Thank you for providing a great service for the public! We are the manufacturer of Lutema USA masks and we're happy your testing similarly confirms our high PFE & BFE 98%+ in surgical and 99%+ in 5-layer in our lab testing. We understood that our version 1 of our M95i had a higher pressure differential and we listened to customer concerns, and while it does pass NIOSH testing standards, we decided to reduce the PE layer between the meltblown from 90 gsm to an electrostatically charged 40 gsm, which makes the mask a bit thinner and a much better, lower pressure drop. We relied on videos like this to continually develop our product, and appreciate the support of those buying Made in the USA masks! Thank you!
what's even worse about Amazon is that they have mixed inventory. Which means even if you purchase from "Sold and Shipped by Amazon" it's possible that you could get inventory that was distributed to Amazon by some random seller. As long as the ASIN is the same, Amazon does not distinguish between seller inventories unless the seller specifically pays for this feature and tags their product with a special sticker. They will simply dump all of the product into the same digital inventory bin, and the items are picked for orders with no regard for who supplied them.
Amazon is really bad as retailer website. Search is a disaster, they just show you whatever they want to sell, not what you search. Try searching anything and sort by price, just a lot of garbage coming up. And yes, this mixed inventory is the worst. Then people review based on asin, but some have ordered from a shady dealer and others from amazon directly. There's no way to track that back. It's amazing how successful amazon is with such a crappy storefront.
00:00 Introduction 01:25 Supplier Qualification 03:02 Double Masking 06:29 More Layers better? 10:02 Nose Wire Conformability 14:07 OSHA Fit Factor 17:29 N95 availability 20:23 Top mask picks 26:44 Individual mask reviews Put this in your description. The 00:00 Intro thing needs to be there so that youtube puts the timestamps on the timeline.
Nose Wires: I've been saving the wire ties from bags of coffee beans. The ties are two wires encased in plastic, 175mm long x 8mm wide. They're "heavy duty" compared to most wire ties, no spring back at all, they bend and stay! They're easy to shape and conform to your nose ("sculpt ability.") I just stick the wire tie onto the outside of the mask using either double-sided tape or a hot glue gun. (I haven't tried other glues.) I trim the length of the wire to fit the mask but I leave the wire as long as possible because it helps seal the mask across the upper cheek area too. I've used these wires on boat style KF94s and flat-fold KN95s. Big improvement for both styles. On my "pretty" Masklab masks (with the shorter wire), I glue the coffee bag wire tie onto the inside of the mask, right on top of the existing wire pocket and then I glue a thin strip of foam on top of my wire tie. This combo gives an excellent seal. When I finally dispose of a mask, I rip off my coffee bag wire and re-use it. Much thanks to Aaron for all his effort and invaluable info!!
I agree, I've found this a great solution for nose-pieces. They are called "peel-and-stick tin ties" and can be bought on Amazon if you don't have any saved up.
YES! coffee tin ties. exactly what I use to sew inside cloth masks, work well to secure atop /wear over the FDA approved surgical pleated disposables, as in Double masking. I say FDA approved because not all surgical masks seem to have same filtration properties from what I understand, with that said; what I don't know is if ONLY the surgical masks on FDA list are the good ones or the only ones the FDA has bothered to test? I am having hard time finding easy local supplies to direct people towards any vetted surgical masks (talking about the basic disposable polypropylene pleated rectangles here) as its nearly impossible to find easily sourced commonly available good surgical mask boxes that are on their "LIST ". The ones I've cross checked on amazon? none were on the surgical mask FDA approval list! thats pretty concerning if they are all unworthy materials but so readily available to the public!
@@rebekahw.baharestan8479 , they vary widely in filtration according to testers. If you have access to Costco, their FLTR brand of disposable masks has tested filtration. Also the Armbrust brand (armbrustusa.com) and Masklab.us surgical masks.
I have divided a coffee closer lengthwise and slipped it in between layers of the Masklab in the margin between the nose wire channel and the top edge of the mask. That adds grip and friction on my nose that helps a secure fit.
I want to thank you for all your videos. Thanks to your research you have kept my mom safe, she works in a factory as an essential worker where safety guidelines have been minimal, her age puts her at high risk and I know that thanks to the masks you recommended she was able to stay safe. I will be forever thankful for every video you posted during these difficult times, especially when we had no leadership or guidance. Thank you! Ps: My mom just received her second vaccine dose.
"one mask to rule them all" Nice LOTR reference! Thank you for these informative videos. Really gives me peace of mind knowing where I can buy quality authentic masks!
Many, many thanks again, Aaron, for your indispensable public service. Masklab does have earloop adjusters available now, on both the masklab.hk and masklab.us websites. You order them separately from the masks. On the Hong Kong site, go to the "Shop by Type" pulldown menu and click on "Accessories." On the US site, the "Accessories" link is at the top of the homepage.
I reside in Canada, I ordered from masklab USA. UPS charged me another $40 for customs and duty. 🤯 That was on top of what I paid to masklab for shipping. When I challenged the UPS charge, they were not very helpful. The CDN customs and duty website states I should not be charged over $20. Argh.
Your videos are a life saver, I've been following them for at least a few months now, it's nice to actually see a third party talking about all these different masks and testing them. I recently bought NIOSH-certified surgical-grade N95s (bifold style) from Demetech. They were mentioned in a NYT article talking about how they had 30 million masks, and at risk of layoffs. I bought them because I wanted certified surgical N95s for work, where I often work too close to unmasked people. I've been trying to keep track of masks and the quality of material they, and the fit factors. The Demetech mask is good, but I think the cup version would be better. The bifold one collapses pretty much just like the Powecom ones. The only thing is they are not nearly as cheap as most KF94s you've shared, at $75 for 20 masks. I noticed compared to the powecom ones, they are much stiffer, the nose band is good but with a foam strip they don't conform perfectly to the nosebridge. When you talked about a U.S mask manufacturer you heard in an article, they just seemed like they fit the profile, but I have heard a few other ones with similar problems. Hope you get around to them, I know you already have a ton of masks in your line-up already, which is awesome.
Don’t understand your comment about Powecom KN95s collapsing. I’ve been wearing those exclusively for nearly two years and love them. I have no issues whatsoever with collapsing or anything else. I guess the longer you wear one, like any mask the material gets soft and would possibly start collapsing. But I don’t wear them that long before switching to a new one for maximum protection.
Some places where masks must be worn don't allow valve masks, so in those cases, I wear my N95 with a cloth mask over it so I have the protection of the N95 the cloth mask solves the legal requirement to not wear a valve mask. Thanks for all the videos and testing you do - you rock!
Great presentation of the nose wires! I've been using the Powecom masks (earloop and headband). Every time I put on a new one, it takes me about a minute to get the nose area to stop leaking air. I usually hold my fingers over the nose bridge and test for leakage multiple times until it seals. If I reuse the mask, it seals immediately. I guess the wire eventually becomes plastically deformed to the shape of my nose.
Thanks for testing some kids masks. We have the Blue Mask kf94, Happy Life KF94, Birdy Friends, and the Bluna 2d and 3D. I have an 11 and 6 year old and I really really wish they all would have adjustable ear loops. I add on a rubber one but would be a great addition. I would say that none of them fit my 6 year old well. She is petite, but they all go in her eyes. The 2D style would I thought would be better, we just couldn’t get a snug fit. The Happy Life ones are HUGE. I’m a smaller faced woman and I seriously could use it in a pinch. I’m bound and determined to find a good one for smaller kiddos. We’ll keep testing and hacking!
I am confused as to why one medical office here in CA insists that their PA's and patient care employees must wear the surgical masks (quality materials but with poor facefit) and the office will not grant permissions for their staff to wear KF94's. I imagine that this limited awareness of available- more protective options and permissions to use them could be due in part to the AMA or FDA or NIOSH or OSHA ?? standards that were set early during pandemic when basically US had NO masks readily available for healthcare depts/offices or preservation of true N95's were so limited ? So what were seeing no is nurses and Physician assistants and Me's being told that they must wear the office provided surgical masks and that the employees may not wear their own personally purchased KF94's to work. (perhaps certificates of authenticity for any personally acquired PPE for physician office ? I wish that US healthcare oversight would find a clear way to allow healthcare primary care type offices to utilize better fitting masks than just the surgical mask. It seems that new availability in alternatives to the surgical mask hasn't made it to the regulatory powers that be? Since the US should have the capability to research mask fit and filtration efficiency /higher protective options , why are some of these great alternatives not yet approved as options by FDA /OSHA etc? It seems obvious that more Physician office employees could benefit from new options yet are still being told that they cannot use more protective mask options. US regulatory bodies not caught up to the present times ?
One ironically bad reason could be that procedural masks aren't respirators and thus there is no OSHA mandated fit testing because they aren't made to fit tightly, and lots of bypass is expected. Whereas employers are required to medically evaluate employees before respirator use and to fit test them annually on the exact model of tight fitting respirator they wear. (I'm not sure of the current status of the Temporary Enforcement Guidance issued last year by OSHA that, among other things, allowed some limited flexibility around respirator use and annual testing requirements to because of the scarcity of N95s.) This could be a case where the employer is forcing employees to use less protective PPE to avoid regulations that are meant to ensure that the more protective types of PPE, such as respirator grade masks, are used correctly. Dunno. Either way, the enforcement you've described sounds counter productive. One thing I'd ask if forced to work in that environment would be to wear a mask fitter over the required procedural mask. The mask fitters make procedural masks much tighter fitting and more effective, without adding an extra layer of mask over the top.
Yet I keep hearing assurances about how us patients should feel free to just go to the doctor/medical appointments because they're "safe." Yeah, right.
@@gerardhughes yes, I think this is indeed what is happening. it is problematic. Id like to figure out how to assist in getting current guidelines shifted nto best protect medical staff at this office Ive mentioned-
I had an appointment with my dermatology PA today (big practice, medium-large city), and I asked her about this. She said they're required to wear procedural masks and not allowed to wear respirators because management is afraid it will "freak out the patients." 🙄 I told her about Fix the Mask and Badger Brace.
Nose wires are super important for me, so thanks for actively trying to get manufacturers to improve them. 3M masks have a solid, 1mm thick strips of aluminum that works to help seal my masks effectively. But my KF94 and AirQueen nose wires are more like twist ties - thin wire or wires in a plastic strip, which are not nearly good enough to seal on my nose bridge. I'm going to have to try mask hacking to make the boat-style masks I own seal well enough to be worth using. I'd buy the stick-on nose wires you can get on Amazon but they are only .5mm thick and many reviews say they don't hold their shape and are brittle, so I need a source of strip aluminum suitable for the purpose, at least as thick as the 1mm thick 3M strips.
You might try "peel-and-stick tin ties", most known for their use in closing coffee bean bags. They are fairly stiff and conformable. On some materials, the glue isn't quite strong enough so I sometimes add extra double-stick tape on the ends. I have also hacked masks by inserting one of these into the nose-piece slot (with the backing left on so it doesn't stick). That was tricky to do but quite functional. They are available on Amazon in packs of 100. There's no way around some testing and hacking and experimentation until you find something that works. Good luck!
Yeah, the bridge of my nose is neither round nor smooth, so I have a lot of nose bridge leak problems. Double sided tape works best for me, followed by external metal clips you can buy an amazon. I only use those additional steps, if I am going into a higher risk environment.
@@jmcdonald3049 Thanks for the suggestion. I decided to just buy a roll of 1mm thick, 5mm wide craft aluminum off of Amazon. It will be a lot less convenient than pre-cut strips with rounded ends, but it looked like almost all of the pre-cut strips were .5mm or less, and the ones that claimed to be 1mm were thinner than claimed (one reviewer noted that previous shipments had been 1mm, but not a more recent one). Plus they all seemed to be a brittle zinc-aluminum alloy, which I assume is cheaper to produce, that sometimes breaks in just one or two bends. I'm gonna try to brute force the nose bridge fit on the KF94s. And if I glue them on the outside, I'll form the nose shape first before gluing because laminating in the correct shape should help hold the form better. I'd really like to skip using an awkward "mask fitter" if possible.
Please keep adding your mask hacks in these comments. Gerard, if you are pleased with the results of your add-on nose brace, can you give a link or keywords to the aluminum you bought? My fit-hacks have included adding a cut-to-fit strip of Duck Hold It tape for carpets to the inside of the nose bridge and inside the cheek tabs (my cheeks have gotten a bit concave as I have aged) of the BOTN. I have some polyester 2” horsehair on order to try as an added brace inside the Masklab camouflage FFP1 (older version) to keep it from collapsing as it gets more floppy from the humidity of breath.
I have added extra support to all of my early gen MaskLabs. I started completely replacing the old wires with new ones, totally successful, but often time consuming. Most recently I stripped the wire from foam-covered garden support wire and tucked it inside the nose wire pocket next to the original wire. Made it the whole length of the pocket, cut just a small slit in the end of the pocket to insert. Added a small square of medical tape on each end to counter the possible poking of the new, naked nose wire. Worked great.
3M masks (ffp2 & ffp3) have huge availability lately in Europe .The price of the 9320+ Aura model is dropping every week.I think you've tested lately the US equivalent with filter efficiency around 99% .I remember i called a legit supplier in my country hoping he has more than 10 in stock , i got a reply they have received boxes of 500 a long time ago and they sell each mask individually .
Have you seen Cambridge's recent paper: "Comparing the fit of N95, KN95, surgical, and cloth face masks and assessing the accuracy of fit checking"? Very interesting (to be honest somewhat discouraging) results assuming Cambridge did their internal leakage measurements correctly and it's hard to imagine they didn't. I wish they had looked at KF94 as well since they meet their description of softer contact surface between the face and mask. For washable cloth masks, I would be curious about the ones with nonwoven polypropylene layers like Muji, Airism, Allett.
I wish there was better public data about which specific models of filtering facepiece respirators fit the most people. I read one European study that noted one designated as "small" fit the most people, but another model fit almost nobody. Unfortunately, the study coded all the respirator models so I have no idea which models they are talking about. Since the general public doesn't have access to fit testing it would really help if we knew which models fit the most people, or which models fit people with certain facial features. I know elastomeric masks are the most likely to fit, but they aren't as convenient as filtering facepiece respirators so I'd really like a way to know which mask fits beyond "it fits Aaron really well". :-(
The “fit check” referenced in many places is designed for the rigid, cup-style medical respirators, and does not apply well to the KF94 ‘boat-style’ design. Admittedly, data has been published that self-test does not reliably predict passing a fit test. Fit-testing to the OSHA standard also requires that “The employer shall provide a medical evaluation to determine the employee's ability to use a respirator, before the employee is fit‐tested or required to use the respirator in the workplace”, a burdensome extra step if non-medical organizations want to offer fit testing to their employees and volunteers. :-(
I would love to do just an episode about that study, it is both terrible performed(as I don't think the authors completely understand how the test method works) and also proves my point at the same time. The N95 data is the only valid data for the test, and they showed that 12/14 responses to medium or high confidence of fit by "jet's of air" type fitment achieved 95% or better filtration(fit factor of 20). This to me proves that the jet of air test is pretty effective, and had they used a correct method the data could be extrapolated to other tests.
@@coll0412 Fit factor is basically just the ratio of particles inside to outside right? So 20 = 5% leakage? Wouldn't their data on particle concentrations inside and outside have some relationship to internal leakage or is the method too different? To me the takeaway was for the general public what kind of shape might have acceptable fit for the largest population, not that better masks "aren't worth it". The bifold and duck bill seem to have done the worst when fit to female faces.
@@coll0412 yes, it would be a great public service to do an episode about self-performed fit checks (training for which has been shown to increase the likelihood of passing a follow up fit test) vs Fit Testing. You have been modeling a live demo of self checking the fit each time you do a filtration efficiency test in your live videos and that has been helpful.
I got some beautiful surgical masks from Masklab (I plan on wearing these mainly outside to the park) and bought some "fashion tape" (double-sided tape) to help seal the edges around my face. At work, though, I'll still wear my KF94s. Thanks Aaron for all your help.
I bought one pack in my last order - the “prosperous goldfish” (sold out) because one of my colleagues teaches a class about fish and I had to share with her. I love they way they fit and feel. They are the most breathable mask I have, tho there is typical surgical mask face collapse, I easily get over it. I take a tuck in each edge and staple and get terrifically great seal, even with the thinner, single nose wire. I’m saving them for summer wear. I also recommended them to my sister for her adult son who is autistic and very picky about his masks. He prefers surgicals to KN95s or KF94s and the ASTM Level 3 rating is so much safer for him than the typical store-bought 50/$10 blue masks.
imo its worth using a small amount of vaseline on your skin to help get a better fit. it prevents any air escaping for me, then you dont need to rely on super sculptable nose clips as much.
3M 1860 blue N95 medical masks use staples. We use both those and 3M 8210 Plus( which have glued or heat applied straps) at my hospital. I have had the straps come off the glued ones, never on a stapled one. Just my experience. 😀
Side note: THANK YOU for noting that the earloop masks are procedural masks! Weird pet-peeve I've developed the past year. Procedural masks you wear during things like trach suctioning so you don't get blasted in the mouth with throat goop, surgical masks you wear to surgery to prevent your bacteria infused droplets from infecting the patient.
Thanks for the review of the Alliable Medical SM-200 cup mask. I bought some last year because they seemed like one of the better bets at the time when fake KN95s were rampant *and* expensive. The SM-200s were cheaper than the counterfeit KN95s and came with a plausibly alleged Korean supply chain. I still have a number of them but wasn't sure if I should trash them or not now that I have KF94s I'm confident are legit and can also get N95s if necessary, but now I can use up the SM-200s, too, thanks to the review. I found the stapled head strap attachments and thin elastics gave them a cheaply constructed feel, though 3M still uses staples on some of its masks. The external nose wire comes unglued fairly easily. So I prefer the 3m 8210V and 8511s, but the SM-200s actually seem to fit ok. But without fit testing...who knows.
Thank you, Aaron! Your informative videos have allowed me to shop with confidence; no more guessing on Amazon as to which masks are authentic or what to buy. Your links to the suggested sellers are also helpful. Do masks lose their effectiveness after the expiration date? What materials in the mask deteriorate over time? And how much protection do they give after they expire? Should we throw them out? Again, thank you for all your time and expense to help us through these times.
I use the Botn, because I like how it feels and I have it dialed. When I feel the mask is starting to get loose at the bottom (neck area) I use masking tape and origami for a perfect fit. Masking tape is the only tape that sticks.
Aaron, can you add in the third dimension in for the Bluna Face Fit masks on the Google Master Mask Testing Data Set that you have done with the later masks? Similarly, can you input your subjective rating for the Bluna nose clip length & stiffness? I a'm not sure if this was covered in one of the videos I have not watched yet or I am just dense, but what does the A,B,C,D measurements in the Google Master Mask Testing Data Set represent? Also regarding your spreadsheet where you are doing extended tests on your used BOTN's. Your approximately 38 hours and 41 hour figures. What is the time period of these? Is this like 38, 41 hours of use in a week? Or 38, 41 hours over a longer period of time like a couple of weeks or a month? I am concerned on how long the electrostatic charge lasts time wise (as in hours, days, weeks). I realize environment is huge, but I am trying to get a feel for how long (time wise) my daughter as a teacher should be using a KF94 after it has been opened before tossing it and starting over with a new mask. PS - Thank you for all your hard work. You are a true help in this sucky time.
So I will be doing the next video to cover what those dimensions are, and how to *maybe* use them. Figuring out the fit stuff is still pretty difficult. The Bluna in the "older" way would be 188x80x147, where the 147 is the nose to chin flap distance. More info on those measurements soon. Those were worn over a 2 week period. My recommendation is 40hrs a mask total wear time. I would try to use a mask within 1 month of starting to wear it, but there has been test data on 10 year old masks and the media was still good. All the elastic straps were brittle but the meltblown was still good to go!
Have you been able to test the KN Flax KF94 sold by Flax-Protection Health & Beauty and made by Kyungin Flax Co., LTD (Located in S.Korea)? If not, I can pop 2 in the mail to you. They were recommended by a virologist and look like a plain version of the MaskLab.HK. Glad to see the nose clips getting longer, around 87-90 mm. Thanks for being a great resource.
Got a box of 20 BYD N95 for $60 at office depot online back in Jan. Those should last me a while. I had a box of 10 3m N95 I was able to get in Feb 2020 and those lasted about a year. Def still prefer those 3m one.
Aaron, I got curious about Amazon and ordered a brand of KF94 I've never tried called "KLARING KF94 mask large" and I really do like them. They come with a piece that saves the ears and the straps are long enough to wear the masks around the head. Have you hear of this particular brand? I was wondering how good these are. I can send you a few samples for you to try since they seem to be legit and available on Amazon. I love your recommendations and have tried the smaller masks you've recommended. I think I have an average sized head and think the smaller ones move to much when I talk. The BOTNs are great because they seem to seal around my face well but large enough that they don't move up my jaw when I talk like the smaller ones. One thing I noticed is that most Asians don't have the higher bridged nose so it's harder to fit the nose wire around a flatter nose/face. I'm excited to try the pretty masks from Hong Kong. I've received the first dose of a Covid-19 vaccine but plan on wearing a well fitting mask for quite awhile since I deal with the public. Sometimes I wear a cloth mask over the KF94s only to try to keep the KF94s clean. Thanks again! Stay safe!
I recommend avoiding Amazon, but also I don't think I will have time to test any more masks as my last mask testing will be in two weeks and I have pa pretty big queue already. But thanks for watching and thanks for offering!
Thanks for sharing this information, it's highly appreciated. I greatly prefer headband style masks over earloop designs as my ear grooves are pretty shallow and earloops tend to slip off easily. I've been using the headband Powecom KN95s but was wondering what other options were out there for headband style masks.
Strange. Do they have the same lot number on the back of the package? If not is possible that they brought up a new line but changed the dimensions slightly. This would be evident though by being different lot ID's.
@@coll0412 I’m not sure. I just took some out but the packages aren’t in English so I am not sure I’m looking at the right number, but I don’t see any changes. I like them enough that I just ordered 100 more. I also found that a cheap (10 bucks) clip on ribbon that I can adjust as a back of the head strap instead of the ear loops makes it much more secure for me and feels more breathable while still feeling more snug to my face at the same time. It could be that I wore it with ear loops and just thought it was “bigger” and really isn’t. I’ll try to be a bit more observant and if I think that’s still happening I’ll take closer note. I give my 9 year old the happy life good day from kollecte USA and those have been really comfortable for all day at school. Thanks for everything you do!
Thank You for addressing the N95 fit testing! I have United States Mask N95's. If they don't send you some let me know and I'll send one out to you to test!
re: fit testing "Perfect is the enemy of the good" We can't get near perfect protection like a fit tested nurse wearing a 3M N95 from a specific plant. So let's just have people wear any old cloth mask they want!
Hi Aaron, looking forward to your review on Masks 9501,9502. I have 9501 from AliExpress. But I think they are fake because they only have 3 layers. I also ordered Powcom from this site and also there unfortunately I think I came across a fake because these too have only three layers. You do not know how disappointed I am to find out. I bought there because there is almost no shipping tax and it comes out cheap. But I learned that what you buy cheaply pays dearly afterwards. The thing is that the site you brought here is real but the price of shipping the masks comes out much more expensive than the price of the product. Something like $ 48! When the masks cost about $ 15! So you can understand why I did bet on the fake. In the end I probably might yes order from what you recommended. Keep helping us and do a good job
Great video! Can you review some of the Moldex models, specifically 2200 and 4200? Their shell seem a bit thin even though they're NIOSH approved and don't seem to have an aluminum noseclip but a soft foam nose cushion. Also, can you please post the merchant where you purchased the 3M Auras? Thanks! And keep up the awesome work!
adding your own silicone adjuster beads will greatly improve the fit of any earloop styled mask. remove them when mask is retired and put them on next mask.
better yet, purchase a 6 pack of silicone head strap adjusters off amazon and wear the KF94's with a head strap, takes pressure off ears and helps my KF94's fit far better (although I will add- I haven't been able to do a true leak test on the improved face fit using head straps for the earl oops, I can feel the difference)
Really appreciate the time it takes to make these reviews. Plus the amount of money you have to spend to buy all these masks. Can you provide a method so I can send you a few bucks? I'd be glad to offer some support. I luckily had some 3M 1860's but I'm planning on switching to KF94's soon for better breathability and your reviews are making it much easier to choose masks.
Thanks for another amazingly informative video and all of the effort behind it, Aaron! Received some Lutema traveler's this week and find that I can feel out breaths coming through on the bottom edge. Perhaps because of high pressure drop? Also, wondering if you or any fellow mask nerds have tips on how to adjust loops on the Bluna masks.
When you adjust the inner loop pull the top one down and the bottom one up instead of just pulling outward. It is easier to do with the mask off your face. When it is where you want it to be pull them back up/down to catch the holding slit. Then tuck the shorter loop forward under the attachment area so it doesn’t tangle with the larger loops that will go around your ears.
@@mattwright9596 I don’t think the smaller loop is meant to be tucked in that bar-like spot, but it works so I do it. www.reddit.com/r/Masks4All/comments/j1kf93/bluna_black_kf94/
another great video. btw why wasn't the clean top showcased in this video? according to your google docs spreadsheet it's pretty much dominating the entire lineup.
I bought some CleanTops and found they were not as easy to talk in as some of the others tested that night. They are 192mm x 75mm where most of the KF94s that fit me well are 80mm or more in height (width?). Breathability was great but if I talked or yawned the mask pulled off my nose, even with the very substantial nose wire. Given that I like to talk (haha) I prefer a mask that is slightly less efficient, but fits better and stays put. Again, filtration is only part of the picture. Fit is also important and why it is so great that Aaron’s chart also has mask measurements.
Wish I could order the masks you recommend, but the ones in my size seem to be out of stock! Still though, thank you for the work that you're doing, it's pretty important!
Since fit and comfort are so individual and hard to predict, I am brainstorming how to put together a planning tool that would allow a group of, say, 20 people to get together as a group to purchase 10-20 different models and sizes of masks and then share so each of them get 10-20 different kinds of masks to try. For example, how could I, ahead of time, set up a shopping list of different masks people could sign up to buy, and then have them have a checklist of which masks they want to try, and make the distribution come out evenly and fairly?
I've bought a number of kinds of masks in the last year and being able to try singles would have been great. For KF94s, Be Healthy allows you to pick your own sampler pack of ten masks, which is very useful: behealthyusa.net/apps/bundles/bundle/60433 But I'd love to sample a wider variety of masks as singles as a number of masks I've purchased in larger quantities have been bad fits for me (the black Soom Lab mask, for example, is way too small for me and a total waste of money, in spite of being called a medium, or large or whatever, it's actually very small but they don't call it a small.) My concerns about trading masks would be two fold: 1) Making sure the masks are genuine is harder with a bunch of people all buying masks from different suppliers and trading them. 2) Contamination from unboxing the masks and sending them out to other people - fortunately Covid becomes inactive on surfaces on its own, eventually, but has been found active on surgical masks after 10 days (a study last year, don't know if that has been confirmed). So a quarantine period might be a good idea.
I actually did that. Bought a collection thru behealthyusa, tried them all on and picked my favorites. They are all repackaged (not sealed tight so they stay dry and decontaminate) waiting for a friend with a large family, different ages and varying face shapes to pick up. My best fitting masks are, amazingly, the 1st KF94s I bought (MaskLab).
@@lindavt6562 I'd like to try more masks, but I've actually got a bunch of masks I need to actually hack and use or get to other people, including AirQueen Nano, AirQueen Breeze, Soom Lab and others. I do want to try the MaskLab ones, though.
@@gerardhughes I’d be glad to send you a few MaskLabs (no cost). I bought several boxes because I wanted extreme fashion variety and have given 70% away to friends. Three masks fit perfectly in a US envelope with normal postage. I just got my 2nd Pfizer shot, so I am far less worried about contracting covid these days. It is a great feeling btw. I don’t cringe anymore when I got to Costco and some dude with his nose hanging out passes me in the narrow electronics aisle.
@@lindavt6562 Thanks! That would be cool. I'm going to have to use the good masks for a while yet as the vaccine continues to roll out. The other day I wondered if I was being over cautious and feeling a bit conspicuous because I was wearing a facesheild over a good mask, but as I walked past a shopper sneezing through their cloth mask in the produce section, and then a shopper talking on their cell phone as they rifled through the freezer section with their mask around their chin I decided that over cautious was good and hustled out of the store as quickly as I could.
Watching this. All great stuff, but I think breaking it down into 5 - 10 minute separate videos would help. Let's say I had a 5 minute video on mask fitting, a 5 minute video of the sense and nonsense of double masking ... I could share that much easier when someone has a question. Everyone outside of a mask nerd audience probably would appreciate shorter clips. Maybe some more youtube-versed people here could weigh in.
Aaron is the best single source of science-based recommendations of specific masks and suppliers I know of, but I've not had a lot of luck in getting people to watch the excellent videos. Some short videos could be a useful addition that I might be able to get people to watch. When I post a link to Aaron's TH-cam channel I get crickets. If I post links to links to specific masks at one of Aaron's vetted suppliers, I get a lot more interest, which, to me, is both great and a bit horrific that people would trust me, a stranger or FB acquaintance, with specific mask recommendations. I'm trying to point people to the source of the info so they can judge it on the merits and get the nuances, but most people just want a quick link to a plausible solution at a price they can afford.
Time stamps and links to certain sections in the description would be a relatively easy way to solve this. You can also share a link that starts at a certain time.
I'm grateful for the info in any form (and personally like the information density)! He's doing this in his spare time for our benefit. We can help spread it to other people in easier-to-digest bits.
@@xymzk Yes timestamps are great. However, there's something about separate short clips, with their own thumbnails, that just gets more attention. I'm no expert in this, but it would be good the get advice from experienced youtubers.
Wonder when we are going to see the nose pads we see in n95s as an aftermarket to improve nose seal/nose wire conformability limitations. I've been looking for a thin memory foam to modify masks with to experiment. The anti-fog eyeglass pads don't seem to do it.
I have been playing with strips of Duck Hold It tape for carpets along the inside upper edge. It does not stick well to the polypropylene (nothing does) so I added removable glue dots so it stays on the mask more than it stays on my nose. It really adds to the seal and holds it in position.
Hey Aaron! I know reusable masks are not ideal. I typically wear N95s, but could you review products like Airnum Lite Air or the Sonomask? I want to get a 'higher quality' reusable mask for quick wears if that's a viable option.
Is there any disadvantage for filtration efficiency or leakage if I wear a KN95 underneath, and a fabric mask on top? Or is it just related to breathability? I usually double mask this way, and the fabric mask I use doesn't really make it any harder for me to breathe (maybe a little but not to the point where it's uncomfortable). It makes me feel a little safer since I have a short beard and I worry about fit around my cheeks. I just feel it makes the seal better and my GF does the same. Any thoughts you or the community might have would be greatly appreciated, and thank you so much for all you do!
So long as the fabric mask provides an improved seal, and you are willing to tolerate the increased pressure drop I guess go for it. My recommendation is to try and eventually find just one well fitting mask as that really enables long term comfort, but if you are comfortable with it go for it. A mask fitter might be a better option if you are about just an improved seal at the cheeks. Next video will have some info on those.
Around supplier qualifications...I've heard multiple ppl ask about US made masks. One chat was a person who purchased from a US based company, but the masks were stamped outside of the US. I try to avoid debates on where the mask is made as long as it works, but the point is for ppl to wear the mask imo. If that's the only barrier, let me help find a resource. Do you have suggestions on US made masks and/or masks not stamped with where it was made if outside the US?
Please test more bifolds. I have a normal size woman's face but a small nose. Those bifolds fit me perfectly. It would be helpful to have data on bifolds for people like me. Especially the Aer Pro. It's the one you didn't test in this video. I ordered them from Kollecte instead of Alliable. The packaging doesn't say KF94. It's KA100. What does that mean?
My boys are going back to school in mid-April and I'm looking for effective masks for them to wear. I think K94s are good for them, but can K94s (or 95s) be worn multiple times? If so, how many times? Aaron, have you done a video on this?
Yes, Aaron spoke to this in several videos. I'm too lazy to put all the timestamps in here, buy here's the tl;dr: He suggests wearing a mask for 30-40 hours total 'wear time'. After use, put the mask back in the pouch (or a bag), and let it sit somewhere for 5 days or so, which should be enough for most virus to die off on the mask. Don't use any chemical disinfectant products in the mask, they might destroy the filtration media.
Hey Aaron, thanks for your amazing work. Quick question: OSHA has a regulation saying facial hair (even two days of stubble) can affect mask fit. And there are some studies demonstrating that fit tests are difficult to pass for those who are not clean shaven around the seal of a respirator. I'm wondering if a mask fitter/brace can help mitigate this issue. I'm also wondering how much you think even a small amount of facial hair would affect filtration efficiency.
There have been some studies, I haven't had a chance to dig them up, but the elastomeric respirators are the least effected by the stubble. It reduces it, but given my inability to grow a beard I won't be able to test it myself.
Thanks, Aaron, great video as always but disagree on the OSHA fit factor scale. 50 fit factor (98% filtration) is in fact twice as bad as 100 fit factor (99% filtration). If a mask filters out 98% of particles that leaves 2% it does not filter. This is exactly double the amount of particles let through versus 99% filtration. The fit factor starts at 100/99% and scales down accordingly, 50, 20, 10, 5 etc. with the percentage not filtered.
Don't disagree, I am just saying that 50 fit factor does not mean you go from 99% to 50%, it's the classic issue of 1/x function. Same with MPG and Gallons/100mi. Someone might think going from 40 to 60MPH will save them tons a fuel, but in reality the savings is minimal, where as going from 5MPG - 15MPG might seem trivial. Gallon/100mi is a much easier comparison for people.
You're missing the whole point. Obviously, 2% is double 1% but 98% is clearly > than 40% or whatever number most people are realistically getting. And he further explained it beyond that. So saying oh no someone might have a leak and twice as much it let in so downgrade so 60x that is let in is illogical. He made it clear that professionals should be fit tested but that it shouldn't be a reason for most people to not upgrade their PPE. Esp if they try different options to find one that fits as well as possible.
Of the masks I've tried, the mask lab "KF style" FFP2 masks are the lightest/airiest. Of course, I've only tried a few masks. And my observation is subjective. However, they are too big for me.
Have you looked at the Kleenex bifold KF94 from behealthyusa? I tried one in my last combo pack and found it very comfortable and breathable. Maybe a better nomenclature for kn/kf styles is bifold/boat or 2d/3d... Of course there's also rigid and duckbill styles
We really could use better nomenclature for the styles of mask - I think the only current ones that are clear(ish) are "cup-style" and "duck bill". Bifold is probably not a good term because bifold sounds like it would have two folds, but a bifold brochure or a bifold wallet only has *one* fold, and two sections. The "bi" and the "fold" are separate, a two section, folded object. Likewise, trifold brochures and wallets have three sections and two folds. So a standard three panel "boat-style" KF94 would be "trifold". And a standard style flat fold KN95 would be a "bifold." I think there is too much chance that people will use these terms how they sound, not as they are actually used in trade, for them to be a clear way to talk about mask styles. The terms are not self-evident. Likewise 2D and 3D are confusing. I think of hemispherical "cup" style N95s, such as the 3M 8210 or the 8511 as being "3D", and, maybe, a pleated procedural mask as being flat and 2D. But both standard KF94 and KN95 masks made of flat material are marketed as "3D" because they are not flat when opened, yet the same is true for pleated procedural masks when the pleats are expanded, but they are not marketed as 3D AFIK. So, again, not clear or self evident terms. 3M makes the full range of styles: cup style (eg8210), bifold (eg 9502+N95), trifold (eg 1870+) and duck bill (eg 1804). I'd love to know what 3M calls these various construction styles. 3M calls the cup style, cup style, but I haven't been able to find out what they call the other styles - they just refer to them by model number in their product literature.
Thank you for all your videos! Question about mask fit. I've tried the bluna facefit large kf94 and the bottom flap seems to leave a small gap even when I adjust the loops of the mask. My jaw seems to meet the bottom flap though. Should I try a smaller mask?
I’d be interested in any thoughts about mask fitters. Seems like using them with surgical masks would be smart but I rarely see anything about them. Do they work? Any recommended brands? Thanks.
Fix the Mask braces (fixthemask.com) are designed to be used with surgical/procedural masks. You can read about their testing results on their website. I've purchased one but haven't used it because I've been using the KF94 respirators Aaron recommends rather than surgical masks.
Aaron's testing data show that FixTheMask gives tremendous improvement to the performance of Level 2 surgical masks, and the fixthemask.com website gives similar test data. I can't tolerate it because it pushes my glasses up and I have to view the whole world through the middle layer of my trifocals :-(
Thanks for the reply! Reason I asked is because there are lots of fake KN95 here in my country, hard to distinguish so I was wondering if pairing it with a surgical mask will do
Hi Aaron! Have you ever tested a mask made solely of polipropilene spunbond (no sms or melblown layer)? I bought a few duckbill style 3 layer spunbond masks with a great fit and seal and I'm using them to exercise outdoors, and I bike past joggers and fellow cyclists along a narrow bike lane. The maks is very easy to breathe through, and I worry it may be a little too easy. Should I go back to wearing a cloth mask?
I tested the ILWOUL Hygienic mask which is the same basic concept and got around 60% protection, but my test likely over estimates protection on the low end. That being said being outdoors provides a huge amount of safety and is what I use outdoors if I am biking around lots of other people.
Indoors I am not sure, likely the Blue 3D KF80 would be a good choice, but you will sacrifice some protection for more breath ability. If you are just interested in protecting others, I would recommend the ILWOUL Hygenic Mask.
@@chatham117 If you go for the ILWOUL Hygenic Mask, make sure you don't confuse with with the ILWOUL KF94 mask. The KF94 is high filtration, really hard to breathe, the ILWOUL Hygenic Mask is lower in filtration (-> about protecting others) and super easy to breathe.
How do you feel about Bonafidemasks's Harley 188 or 288? I'm looking for something for my parents to wear when grocery shopping, very short exposure time but need a great tight fit. They seem like the most trustworthy N95 distributor at this point.
@@zoomerrunner Why? Zoro is Grainger. They're not getting product anywhere but directly from Honeywell, 3M, etc. Nothing against Bonafide but I don't think there's any risk from Grainger.
@@BWChicago Yes I think they're very comparable. I feel like Zoro has a blurrier supply chain and Bonafide has just done so much good. But both are fine. I have not found 3M's or Moldex from Zoro though. Only Moldex is available on Grainger.
@@coll0412 bought these masks from Novita in Singapore ,they seem to be top quality ! They come in medium and large ,did you ever test them ???? Also bought some Powecom ,why are they so shiny ? Is it the spunbond or fiberglass ???
I would have thought that maybe the electrostatic filtration media might loose it's charge, but a quick Google seems to show that it's the other components, such as the head straps and nose foam (if any) that degrade, according to 3M. Part of the NIOSH certification is that the mask will meet the standards, and 3M can't guarantee that past a certain number of years. "The longer a respirator has been in storage, the less likely it is to perform at its full potential. Over time, components such as the strap and nose foam may degrade, which can affect the quality of the fit and seal. Additionally, expired respirators may potentially no longer meet the certification guidelines set by the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH)." www.3mcanada.ca/3m/en_ca/worker-health-safety-ca/safety-town-square/articles/why-do-disposable-respirators-have-a-defined-shelf-life The CDC tested expired stockpiles of expired N95s and found most of them to still be protective. Without a corresponding study of the same stock of masks back when they were un-expired, it's hard to know how many of the masks that didn't pass were defective because of how old they were or if they were defective before they "expired". www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/hcp/release-stockpiled-N95.html I'm going to assume similar considerations apply to KF94s. I don't know if the electrostatic media degrades or loses charge over time.
Aron; would you happen to know whether the BOTN size medium in white on Kollecteusa.com website is legit (this storefronts' packaging for the medium sized white BOTN is not in English as packaging is written in korean perhaps) but their large size in vlacl is english language mask packaging. You had tested the BOTN Black color in large by kollecteusa and placed their online storefront link in your video links so I am hoping this is a legit alternative place to purchase the BOTN medium in white since" be healthy " just ran out of medium white BOTN today... or should we wait for them to get more in?
Can you put up the specs on the Evergreen Cleantop 3D KF94 Adult(Black) or (White) ? I am interested in this one as it seems to state that it contains anti fog nose top, additional construction to prevent eyewear fog- many people need this feature if its even available in KF94's ( but I cannnot read Korean or speak it either..) you'd mentioned interest in the antifog KF94 masks, ever get info on some ??
I broke down and dissected one of my CleanTops. The nose piece is indeed a solid band of metal. Most other KF94 masks use a plastic bar with a metal wire imbedded in the top and bottom edge, like a bread or coffee bag tie. So the CleanTop nose seal is better, reducing glasses fogging. The metal band is very malleable and when it is bent it has almost no spring back as Aaron shows in his video using the plastic lighter. It is also a decent (but not exceptional) 76mm long and a full 5mm wide. Once you mold it to your nose shape it is going to stay there. The face size (194x75mm) is about the same as the Bluna FaceFit (188x80) and MaskLab (190x82). The filtration is great and it is very breathable. CleanTop would be one of my favorite masks if the front was maybe 194x80, and top and bottom flaps were just a few mm bigger as well. EDIT: Instead of returning the nose band to the CleanTop, I put it in one of my MaskLabs. While it improved the anti-fogging, it was still not as quite good as the CleanTop. So I put the CleanTop fabric directly on my lips and breathed in and out. It was noticeably (but not very scientifically) easier to breathe through the front piece of the mask, than it was to breathe through either the top or bottom flap. So perhaps they use slightly less breathable fabric on the flaps, thus pushing more air thru the front piece and less upward onto one’s glasses? In any case, the CleanTop is an impressive mask. EDIT 2: So I have now completely destroyed a CleanTop mask. (Also clipped off the ear loops to turn into hair ties.) The inner and outer most layers of all three flaps feel and look the same. The middle layer of the nose and chin flaps feel the same. But the face flap has a 4th stiffer layer the other two lack. I presume this layer helps prevent face collapse. It does not reduce air flow in any measurable way, though there may be some electrostatic component as it reminds me of sewing interfacing, which many cloth mask makers use as a filtration mechanism. The face flap filtration layer feels (by my unscientific measuring fingers) slightly thinner, less puffy than the other two flaps. Further evidence that a greater amount of air flow goes through the face flap and not towards one’s glasses or chin. More applause for the thought and engineering that went into making the CleanTop mask.
@@lindavt6562 hi, Thank you for your dissection observations! and did you notice whether they also had used a different material in the upper nose area materials or was the mask only different i than other KN94's in the stiffer all metal nosewire?
@@lindavt6562 my experience is that the steam fog is misting up glass wear via condensation effect and nosewire doesn't seem to help, regardless of what type or fit as the upper third of mask near nose /eye area of all the poly propylene kf94's masks allow condensation to emit through the actual materials and create fogging effect on eyeglass wear?
@@rebekahw.baharestan8479 The upper flap does have a different middle filtering polypropylene layer material compared to the front face piece. It feels a bit thicker, and it is harder to breathe through (sucking directly on the fabric layers). So I think that is a big reason that moist exhaled air is less likely to go through the top flap and fog glasses. The easiest path through the mask is the front.
Hi, I just found you, and want to know if you’ve tested/reviewed masks that are stretchy. Specifically, I bought some sample Korean masks from medgearusa.com (K-Pura, 14.5cm x18cm, black). The company that makes it is niamondo.net. They are advertised on the website as appropriate for health care workers and others. I like it a lot, partly because the ear loops are part of the mask, not attached elastic strings, and are much more comfortable for me. My ears can’t hold elastic ear loops very well without bending and popping off. I looked through your lists and did not see any reviews for masks like this and wondered if you have come acrossed these masks or similar ones, and if so, what your opinion on these are. Thank you for all your work on this. It’s really helpful and kinda addictive to watch!
Yes if you look in the latest data you will find it in there. It came from a viewer so don't have a source for more. drive.google.com/drive/folders/1eE2BERAvRzs28kG87ft3a27FS9-gHvdC?usp=sharing
Higher chance of leakage. Air will find its way. If resistance is higher, it may channel around your nose or chin, where ever the seal is weakest. Filtration might suffer. You don't see that so much in Aaron's test, because he just sits in a bathroom, but let's say you are talking, exercising, walking or whatever, and then leakage might turn into an issue.
So pressure drop is all about breath ability, to me it's an important aspect for all day comfort with a mask. If you had to choose between a hard to breathe mask, and an easy to breathe mask, both of which offered the same protection, it's a no brainier. For short term use it really doesn't matter too much.
@@jochenliebig1562 Thanks. I just ordered some from them for a non-profit my wife is involved in. They do educational camps for children, so I got a variety of sizes.
@@mitchellsutter1105 Great. I tried their KF80 comma comma kids masks. Great fit, great colors, and I think KF80 should be fine for kids. For full-day wearing, minimizing pressure drop actually matters imo. The Mima KF80 is interesting, size adjustable. The earloop bands feel fragile, but they work and are very soft. The mask feels smooth, and I think kids who don't like other disposable masks might actually like the mima. I haven't tried the evergreen for kids yet, though. From behealthy I got the blue and bluna kids masks, and they are excellent. Those are KF94.
I just got 4 different brands from them and was very pleased with the masks themselves, the quick service and the price both of the masks and the shipping.
It's probably impossible to tell without using a particle counter and/or an organization that can cross check the alleged supply chain. The counterfeiter can put all the exact same markings on the counterfeit masks and packaging that one finds on genuine products, as well as fancy looking letters of authenticity and certifications. That's why Aaron is emphasizing secure supply chains. You need to get your mask from a reliable supplier rather than trying to tell individual counterfeit masks from genuine. There are, however, a few tells for some of the less careful counterfeits. For instance the FDA does not allow printing "FDA" on masks. So if it has FDA printed on it, it's counterfeit. The first KN95s I bought said FDA on them :-( but cloth masks were in short supply so I used them anyway since they were likely as good as a cloth mask at the time. But now I only buy from 3M partners or a supplier vetted by Aaron. Here is an old article from last year about detecting counterfeits early on during the pandemic that may be a bit outdated. Much has changed since then, but counterfeits are still common. jayparkmd.medium.com/how-to-spot-a-fake-kn95-mask-from-china-d5219e7f0ab2
Any chance you are going to the the Comma Comma kids kf80? They are available here: kollecte.com/collections/꼼마꼼마-commacomma-kf94/products/꼼마꼼마어린이-마스크-kf803pcs-bag. Fit is great for the kiddos, and it seems to comfortable. Now I wonder how good filtration and pressure drop really are.
Aaron, maybe you can test surgical/procedure masks that have been modified this way: th-cam.com/video/2TTg53aAP8Q/w-d-xo.html. Been wondering how much that method improves face fit and seal. I've been using that hack for months - when outdoors with few people around. Indoors, it's always KN95 or nowadays KF94 after seeing your tests.
I tried that early on, but my face is too big for it to work well. I found that a single tuck in the sides of a procedural mask was all I could do. I then staple the area to hold the tuck in place. I only wear these when outdoors as I have plenty of KF94s for indoor spaces.
I wish you could speak more candidly against Fauci's none-sense on double-masking! And the problem with multiple-surgical masks is not breathability or pressure drop: The issue is that without a tight seal, more pressure drop leads to more leakage. I wish you could better elucidate it.
Basically, it's the difference between breathing without the mask on and breathing with it on, or how much harder it is to inhale with the mask on. Someone who knows the physics can give you a more precise definition, though.
Thank you for providing a great service for the public! We are the manufacturer of Lutema USA masks and we're happy your testing similarly confirms our high PFE & BFE 98%+ in surgical and 99%+ in 5-layer in our lab testing. We understood that our version 1 of our M95i had a higher pressure differential and we listened to customer concerns, and while it does pass NIOSH testing standards, we decided to reduce the PE layer between the meltblown from 90 gsm to an electrostatically charged 40 gsm, which makes the mask a bit thinner and a much better, lower pressure drop. We relied on videos like this to continually develop our product, and appreciate the support of those buying Made in the USA masks! Thank you!
The nose wire presentation is really good!
what's even worse about Amazon is that they have mixed inventory. Which means even if you purchase from "Sold and Shipped by Amazon" it's possible that you could get inventory that was distributed to Amazon by some random seller.
As long as the ASIN is the same, Amazon does not distinguish between seller inventories unless the seller specifically pays for this feature and tags their product with a special sticker. They will simply dump all of the product into the same digital inventory bin, and the items are picked for orders with no regard for who supplied them.
Just say No to Amazon, Etsy & eBay.
Amazon is really bad as retailer website. Search is a disaster, they just show you whatever they want to sell, not what you search. Try searching anything and sort by price, just a lot of garbage coming up. And yes, this mixed inventory is the worst. Then people review based on asin, but some have ordered from a shady dealer and others from amazon directly. There's no way to track that back. It's amazing how successful amazon is with such a crappy storefront.
Yeah, best to avoid them for anything where authenticity is important.
How do you know this??
@@LoveABun read up on the "Sold by Amazon" program for sellers
00:00 Introduction
01:25 Supplier Qualification
03:02 Double Masking
06:29 More Layers better?
10:02 Nose Wire Conformability
14:07 OSHA Fit Factor
17:29 N95 availability
20:23 Top mask picks
26:44 Individual mask reviews
Put this in your description. The 00:00 Intro thing needs to be there so that youtube puts the timestamps on the timeline.
You too are an absolute gem for doing the time stamping!
@@lindavt6562 It's a modest contribution compared to the many hours Aaron puts into testing.
Thank you! Also added you as a comment moderator since you are doing such a great job. I really appreciate the help!
@@coll0412 Thanks. Doing what i can.
Pin this table of content so always appears first?
Nose Wires: I've been saving the wire ties from bags of coffee beans. The ties are two wires encased in plastic, 175mm long x 8mm wide. They're "heavy duty" compared to most wire ties, no spring back at all, they bend and stay! They're easy to shape and conform to your nose ("sculpt ability.") I just stick the wire tie onto the outside of the mask using either double-sided tape or a hot glue gun. (I haven't tried other glues.) I trim the length of the wire to fit the mask but I leave the wire as long as possible because it helps seal the mask across the upper cheek area too. I've used these wires on boat style KF94s and flat-fold KN95s. Big improvement for both styles. On my "pretty" Masklab masks (with the shorter wire), I glue the coffee bag wire tie onto the inside of the mask, right on top of the existing wire pocket and then I glue a thin strip of foam on top of my wire tie. This combo gives an excellent seal. When I finally dispose of a mask, I rip off my coffee bag wire and re-use it. Much thanks to Aaron for all his effort and invaluable info!!
I agree, I've found this a great solution for nose-pieces. They are called "peel-and-stick tin ties" and can be bought on Amazon if you don't have any saved up.
YES! coffee tin ties. exactly what I use to sew inside cloth masks, work well to secure atop /wear over the FDA approved surgical pleated disposables, as in Double masking. I say FDA approved because not all surgical masks seem to have same filtration properties from what I understand, with that said; what I don't know is if ONLY the surgical masks on FDA list are the good ones or the only ones the FDA has bothered to test? I am having hard time finding easy local supplies to direct people towards any vetted surgical masks (talking about the basic disposable polypropylene pleated rectangles here) as its nearly impossible to find easily sourced commonly available good surgical mask boxes that are on their "LIST ". The ones I've cross checked on amazon? none were on the surgical mask FDA approval list! thats pretty concerning if they are all unworthy materials but so readily available to the public!
@@rebekahw.baharestan8479 , they vary widely in filtration according to testers. If you have access to Costco, their FLTR brand of disposable masks has tested filtration. Also the Armbrust brand (armbrustusa.com) and Masklab.us surgical masks.
I have divided a coffee closer lengthwise and slipped it in between layers of the Masklab in the margin between the nose wire channel and the top edge of the mask. That adds grip and friction on my nose that helps a secure fit.
@@BSerrell4 , Great idea! I've tried putting it in the existing slot. Maybe this would be easier.
I want to thank you for all your videos. Thanks to your research you have kept my mom safe, she works in a factory as an essential worker where safety guidelines have been minimal, her age puts her at high risk and I know that thanks to the masks you recommended she was able to stay safe. I will be forever thankful for every video you posted during these difficult times, especially when we had no leadership or guidance. Thank you!
Ps: My mom just received her second vaccine dose.
Glad I can bring some comfort and peace of mind :)
"one mask to rule them all" Nice LOTR reference! Thank you for these informative videos. Really gives me peace of mind knowing where I can buy quality authentic masks!
Grateful for the in-depth analysis on the "save N95s for healthcare" issue and have been worried about my fit factor until now- awesome video!
Many, many thanks again, Aaron, for your indispensable public service. Masklab does have earloop adjusters available now, on both the masklab.hk and masklab.us websites. You order them separately from the masks. On the Hong Kong site, go to the "Shop by Type" pulldown menu and click on "Accessories." On the US site, the "Accessories" link is at the top of the homepage.
I reside in Canada, I ordered from masklab USA. UPS charged me another $40 for customs and duty. 🤯 That was on top of what I paid to masklab for shipping. When I challenged the UPS charge, they were not very helpful. The CDN customs and duty website states I should not be charged over $20. Argh.
@@breezya45 ugh!
Your videos are a life saver, I've been following them for at least a few months now, it's nice to actually see a third party talking about all these different masks and testing them.
I recently bought NIOSH-certified surgical-grade N95s (bifold style) from Demetech. They were mentioned in a NYT article talking about how they had 30 million masks, and at risk of layoffs. I bought them because I wanted certified surgical N95s for work, where I often work too close to unmasked people. I've been trying to keep track of masks and the quality of material they, and the fit factors. The Demetech mask is good, but I think the cup version would be better. The bifold one collapses pretty much just like the Powecom ones. The only thing is they are not nearly as cheap as most KF94s you've shared, at $75 for 20 masks. I noticed compared to the powecom ones, they are much stiffer, the nose band is good but with a foam strip they don't conform perfectly to the nosebridge. When you talked about a U.S mask manufacturer you heard in an article, they just seemed like they fit the profile, but I have heard a few other ones with similar problems.
Hope you get around to them, I know you already have a ton of masks in your line-up already, which is awesome.
I actually tested them back in early December, here is my review -->th-cam.com/video/4JFed_ofCwM/w-d-xo.html
Thanks for watching!
Don’t understand your comment about Powecom KN95s collapsing. I’ve been wearing those exclusively for nearly two years and love them. I have no issues whatsoever with collapsing or anything else. I guess the longer you wear one, like any mask the material gets soft and would possibly start collapsing. But I don’t wear them that long before switching to a new one for maximum protection.
Thanks, Aaron for posting some suppliers. I was able to get a great deal with one of them. BTW - Behealthy is having a super sale right now!
Some places where masks must be worn don't allow valve masks, so in those cases, I wear my N95 with a cloth mask over it so I have the protection of the N95 the cloth mask solves the legal requirement to not wear a valve mask.
Thanks for all the videos and testing you do - you rock!
Great presentation of the nose wires! I've been using the Powecom masks (earloop and headband). Every time I put on a new one, it takes me about a minute to get the nose area to stop leaking air. I usually hold my fingers over the nose bridge and test for leakage multiple times until it seals. If I reuse the mask, it seals immediately. I guess the wire eventually becomes plastically deformed to the shape of my nose.
Thanks for testing some kids masks. We have the Blue Mask kf94, Happy Life KF94, Birdy Friends, and the Bluna 2d and 3D. I have an 11 and 6 year old and I really really wish they all would have adjustable ear loops. I add on a rubber one but would be a great addition. I would say that none of them fit my 6 year old well. She is petite, but they all go in her eyes. The 2D style would I thought would be better, we just couldn’t get a snug fit. The Happy Life ones are HUGE. I’m a smaller faced woman and I seriously could use it in a pinch. I’m bound and determined to find a good one for smaller kiddos. We’ll keep testing and hacking!
This RN thanks you for helping my family and I stay safe after-hours! 😷
I am confused as to why one medical office here in CA insists that their PA's and patient care employees must wear the surgical masks (quality materials but with poor facefit) and the office will not grant permissions for their staff to wear KF94's. I imagine that this limited awareness of available- more protective options and permissions to use them could be due in part to the AMA or FDA or NIOSH or OSHA ?? standards that were set early during pandemic when basically US had NO masks readily available for healthcare depts/offices or preservation of true N95's were so limited ? So what were seeing no is nurses and Physician assistants and Me's being told that they must wear the office provided surgical masks and that the employees may not wear their own personally purchased KF94's to work. (perhaps certificates of authenticity for any personally acquired PPE for physician office ? I wish that US healthcare oversight would find a clear way to allow healthcare primary care type offices to utilize better fitting masks than just the surgical mask. It seems that new availability in alternatives to the surgical mask hasn't made it to the regulatory powers that be? Since the US should have the capability to research mask fit and filtration efficiency /higher protective options , why are some of these great alternatives not yet approved as options by FDA /OSHA etc? It seems obvious that more Physician office employees could benefit from new options yet are still being told that they cannot use more protective mask options. US regulatory bodies not caught up to the present times ?
One ironically bad reason could be that procedural masks aren't respirators and thus there is no OSHA mandated fit testing because they aren't made to fit tightly, and lots of bypass is expected. Whereas employers are required to medically evaluate employees before respirator use and to fit test them annually on the exact model of tight fitting respirator they wear. (I'm not sure of the current status of the Temporary Enforcement Guidance issued last year by OSHA that, among other things, allowed some limited flexibility around respirator use and annual testing requirements to because of the scarcity of N95s.)
This could be a case where the employer is forcing employees to use less protective PPE to avoid regulations that are meant to ensure that the more protective types of PPE, such as respirator grade masks, are used correctly. Dunno. Either way, the enforcement you've described sounds counter productive.
One thing I'd ask if forced to work in that environment would be to wear a mask fitter over the required procedural mask. The mask fitters make procedural masks much tighter fitting and more effective, without adding an extra layer of mask over the top.
Yet I keep hearing assurances about how us patients should feel free to just go to the doctor/medical appointments because they're "safe." Yeah, right.
@@gerardhughes yes, I think this is indeed what is happening. it is problematic. Id like to figure out how to assist in getting current guidelines shifted nto best protect medical staff at this office Ive mentioned-
I had an appointment with my dermatology PA today (big practice, medium-large city), and I asked her about this. She said they're required to wear procedural masks and not allowed to wear respirators because management is afraid it will "freak out the patients." 🙄 I told her about Fix the Mask and Badger Brace.
@@spqrxli wow. That is simply unacceptable!
Nose wires are super important for me, so thanks for actively trying to get manufacturers to improve them.
3M masks have a solid, 1mm thick strips of aluminum that works to help seal my masks effectively. But my KF94 and AirQueen nose wires are more like twist ties - thin wire or wires in a plastic strip, which are not nearly good enough to seal on my nose bridge.
I'm going to have to try mask hacking to make the boat-style masks I own seal well enough to be worth using. I'd buy the stick-on nose wires you can get on Amazon but they are only .5mm thick and many reviews say they don't hold their shape and are brittle, so I need a source of strip aluminum suitable for the purpose, at least as thick as the 1mm thick 3M strips.
You might try "peel-and-stick tin ties", most known for their use in closing coffee bean bags. They are fairly stiff and conformable. On some materials, the glue isn't quite strong enough so I sometimes add extra double-stick tape on the ends. I have also hacked masks by inserting one of these into the nose-piece slot (with the backing left on so it doesn't stick). That was tricky to do but quite functional. They are available on Amazon in packs of 100. There's no way around some testing and hacking and experimentation until you find something that works. Good luck!
Yeah, the bridge of my nose is neither round nor smooth, so I have a lot of nose bridge leak problems. Double sided tape works best for me, followed by external metal clips you can buy an amazon. I only use those additional steps, if I am going into a higher risk environment.
@@jmcdonald3049 Thanks for the suggestion. I decided to just buy a roll of 1mm thick, 5mm wide craft aluminum off of Amazon. It will be a lot less convenient than pre-cut strips with rounded ends, but it looked like almost all of the pre-cut strips were .5mm or less, and the ones that claimed to be 1mm were thinner than claimed (one reviewer noted that previous shipments had been 1mm, but not a more recent one). Plus they all seemed to be a brittle zinc-aluminum alloy, which I assume is cheaper to produce, that sometimes breaks in just one or two bends.
I'm gonna try to brute force the nose bridge fit on the KF94s. And if I glue them on the outside, I'll form the nose shape first before gluing because laminating in the correct shape should help hold the form better. I'd really like to skip using an awkward "mask fitter" if possible.
Please keep adding your mask hacks in these comments. Gerard, if you are pleased with the results of your add-on nose brace, can you give a link or keywords to the aluminum you bought? My fit-hacks have included adding a cut-to-fit strip of Duck Hold It tape for carpets to the inside of the nose bridge and inside the cheek tabs (my cheeks have gotten a bit concave as I have aged) of the BOTN. I have some polyester 2” horsehair on order to try as an added brace inside the Masklab camouflage FFP1 (older version) to keep it from collapsing as it gets more floppy from the humidity of breath.
I have added extra support to all of my early gen MaskLabs. I started completely replacing the old wires with new ones, totally successful, but often time consuming. Most recently I stripped the wire from foam-covered garden support wire and tucked it inside the nose wire pocket next to the original wire. Made it the whole length of the pocket, cut just a small slit in the end of the pocket to insert. Added a small square of medical tape on each end to counter the possible poking of the new, naked nose wire. Worked great.
Let's go Mask Nerds!! Thanks for another video Aaron.
~From one PPE Elder to another.
3M masks (ffp2 & ffp3) have huge availability lately in Europe .The price of the 9320+ Aura model is dropping every week.I think you've tested lately the US equivalent with filter efficiency around 99% .I remember i called a legit supplier in my country hoping he has more than 10 in stock , i got a reply they have received boxes of 500 a long time ago and they sell each mask individually .
Have you seen Cambridge's recent paper: "Comparing the fit of N95, KN95, surgical, and cloth face masks and assessing the accuracy of fit checking"? Very interesting (to be honest somewhat discouraging) results assuming Cambridge did their internal leakage measurements correctly and it's hard to imagine they didn't.
I wish they had looked at KF94 as well since they meet their description of softer contact surface between the face and mask.
For washable cloth masks, I would be curious about the ones with nonwoven polypropylene layers like Muji, Airism, Allett.
I wish there was better public data about which specific models of filtering facepiece respirators fit the most people. I read one European study that noted one designated as "small" fit the most people, but another model fit almost nobody. Unfortunately, the study coded all the respirator models so I have no idea which models they are talking about.
Since the general public doesn't have access to fit testing it would really help if we knew which models fit the most people, or which models fit people with certain facial features.
I know elastomeric masks are the most likely to fit, but they aren't as convenient as filtering facepiece respirators so I'd really like a way to know which mask fits beyond "it fits Aaron really well". :-(
The “fit check” referenced in many places is designed for the rigid, cup-style medical respirators, and does not apply well to the KF94 ‘boat-style’ design. Admittedly, data has been published that self-test does not reliably predict passing a fit test. Fit-testing to the OSHA standard also requires that “The employer shall provide a medical evaluation to determine the employee's ability to use a respirator, before the employee is fit‐tested or required to use the respirator in the workplace”, a burdensome extra step if non-medical organizations want to offer fit testing to their employees and volunteers. :-(
I would love to do just an episode about that study, it is both terrible performed(as I don't think the authors completely understand how the test method works) and also proves my point at the same time. The N95 data is the only valid data for the test, and they showed that 12/14 responses to medium or high confidence of fit by "jet's of air" type fitment achieved 95% or better filtration(fit factor of 20). This to me proves that the jet of air test is pretty effective, and had they used a correct method the data could be extrapolated to other tests.
@@coll0412 Fit factor is basically just the ratio of particles inside to outside right? So 20 = 5% leakage? Wouldn't their data on particle concentrations inside and outside have some relationship to internal leakage or is the method too different?
To me the takeaway was for the general public what kind of shape might have acceptable fit for the largest population, not that better masks "aren't worth it". The bifold and duck bill seem to have done the worst when fit to female faces.
@@coll0412 yes, it would be a great public service to do an episode about self-performed fit checks (training for which has been shown to increase the likelihood of passing a follow up fit test) vs Fit Testing. You have been modeling a live demo of self checking the fit each time you do a filtration efficiency test in your live videos and that has been helpful.
I got some beautiful surgical masks from Masklab (I plan on wearing these mainly outside to the park) and bought some "fashion tape" (double-sided tape) to help seal the edges around my face. At work, though, I'll still wear my KF94s. Thanks Aaron for all your help.
I bought one pack in my last order - the “prosperous goldfish” (sold out) because one of my colleagues teaches a class about fish and I had to share with her. I love they way they fit and feel. They are the most breathable mask I have, tho there is typical surgical mask face collapse, I easily get over it. I take a tuck in each edge and staple and get terrifically great seal, even with the thinner, single nose wire. I’m saving them for summer wear. I also recommended them to my sister for her adult son who is autistic and very picky about his masks. He prefers surgicals to KN95s or KF94s and the ASTM Level 3 rating is so much safer for him than the typical store-bought 50/$10 blue masks.
Aaron once again, thank you.
imo its worth using a small amount of vaseline on your skin to help get a better fit. it prevents any air escaping for me, then you dont need to rely on super sculptable nose clips as much.
3M 1860 blue N95 medical masks use staples. We use both those and 3M 8210 Plus( which have glued or heat applied straps) at my hospital. I have had the straps come off the glued ones, never on a stapled one. Just my experience. 😀
Side note: THANK YOU for noting that the earloop masks are procedural masks! Weird pet-peeve I've developed the past year. Procedural masks you wear during things like trach suctioning so you don't get blasted in the mouth with throat goop, surgical masks you wear to surgery to prevent your bacteria infused droplets from infecting the patient.
Love the BOTN.
Thank you !
Second the BOTN
"And that's just bananas"
Sir, didn't expect you dropping a b-bomb like that. I'd appreciate a NSFW/ ear muffs warning in the future. 😁
Haha...I try and keep it G-rated :)
Thanks for the review of the Alliable Medical SM-200 cup mask.
I bought some last year because they seemed like one of the better bets at the time when fake KN95s were rampant *and* expensive. The SM-200s were cheaper than the counterfeit KN95s and came with a plausibly alleged Korean supply chain. I still have a number of them but wasn't sure if I should trash them or not now that I have KF94s I'm confident are legit and can also get N95s if necessary, but now I can use up the SM-200s, too, thanks to the review.
I found the stapled head strap attachments and thin elastics gave them a cheaply constructed feel, though 3M still uses staples on some of its masks. The external nose wire comes unglued fairly easily. So I prefer the 3m 8210V and 8511s, but the SM-200s actually seem to fit ok. But without fit testing...who knows.
Thank you, Aaron! Your informative videos have allowed me to shop with confidence; no more guessing on Amazon as to which masks are authentic or what to buy. Your links to the suggested sellers are also helpful.
Do masks lose their effectiveness after the expiration date? What materials in the mask deteriorate over time? And how much protection do they give after they expire? Should we throw them out?
Again, thank you for all your time and expense to help us through these times.
I use the Botn, because I like how it feels and I have it dialed. When I feel the mask is starting to get loose at the bottom (neck area) I use masking tape and origami for a perfect fit. Masking tape is the only tape that sticks.
Thank you very much for your work and for sharing with us!!
Aaron, can you add in the third dimension in for the Bluna Face Fit masks on the Google Master Mask Testing Data Set that you have done with the later masks?
Similarly, can you input your subjective rating for the Bluna nose clip length & stiffness?
I a'm not sure if this was covered in one of the videos I have not watched yet or I am just dense, but what does the A,B,C,D measurements in the Google Master Mask Testing Data Set represent?
Also regarding your spreadsheet where you are doing extended tests on your used BOTN's. Your approximately 38 hours and 41 hour figures. What is the time period of these? Is this like 38, 41 hours of use in a week? Or 38, 41 hours over a longer period of time like a couple of weeks or a month?
I am concerned on how long the electrostatic charge lasts time wise (as in hours, days, weeks). I realize environment is huge, but I am trying to get a feel for how long (time wise) my daughter as a teacher should be using a KF94 after it has been opened before tossing it and starting over with a new mask.
PS - Thank you for all your hard work. You are a true help in this sucky time.
So I will be doing the next video to cover what those dimensions are, and how to *maybe* use them. Figuring out the fit stuff is still pretty difficult. The Bluna in the "older" way would be 188x80x147, where the 147 is the nose to chin flap distance. More info on those measurements soon.
Those were worn over a 2 week period. My recommendation is 40hrs a mask total wear time. I would try to use a mask within 1 month of starting to wear it, but there has been test data on 10 year old masks and the media was still good. All the elastic straps were brittle but the meltblown was still good to go!
Have you been able to test the KN Flax KF94 sold by Flax-Protection Health & Beauty and made by Kyungin Flax Co., LTD (Located in S.Korea)? If not, I can pop 2 in the mail to you. They were recommended by a virologist and look like a plain version of the MaskLab.HK. Glad to see the nose clips getting longer, around 87-90 mm. Thanks for being a great resource.
Got a box of 20 BYD N95 for $60 at office depot online back in Jan. Those should last me a while. I had a box of 10 3m N95 I was able to get in Feb 2020 and those lasted about a year. Def still prefer those 3m one.
Had a friend who said the LG Airwasher package makes it look like a condom. 😄
Thank you so much! This is really helpful and I appreciate your work.
Aaron, I got curious about Amazon and ordered a brand of KF94 I've never tried called "KLARING KF94 mask large" and I really do like them. They come with a piece that saves the ears and the straps are long enough to wear the masks around the head. Have you hear of this particular brand? I was wondering how good these are. I can send you a few samples for you to try since they seem to be legit and available on Amazon.
I love your recommendations and have tried the smaller masks you've recommended. I think I have an average sized head and think the smaller ones move to much when I talk. The BOTNs are great because they seem to seal around my face well but large enough that they don't move up my jaw when I talk like the smaller ones. One thing I noticed is that most Asians don't have the higher bridged nose so it's harder to fit the nose wire around a flatter nose/face. I'm excited to try the pretty masks from Hong Kong.
I've received the first dose of a Covid-19 vaccine but plan on wearing a well fitting mask for quite awhile since I deal with the public. Sometimes I wear a cloth mask over the KF94s only to try to keep the KF94s clean. Thanks again! Stay safe!
I recommend avoiding Amazon, but also I don't think I will have time to test any more masks as my last mask testing will be in two weeks and I have pa pretty big queue already. But thanks for watching and thanks for offering!
Been waiting for this one!! Thank you A.C.!!!
Thanks for sharing this information, it's highly appreciated. I greatly prefer headband style masks over earloop designs as my ear grooves are pretty shallow and earloops tend to slip off easily. I've been using the headband Powecom KN95s but was wondering what other options were out there for headband style masks.
N95's will be the way to go for you then, as they will all include headbands. The 3M 9502+ is a great option and will have an in depth review soon.
The bluna face fit works really well for me, but every so often one seems considerably bigger than others and they were all the same order.
Strange. Do they have the same lot number on the back of the package? If not is possible that they brought up a new line but changed the dimensions slightly. This would be evident though by being different lot ID's.
@@coll0412 I’m not sure. I just took some out but the packages aren’t in English so I am not sure I’m looking at the right number, but I don’t see any changes. I like them enough that I just ordered 100 more. I also found that a cheap (10 bucks) clip on ribbon that I can adjust as a back of the head strap instead of the ear loops makes it much more secure for me and feels more breathable while still feeling more snug to my face at the same time. It could be that I wore it with ear loops and just thought it was “bigger” and really isn’t. I’ll try to be a bit more observant and if I think that’s still happening I’ll take closer note. I give my 9 year old the happy life good day from kollecte USA and those have been really comfortable for all day at school. Thanks for everything you do!
thank you for this important work
Thank You for addressing the N95 fit testing! I have United States Mask N95's. If they don't send you some let me know and I'll send one out to you to test!
Thanks I just got some sent, but appreciate the offer!
re: fit testing
"Perfect is the enemy of the good"
We can't get near perfect protection like a fit tested nurse wearing a 3M N95 from a specific plant. So let's just have people wear any old cloth mask they want!
Hi Aaron, looking forward to your review on Masks 9501,9502. I have 9501 from AliExpress. But I think they are fake because they only have 3 layers. I also ordered Powcom from this site and also there unfortunately I think I came across a fake because these too have only three layers. You do not know how disappointed I am to find out. I bought there because there is almost no shipping tax and it comes out cheap. But I learned that what you buy cheaply pays dearly afterwards. The thing is that the site you brought here is real but the price of shipping the masks comes out much more expensive than the price of the product. Something like $ 48! When the masks cost about $ 15! So you can understand why I did bet on the fake. In the end I probably might yes order from what you recommended. Keep helping us and do a good job
Great video! Can you review some of the Moldex models, specifically 2200 and 4200? Their shell seem a bit thin even though they're NIOSH approved and don't seem to have an aluminum noseclip but a soft foam nose cushion. Also, can you please post the merchant where you purchased the 3M Auras? Thanks! And keep up the awesome work!
Thank you for the smaller mask recs. The dr puri is still too big for me but I can kind of make it work by twisting the ear loops
adding your own silicone adjuster beads will greatly improve the fit of any earloop styled mask. remove them when mask is retired and put them on next mask.
better yet, purchase a 6 pack of silicone head strap adjusters off amazon and wear the KF94's with a head strap, takes pressure off ears and helps my KF94's fit far better (although I will add- I haven't been able to do a true leak test on the improved face fit using head straps for the earl oops, I can feel the difference)
@@rebekahw.baharestan8479 can you link me the ones you use? Or the name? Thanks.
Really appreciate the time it takes to make these reviews. Plus the amount of money you have to spend to buy all these masks. Can you provide a method so I can send you a few bucks? I'd be glad to offer some support. I luckily had some 3M 1860's but I'm planning on switching to KF94's soon for better breathability and your reviews are making it much easier to choose masks.
Don't worry about it, just help whoever you can get good masks on there faces.
Thanks so much for another great video
Hey Aaron thanks for the information and resources. Have you heard about the Harley L-188 N95?
Yes, I just haven't got around to testing them all, soo many masks...so little time.
Really great thanks for sharing your knowledge
Thanks for another amazingly informative video and all of the effort behind it, Aaron! Received some Lutema traveler's this week and find that I can feel out breaths coming through on the bottom edge. Perhaps because of high pressure drop?
Also, wondering if you or any fellow mask nerds have tips on how to adjust loops on the Bluna masks.
When you adjust the inner loop pull the top one down and the bottom one up instead of just pulling outward. It is easier to do with the mask off your face. When it is where you want it to be pull them back up/down to catch the holding slit. Then tuck the shorter loop forward under the attachment area so it doesn’t tangle with the larger loops that will go around your ears.
Thank you! I'm not sure I'm picturing it correctly but will give this a try!
@@mattwright9596 I don’t think the smaller loop is meant to be tucked in that bar-like spot, but it works so I do it.
www.reddit.com/r/Masks4All/comments/j1kf93/bluna_black_kf94/
@@lindavt6562 I'll check out the thread! I only see one loop on each side with the Bluna's (not like the double loop on the BOTNs).
That nose wire on lighter measurement is really revealing.
another great video. btw why wasn't the clean top showcased in this video? according to your google docs spreadsheet it's pretty much dominating the entire lineup.
I wouldn't read into the pressure drop measurements too much as they are not that accurate or repeatable using my current setup.
This was my question too. They seemed to be the best of the best
I bought some CleanTops and found they were not as easy to talk in as some of the others tested that night. They are 192mm x 75mm where most of the KF94s that fit me well are 80mm or more in height (width?). Breathability was great but if I talked or yawned the mask pulled off my nose, even with the very substantial nose wire. Given that I like to talk (haha) I prefer a mask that is slightly less efficient, but fits better and stays put. Again, filtration is only part of the picture. Fit is also important and why it is so great that Aaron’s chart also has mask measurements.
Wish I could order the masks you recommend, but the ones in my size seem to be out of stock! Still though, thank you for the work that you're doing, it's pretty important!
Since fit and comfort are so individual and hard to predict, I am brainstorming how to put together a planning tool that would allow a group of, say, 20 people to get together as a group to purchase 10-20 different models and sizes of masks and then share so each of them get 10-20 different kinds of masks to try. For example, how could I, ahead of time, set up a shopping list of different masks people could sign up to buy, and then have them have a checklist of which masks they want to try, and make the distribution come out evenly and fairly?
I've bought a number of kinds of masks in the last year and being able to try singles would have been great.
For KF94s, Be Healthy allows you to pick your own sampler pack of ten masks, which is very useful:
behealthyusa.net/apps/bundles/bundle/60433
But I'd love to sample a wider variety of masks as singles as a number of masks I've purchased in larger quantities have been bad fits for me (the black Soom Lab mask, for example, is way too small for me and a total waste of money, in spite of being called a medium, or large or whatever, it's actually very small but they don't call it a small.)
My concerns about trading masks would be two fold:
1) Making sure the masks are genuine is harder with a bunch of people all buying masks from different suppliers and trading them.
2) Contamination from unboxing the masks and sending them out to other people - fortunately Covid becomes inactive on surfaces on its own, eventually, but has been found active on surgical masks after 10 days (a study last year, don't know if that has been confirmed). So a quarantine period might be a good idea.
I actually did that. Bought a collection thru behealthyusa, tried them all on and picked my favorites. They are all repackaged (not sealed tight so they stay dry and decontaminate) waiting for a friend with a large family, different ages and varying face shapes to pick up. My best fitting masks are, amazingly, the 1st KF94s I bought (MaskLab).
@@lindavt6562 I'd like to try more masks, but I've actually got a bunch of masks I need to actually hack and use or get to other people, including AirQueen Nano, AirQueen Breeze, Soom Lab and others. I do want to try the MaskLab ones, though.
@@gerardhughes I’d be glad to send you a few MaskLabs (no cost). I bought several boxes because I wanted extreme fashion variety and have given 70% away to friends. Three masks fit perfectly in a US envelope with normal postage. I just got my 2nd Pfizer shot, so I am far less worried about contracting covid these days. It is a great feeling btw. I don’t cringe anymore when I got to Costco and some dude with his nose hanging out passes me in the narrow electronics aisle.
@@lindavt6562 Thanks! That would be cool.
I'm going to have to use the good masks for a while yet as the vaccine continues to roll out. The other day I wondered if I was being over cautious and feeling a bit conspicuous because I was wearing a facesheild over a good mask, but as I walked past a shopper sneezing through their cloth mask in the produce section, and then a shopper talking on their cell phone as they rifled through the freezer section with their mask around their chin I decided that over cautious was good and hustled out of the store as quickly as I could.
Could you test the Gill mask with their FP95 filter? I use this mask and I’m curious to see what results you get compared to their website.
Watching this. All great stuff, but I think breaking it down into 5 - 10 minute separate videos would help. Let's say I had a 5 minute video on mask fitting, a 5 minute video of the sense and nonsense of double masking ... I could share that much easier when someone has a question. Everyone outside of a mask nerd audience probably would appreciate shorter clips. Maybe some more youtube-versed people here could weigh in.
Aaron is the best single source of science-based recommendations of specific masks and suppliers I know of, but I've not had a lot of luck in getting people to watch the excellent videos. Some short videos could be a useful addition that I might be able to get people to watch.
When I post a link to Aaron's TH-cam channel I get crickets. If I post links to links to specific masks at one of Aaron's vetted suppliers, I get a lot more interest, which, to me, is both great and a bit horrific that people would trust me, a stranger or FB acquaintance, with specific mask recommendations.
I'm trying to point people to the source of the info so they can judge it on the merits and get the nuances, but most people just want a quick link to a plausible solution at a price they can afford.
@@gerardhughes Yea, you need to spoon-feed information ... it's a long process
Time stamps and links to certain sections in the description would be a relatively easy way to solve this. You can also share a link that starts at a certain time.
I'm grateful for the info in any form (and personally like the information density)! He's doing this in his spare time for our benefit. We can help spread it to other people in easier-to-digest bits.
@@xymzk Yes timestamps are great. However, there's something about separate short clips, with their own thumbnails, that just gets more attention. I'm no expert in this, but it would be good the get advice from experienced youtubers.
Wonder when we are going to see the nose pads we see in n95s as an aftermarket to improve nose seal/nose wire conformability limitations. I've been looking for a thin memory foam to modify masks with to experiment. The anti-fog eyeglass pads don't seem to do it.
I have been playing with strips of Duck Hold It tape for carpets along the inside upper edge. It does not stick well to the polypropylene (nothing does) so I added removable glue dots so it stays on the mask more than it stays on my nose. It really adds to the seal and holds it in position.
Hey Aaron! I know reusable masks are not ideal. I typically wear N95s, but could you review products like Airnum Lite Air or the Sonomask? I want to get a 'higher quality' reusable mask for quick wears if that's a viable option.
Is there any disadvantage for filtration efficiency or leakage if I wear a KN95 underneath, and a fabric mask on top? Or is it just related to breathability? I usually double mask this way, and the fabric mask I use doesn't really make it any harder for me to breathe (maybe a little but not to the point where it's uncomfortable). It makes me feel a little safer since I have a short beard and I worry about fit around my cheeks. I just feel it makes the seal better and my GF does the same. Any thoughts you or the community might have would be greatly appreciated, and thank you so much for all you do!
So long as the fabric mask provides an improved seal, and you are willing to tolerate the increased pressure drop I guess go for it. My recommendation is to try and eventually find just one well fitting mask as that really enables long term comfort, but if you are comfortable with it go for it. A mask fitter might be a better option if you are about just an improved seal at the cheeks. Next video will have some info on those.
@@coll0412 Thank you so much!!!! This is really helpful! Looking forward to the next one!
Around supplier qualifications...I've heard multiple ppl ask about US made masks. One chat was a person who purchased from a US based company, but the masks were stamped outside of the US. I try to avoid debates on where the mask is made as long as it works, but the point is for ppl to wear the mask imo. If that's the only barrier, let me help find a resource. Do you have suggestions on US made masks and/or masks not stamped with where it was made if outside the US?
Please test more bifolds. I have a normal size woman's face but a small nose. Those bifolds fit me perfectly. It would be helpful to have data on bifolds for people like me. Especially the Aer Pro. It's the one you didn't test in this video. I ordered them from Kollecte instead of Alliable. The packaging doesn't say KF94. It's KA100. What does that mean?
My boys are going back to school in mid-April and I'm looking for effective masks for them to wear. I think K94s are good for them, but can K94s (or 95s) be worn multiple times? If so, how many times? Aaron, have you done a video on this?
Yes, Aaron spoke to this in several videos. I'm too lazy to put all the timestamps in here, buy here's the tl;dr: He suggests wearing a mask for 30-40 hours total 'wear time'. After use, put the mask back in the pouch (or a bag), and let it sit somewhere for 5 days or so, which should be enough for most virus to die off on the mask. Don't use any chemical disinfectant products in the mask, they might destroy the filtration media.
@@jochenliebig1562 Thank you very much. I think the Powecom masks are a good for for the boys and I.
Have you tested any adhesive nose strips? Do you think this would be a good option to help with fitment around the nose?
Can always try it, but I have just had good luck pulling out the ones in there and inserting my BOTN or LG Airwasher nose wires.
Hey Aaron, thanks for your amazing work. Quick question: OSHA has a regulation saying facial hair (even two days of stubble) can affect mask fit. And there are some studies demonstrating that fit tests are difficult to pass for those who are not clean shaven around the seal of a respirator. I'm wondering if a mask fitter/brace can help mitigate this issue. I'm also wondering how much you think even a small amount of facial hair would affect filtration efficiency.
Aaron: please grow a beard and re-test the top picks ;-)
There have been some studies, I haven't had a chance to dig them up, but the elastomeric respirators are the least effected by the stubble. It reduces it, but given my inability to grow a beard I won't be able to test it myself.
My genetics are such that I can't grow one....or at least not one that long, unless I do this video in 2022.
Thanks, Aaron, great video as always but disagree on the OSHA fit factor scale. 50 fit factor (98% filtration) is in fact twice as bad as 100 fit factor (99% filtration). If a mask filters out 98% of particles that leaves 2% it does not filter. This is exactly double the amount of particles let through versus 99% filtration. The fit factor starts at 100/99% and scales down accordingly, 50, 20, 10, 5 etc. with the percentage not filtered.
Don't disagree, I am just saying that 50 fit factor does not mean you go from 99% to 50%, it's the classic issue of 1/x function. Same with MPG and Gallons/100mi. Someone might think going from 40 to 60MPH will save them tons a fuel, but in reality the savings is minimal, where as going from 5MPG - 15MPG might seem trivial. Gallon/100mi is a much easier comparison for people.
You're missing the whole point. Obviously, 2% is double 1% but 98% is clearly > than 40% or whatever number most people are realistically getting. And he further explained it beyond that. So saying oh no someone might have a leak and twice as much it let in so downgrade so 60x that is let in is illogical. He made it clear that professionals should be fit tested but that it shouldn't be a reason for most people to not upgrade their PPE. Esp if they try different options to find one that fits as well as possible.
As warmer weather approaches, any thoughts on which mask brands are cooler than others?
Of the masks I've tried, the mask lab "KF style" FFP2 masks are the lightest/airiest. Of course, I've only tried a few masks. And my observation is subjective. However, they are too big for me.
Were Sonovia Pro masks tested? Does antimicrobial, ultrasound treatment improve masks measurably? Thanks.
Have you looked at the Kleenex bifold KF94 from behealthyusa? I tried one in my last combo pack and found it very comfortable and breathable.
Maybe a better nomenclature for kn/kf styles is bifold/boat or 2d/3d... Of course there's also rigid and duckbill styles
We really could use better nomenclature for the styles of mask - I think the only current ones that are clear(ish) are "cup-style" and "duck bill".
Bifold is probably not a good term because bifold sounds like it would have two folds, but a bifold brochure or a bifold wallet only has *one* fold, and two sections. The "bi" and the "fold" are separate, a two section, folded object. Likewise, trifold brochures and wallets have three sections and two folds. So a standard three panel "boat-style" KF94 would be "trifold". And a standard style flat fold KN95 would be a "bifold." I think there is too much chance that people will use these terms how they sound, not as they are actually used in trade, for them to be a clear way to talk about mask styles. The terms are not self-evident.
Likewise 2D and 3D are confusing. I think of hemispherical "cup" style N95s, such as the 3M 8210 or the 8511 as being "3D", and, maybe, a pleated procedural mask as being flat and 2D. But both standard KF94 and KN95 masks made of flat material are marketed as "3D" because they are not flat when opened, yet the same is true for pleated procedural masks when the pleats are expanded, but they are not marketed as 3D AFIK. So, again, not clear or self evident terms.
3M makes the full range of styles: cup style (eg8210), bifold (eg 9502+N95), trifold (eg 1870+) and duck bill (eg 1804). I'd love to know what 3M calls these various construction styles. 3M calls the cup style, cup style, but I haven't been able to find out what they call the other styles - they just refer to them by model number in their product literature.
I haven't yet, I don't test a lot of bi-fold Korean masks just as they are a little bit more face specific, but will keep it in mind though.
@@gerardhughes 🌮 style and 🍔 style? 🤔
no soomlab n95 dobu mask review yet? :(
I am way behind, this was shot about a month ago.
What else do you have to say about mask fitters/braces? I'd like to see you test some of them.
Lutema (good surgical mask) with 'fixthemask': th-cam.com/video/ldVH6N7FuFI/w-d-xo.html
Armbrust (surgical mask) with 'badger' fitter: th-cam.com/video/ldVH6N7FuFI/w-d-xo.html
Armbrust (surgical mask) with 'belus3d' fitter: th-cam.com/video/ldVH6N7FuFI/w-d-xo.html
KF94 with 'fixthemask': th-cam.com/video/ldVH6N7FuFI/w-d-xo.html
@@jochenliebig1562 thank you, jochen!
I will have a review video coming out shortly, so hang tight :)
@@coll0412 Looking forward to it!
Thank you for all your videos! Question about mask fit. I've tried the bluna facefit large kf94 and the bottom flap seems to leave a small gap even when I adjust the loops of the mask. My jaw seems to meet the bottom flap though. Should I try a smaller mask?
Yes, I would recommend either the BOTN Medium or Dr. Puri Medium
I’d be interested in any thoughts about mask fitters. Seems like using them with surgical masks would be smart but I rarely see anything about them. Do they work? Any recommended brands? Thanks.
Fix the Mask braces (fixthemask.com) are designed to be used with surgical/procedural masks. You can read about their testing results on their website. I've purchased one but haven't used it because I've been using the KF94 respirators Aaron recommends rather than surgical masks.
Aaron's testing data show that FixTheMask gives tremendous improvement to the performance of Level 2 surgical masks, and the fixthemask.com website gives similar test data. I can't tolerate it because it pushes my glasses up and I have to view the whole world through the middle layer of my trifocals :-(
Thanks for the vid!
How about kn95 (outer) + surgical or kf94 + surgical (outer)?
Totally unnecessary, if you are using a hi-fi mask(N95,FFP2,ect ect) just wear that single mask and focus on getting a good fit.
Thanks for the reply! Reason I asked is because there are lots of fake KN95 here in my country, hard to distinguish so I was wondering if pairing it with a surgical mask will do
Hi Aaron! Have you ever tested a mask made solely of polipropilene spunbond (no sms or melblown layer)? I bought a few duckbill style 3 layer spunbond masks with a great fit and seal and I'm using them to exercise outdoors, and I bike past joggers and fellow cyclists along a narrow bike lane. The maks is very easy to breathe through, and I worry it may be a little too easy. Should I go back to wearing a cloth mask?
I tested the ILWOUL Hygienic mask which is the same basic concept and got around 60% protection, but my test likely over estimates protection on the low end. That being said being outdoors provides a huge amount of safety and is what I use outdoors if I am biking around lots of other people.
@@coll0412 Thank you for taking the time to reply, really appreciate it.
What face shields are the best to put on top of your mask?
Do you have any suggestions for masks which can be used for exercise?
Indoors I am not sure, likely the Blue 3D KF80 would be a good choice, but you will sacrifice some protection for more breath ability. If you are just interested in protecting others, I would recommend the ILWOUL Hygenic Mask.
Thank you!
@@chatham117 If you go for the ILWOUL Hygenic Mask, make sure you don't confuse with with the ILWOUL KF94 mask. The KF94 is high filtration, really hard to breathe, the ILWOUL Hygenic Mask is lower in filtration (-> about protecting others) and super easy to breathe.
Where do you recommend buying 3M Aura N95s?
Tough to find, but WellBefore had some and I tested them on a blind purchase and they tested legit.
How do you feel about Bonafidemasks's Harley 188 or 288? I'm looking for something for my parents to wear when grocery shopping, very short exposure time but need a great tight fit. They seem like the most trustworthy N95 distributor at this point.
Try Lowe's and Zoro. They have stuff like 3M. If it has a valve cover it with a procedural mask or tape the inside of you want to better seal it.
@@xymzk I think Bonafide is probably still more trusted than Zoro.
I have both the Harley 188 and the 288 from Bonafide, along with clear notes on each of them I can post.
@@zoomerrunner Why? Zoro is Grainger. They're not getting product anywhere but directly from Honeywell, 3M, etc. Nothing against Bonafide but I don't think there's any risk from Grainger.
@@BWChicago Yes I think they're very comparable. I feel like Zoro has a blurrier supply chain and Bonafide has just done so much good. But both are fine. I have not found 3M's or Moldex from Zoro though. Only Moldex is available on Grainger.
You should test 2 identical surgical masks at the same time
I actually did, it's line 175 in my test. It did not make it better by 2x, in fact is was only marginally better than 1
How do you like the Evergreen Clean top kf94?
I haven't worn one long term, but good nose wire and good breath-ability.
I was looking for these Masklab masks on Amazon ,could not find them ! Is there a reason ? Where can I buy them ? Thanks !
masklab.us/
@@coll0412 bought these masks from Novita in Singapore ,they seem to be top quality ! They come in medium and large ,did you ever test them ???? Also bought some Powecom ,why are they so shiny ? Is it the spunbond or fiberglass ???
Why do KF94s have expiration dates ?
I would have thought that maybe the electrostatic filtration media might loose it's charge, but a quick Google seems to show that it's the other components, such as the head straps and nose foam (if any) that degrade, according to 3M. Part of the NIOSH certification is that the mask will meet the standards, and 3M can't guarantee that past a certain number of years.
"The longer a respirator has been in storage, the less likely it is to perform at its full potential. Over time, components such as the strap and nose foam may degrade, which can affect the quality of the fit and seal. Additionally, expired respirators may potentially no longer meet the certification guidelines set by the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH)."
www.3mcanada.ca/3m/en_ca/worker-health-safety-ca/safety-town-square/articles/why-do-disposable-respirators-have-a-defined-shelf-life
The CDC tested expired stockpiles of expired N95s and found most of them to still be protective. Without a corresponding study of the same stock of masks back when they were un-expired, it's hard to know how many of the masks that didn't pass were defective because of how old they were or if they were defective before they "expired".
www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/hcp/release-stockpiled-N95.html
I'm going to assume similar considerations apply to KF94s. I don't know if the electrostatic media degrades or loses charge over time.
The ear elastic degrades over time, probably a bigger factor than the longevity of the mask material.
Most have 2-3 years from date expiration dates. The media is fine it's the elastic that fails first after expiration.
Aron; would you happen to know whether the BOTN size medium in white on Kollecteusa.com website is legit (this storefronts' packaging for the medium sized white BOTN is not in English as packaging is written in korean perhaps) but their large size in vlacl is english language mask packaging. You had tested the BOTN Black color in large by kollecteusa and placed their online storefront link in your video links so I am hoping this is a legit alternative place to purchase the BOTN medium in white since" be healthy " just ran out of medium white BOTN today... or should we wait for them to get more in?
Yes they are legit, tested them a week or so ago in the live test videos.
Can you put up the specs on the Evergreen Cleantop 3D KF94 Adult(Black) or (White) ? I am interested in this one as it seems to state that it contains anti fog nose top, additional construction to prevent eyewear fog- many people need this feature if its even available in KF94's ( but I cannnot read Korean or speak it either..) you'd mentioned interest in the antifog KF94 masks, ever get info on some ??
I broke down and dissected one of my CleanTops. The nose piece is indeed a solid band of metal. Most other KF94 masks use a plastic bar with a metal wire imbedded in the top and bottom edge, like a bread or coffee bag tie. So the CleanTop nose seal is better, reducing glasses fogging. The metal band is very malleable and when it is bent it has almost no spring back as Aaron shows in his video using the plastic lighter. It is also a decent (but not exceptional) 76mm long and a full 5mm wide. Once you mold it to your nose shape it is going to stay there. The face size (194x75mm) is about the same as the Bluna FaceFit (188x80) and MaskLab (190x82). The filtration is great and it is very breathable. CleanTop would be one of my favorite masks if the front was maybe 194x80, and top and bottom flaps were just a few mm bigger as well.
EDIT:
Instead of returning the nose band to the CleanTop, I put it in one of my MaskLabs. While it improved the anti-fogging, it was still not as quite good as the CleanTop. So I put the CleanTop fabric directly on my lips and breathed in and out. It was noticeably (but not very scientifically) easier to breathe through the front piece of the mask, than it was to breathe through either the top or bottom flap. So perhaps they use slightly less breathable fabric on the flaps, thus pushing more air thru the front piece and less upward onto one’s glasses? In any case, the CleanTop is an impressive mask.
EDIT 2:
So I have now completely destroyed a CleanTop mask. (Also clipped off the ear loops to turn into hair ties.) The inner and outer most layers of all three flaps feel and look the same. The middle layer of the nose and chin flaps feel the same. But the face flap has a 4th stiffer layer the other two lack. I presume this layer helps prevent face collapse. It does not reduce air flow in any measurable way, though there may be some electrostatic component as it reminds me of sewing interfacing, which many cloth mask makers use as a filtration mechanism. The face flap filtration layer feels (by my unscientific measuring fingers) slightly thinner, less puffy than the other two flaps. Further evidence that a greater amount of air flow goes through the face flap and not towards one’s glasses or chin. More applause for the thought and engineering that went into making the CleanTop mask.
@@lindavt6562 Thanks for your detailed information!
@@lindavt6562 hi, Thank you for your dissection observations! and did you notice whether they also had used a different material in the upper nose area materials or was the mask only different i than other KN94's in the stiffer all metal nosewire?
@@lindavt6562 my experience is that the steam fog is misting up glass wear via condensation effect and nosewire doesn't seem to help, regardless of what type or fit as the upper third of mask near nose /eye area of all the poly propylene kf94's masks allow condensation to emit through the actual materials and create fogging effect on eyeglass wear?
@@rebekahw.baharestan8479 The upper flap does have a different middle filtering polypropylene layer material compared to the front face piece. It feels a bit thicker, and it is harder to breathe through (sucking directly on the fabric layers). So I think that is a big reason that moist exhaled air is less likely to go through the top flap and fog glasses. The easiest path through the mask is the front.
Hi, I just found you, and want to know if you’ve tested/reviewed masks that are stretchy. Specifically, I bought some sample Korean masks from medgearusa.com (K-Pura, 14.5cm x18cm, black). The company that makes it is niamondo.net. They are advertised on the website as appropriate for health care workers and others. I like it a lot, partly because the ear loops are part of the mask, not attached elastic strings, and are much more comfortable for me. My ears can’t hold elastic ear loops very well without bending and popping off. I looked through your lists and did not see any reviews for masks like this and wondered if you have come acrossed these masks or similar ones, and if so, what your opinion on these are. Thank you for all your work on this. It’s really helpful and kinda addictive to watch!
Aaron, do you have any opinion and/or data on 3M Aura 9205+ ?
Yes if you look in the latest data you will find it in there. It came from a viewer so don't have a source for more.
drive.google.com/drive/folders/1eE2BERAvRzs28kG87ft3a27FS9-gHvdC?usp=sharing
@@coll0412 Awesome! Thank you.
What is "pressure drop" and why is that bad if I'm not concerned about breathing a bit harder to overcome it?
Higher chance of leakage. Air will find its way. If resistance is higher, it may channel around your nose or chin, where ever the seal is weakest. Filtration might suffer. You don't see that so much in Aaron's test, because he just sits in a bathroom, but let's say you are talking, exercising, walking or whatever, and then leakage might turn into an issue.
So pressure drop is all about breath ability, to me it's an important aspect for all day comfort with a mask. If you had to choose between a hard to breathe mask, and an easy to breathe mask, both of which offered the same protection, it's a no brainier.
For short term use it really doesn't matter too much.
Does anyone know if kollecteUSA is a reliable vendor. It seems some people have bought from them
Aaron has. I have. Seems legit.
@@jochenliebig1562 Thanks. I just ordered some from them for a non-profit my wife is involved in. They do educational camps for children, so I got a variety of sizes.
@@mitchellsutter1105 Great. I tried their KF80 comma comma kids masks. Great fit, great colors, and I think KF80 should be fine for kids. For full-day wearing, minimizing pressure drop actually matters imo. The Mima KF80 is interesting, size adjustable. The earloop bands feel fragile, but they work and are very soft. The mask feels smooth, and I think kids who don't like other disposable masks might actually like the mima. I haven't tried the evergreen for kids yet, though. From behealthy I got the blue and bluna kids masks, and they are excellent. Those are KF94.
I just got 4 different brands from them and was very pleased with the masks themselves, the quick service and the price both of the masks and the shipping.
Yes they are legit.
Can you show us how to spot fake KF94 masks?
It's probably impossible to tell without using a particle counter and/or an organization that can cross check the alleged supply chain. The counterfeiter can put all the exact same markings on the counterfeit masks and packaging that one finds on genuine products, as well as fancy looking letters of authenticity and certifications. That's why Aaron is emphasizing secure supply chains. You need to get your mask from a reliable supplier rather than trying to tell individual counterfeit masks from genuine.
There are, however, a few tells for some of the less careful counterfeits. For instance the FDA does not allow printing "FDA" on masks. So if it has FDA printed on it, it's counterfeit. The first KN95s I bought said FDA on them :-( but cloth masks were in short supply so I used them anyway since they were likely as good as a cloth mask at the time. But now I only buy from 3M partners or a supplier vetted by Aaron.
Here is an old article from last year about detecting counterfeits early on during the pandemic that may be a bit outdated. Much has changed since then, but counterfeits are still common.
jayparkmd.medium.com/how-to-spot-a-fake-kn95-mask-from-china-d5219e7f0ab2
Any chance you are going to the the Comma Comma kids kf80? They are available here: kollecte.com/collections/꼼마꼼마-commacomma-kf94/products/꼼마꼼마어린이-마스크-kf803pcs-bag. Fit is great for the kiddos, and it seems to comfortable. Now I wonder how good filtration and pressure drop really are.
I have a couple of them, but not sure if I cam going to be able to get to testing them or not. I tested the Adult CommaComma's and they tested great.
I really am having difficulty understanding what masks you are saying. Are you saying Baloona mask?
Bluna Face Fit
Aaron, maybe you can test surgical/procedure masks that have been modified this way: th-cam.com/video/2TTg53aAP8Q/w-d-xo.html. Been wondering how much that method improves face fit and seal. I've been using that hack for months - when outdoors with few people around. Indoors, it's always KN95 or nowadays KF94 after seeing your tests.
That looks interesting, but a lot of collapse, and you still need a surgical mask with good nosewire.
I tried that early on, but my face is too big for it to work well. I found that a single tuck in the sides of a procedural mask was all I could do. I then staple the area to hold the tuck in place. I only wear these when outdoors as I have plenty of KF94s for indoor spaces.
I wish you could speak more candidly against Fauci's none-sense on double-masking! And the problem with multiple-surgical masks is not breathability or pressure drop: The issue is that without a tight seal, more pressure drop leads to more leakage. I wish you could better elucidate it.
How does P100 compare to KF94?
P100 will feature headbands and some internal sealing. So protection wise better, but comfort wise will be a compromise on breath ability.
Would someone mind going over pressure drop?
Basically, it's the difference between breathing without the mask on and breathing with it on, or how much harder it is to inhale with the mask on. Someone who knows the physics can give you a more precise definition, though.
I just never wear masks and things have been great!