants.

The National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) is responsible for rating and certifying disposable masks, including the N95. This seal of approval means the mask should perform as advertised. Some suppliers bypass this step, which means the inexpensive filters may allow too many contaminants to penetrate the outer shell. It is important to look for NIOSH certification when considering N95 masks.

Positive and negative pressure essentially means exhalation and inhalation, or breathability. A good N95 mask should form a relatively airtight seal around the nose and jawline. When the user inhales, the mask should collapse inward if the negative pressure is good. A one-way respirator valve allows air to escape easily during exhalation, but only in one direction. Not all N95 masks include respirator valves.

A quality N95 mask should fit securely around the wearer's lower face, creating a protective seal. Some inexpensive masks use a basic rubber elastic band to secure the mask to the face, but the tension is not always sufficient, and the bands can break easily. Higher-quality N95 masks use two or more elastic bands to form a tighter seal, and they may have adjustable metal nosepieces. Many N95 masks can accommodate eyewear, but condensation (fogging) is a common complaint.

An inexpensive N95 mask may only feature one or two layers of filtration while still meeting minimal NIOSH requirements for certification. There is nothing inherently unsafe about most single-layer masks, but some users may want to invest in high-end models with multiple layers of protection. One such layer often contains a form of carbon that helps neutralize or deodorize certain types of pollutants.

Pricing N95 masks is challenging because different manufacturers offer a wide range of masks per package. The least expensive multi-packs of 10 can cost as little as $10, while higher-grade models or bulk packages of 20 masks can retail for around $20 or more.

A. Generally speaking, an N95 mask should protect you from most dry particulates in the air, like dust or chemicals or smoke. However, some factories may require a higher grade of face mask because of the nature of their products. An N95 mask provides basic protection against many common viruses, too.

A. An N95 mask works well under the conditions most people experience while performing yard work. It should filter out pollen and dust while still providing ventilation. Be sure to make adjustments to the nosepiece and elastic straps to maintain a firm but comfortable seal.

3M 9205+ Aura Particulate N95 Respirator Three-Pack

Our take: These masks are recommended by our medical expert thanks to their comfort and 95% filtration.

What we like: They have NIOSH-approved efficiency and a flexible, light three-panel design. They have an adjustable nose clip and are designed to prevent or reduce fogging of glasses. They're great for construction and general air filtration.

What we dislike: Some find the straps uncomfortable and difficult to get situated right for a perfect fit.

Where to buy: Available at Amazon

Kimberly-Clark Professional N95 Pouch Respirator 50-Pack

Our take: This nonsurgical mask pack doesn't sacrifice breathability or efficiency to keep its price low.

What we like: The pouch style means it has a larger breathing chamber that's 75% greater than NIOSH demands. It can fold flat to slip in a pocket and has a bendable nosepiece. It's made in the U.S.

What we dislike: Again, it isn't meant for use by health care professionals, so don't stock it in any of your emergency preparedness kits.

Where to buy: Available at Amazon

AccuMed N95 Mask 10-Pack

Our take: Our medical expert says masks like these use dependable materials, giving you dependable protection.

What we like: These use several layers of polypropylene which can trap particles as small as three-tenths of a micron. The dual straps keep it held firmly against the face and make it easier to adjust to your head shape. They're made in the U.S.

What we dislike: Some had issues with the ear loops coming off which renders the mask useless unless held against the face.

Where to buy: Available at Amazon

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