Just when it seemed that four years since the pandemic had been long enough to be rid of the COVID-19 virus, a new variant called ‘FLiRT’ has shown up just in time for summer. Now, some are considering whether masking up may be a safe option for spending time in public, going to events, or shopping at the grocery store. Whether you want to try and protect yourself against the new variant, or just want to mask up in large groups during summer events, there’s no time like the present to re-up your home supply of N95, or KN95 face masks.
WHAT IS THE ‘FLiRT’ VARIANT?
The new variant is called FLiRT, is the dominant strain in the U.S. One of the variants, KP.2, accounts for about 25% of all current infections in the U.S. while another variant, KP.1.1, accounts for almost 8%. Previously, the JN.1 strain was the predominant strain in the U.S. before being overtaken by KP.2.
According to the CDC, “Viruses constantly change through mutation and sometimes these mutations result in a new variant of the virus. Some changes and mutations allow the virus to spread more easily or make it resistant to treatments or vaccines. As the virus spreads, it may change and become harder to stop.”
THE BEST N95 & KN95 FACE MASKS ON AMAZON
If you have an Amazon Prime account, this is one of the best ways to get masks as fast as possible with free two-day shipping. Most of these items have free two-day shipping if you have a Amazon Prime membership. If you don’t have one already, sign up for an Amazon Prime free trial which gives you 30-days of free shipping where applicable. With various different brands of KN95 and N95 masks in stock online now, there are a couple of different options that combine good ratings, reasonable prices, and effective protection:
• Kimberly-Clark N95 pouch respirator masks are considered one of the better N95 mask options on Amazon. With a big “breathing chamber” and bendable front feature to add comfort and avoid that squished-nose feeling, their U.S.-made masks go for around $42 for a pack of 50 masks.
• If you’re concerned with mask size, shape, and color, these discreet and simple black AccuMed BNX N95 masks are made in the United States and come in packs of 10 NIOSH approved masks for $17.99 and have 5 layers of filter in each.
• MISSAA KN95 Face Masks for Kids, also available on Amazon, are a good way to help encourage children to wear masks at the grocery store, playdates, summer camps, or at school — especially if they don’t want to. They come in kids’ sizes featuring exciting bright patterns like tie-dye, starry nights, fish, doughnuts, and checkers to create some excitement about mask-wearing; currently 7% off at $13.99.
WHERE ELSE TO BUY N95 & KN95 FACE MASKS AT THE BEST PRICES
• If you are looking to sift through and find the best N95 or KN95 mask styles to fit your face, or just want a variety of price points to pick from, N95 Medical Supplies has a plethora of styles to choose from in small or large quantities. They are one of the top retailers of N95 masks, so they have a huge inventory and rarely sell out of the masks they carry.
• Well Before has a mix of N95 masks available and most cost under $5 each. The Makrite Sekura respirator folding masks are on sale for $1.99 each. N95 Medical Supplies sells a 20-box of N95 masks on sale for 33% off right now and these are NIOSH-certified and USA-made.
N95 vs. KN95 FACE MASKS: WHAT’S THE DIFFERENCE?
While both masks are considered very effective in protecting wearers from the transfer of aerosol particulates, filtering out up to 95%, KN95 masks are simply considered the foreign equivalent of N95 masks. The difference between the two has to do with which regulating bodies oversee and test the effectiveness of these masks. N95 masks have been tested and approved by the U.S. National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH). Because KN95 masks aren’t overseen and vetted by NIOSH, they aren’t considered as effective as the U.S.-certified N95 masks.
Another big difference between N95 and KN95 masks is the price point. Since KN95 aren’t actually certified by NIOSH, they usually come at a lower financial cost than high-grade N95 masks.
Whether you’re looking for packs of N95 masks, KN95 masks (or both!) to provide protection during the projected rise in COVID-19 “JN.1″ cases, here are some great options for available masks that can be quickly delivered and are in stock now.