The Covid-19 coronavirus outbreak continues to spread around the world.
Many people are protecting themselves by buying N95 face masks. Coronaviruses tend to spread via cough and sneeze droplets, and face masks may protect you in public places. 
With any disaster, however, comes opportunity.
There are plenty of good and bad N95 face mask respirators on the market today. Some N95 face masks will legitimately protect you and your family. Other N95 face masks are overpriced and over-hyped.
Today, we’re listing the best N95 face mask respirators available today, including anti-pollution clean-air filtering breathing masks you can use to protect you and your family.
Before reviewing the top 10 best coronavirus face masks available that are in stock and could be useful, it is important to note none of the information below has come from a certified healthcare expert or professional medical advisor in any capacity. The severity of the coronavirus has been up and down and effectively all-around, this guide was put together in light of the recent respiratory lung condition but is in no way, shape or form to be construed as licensed medical/healthcare advice. Always seek professional consultations personally and follow official insights.
Why Use a Anti-Pollution Clean Air Breathing Face Mask?
When an infected person coughs or sneezes, they release droplets of saliva or mucus. These droplets fall on people nearby. Other people directly inhale these droplets. Or, the droplets fall on the hands, skin, or face and are then transferred.
We don’t yet know how the Covid-19 coronavirus spreads. It’s a new illness, and research continues to get underway. Similar viruses, however, spread via cough and sneeze droplets.
For flu viruses, doctors define exposure as being within six feet of an infected person who coughs or sneezes for ten minutes or longer.
But that’s not the only way to get infected: viruses can also spread when droplets land on surfaces. Let’s say an infected person rode your bus an hour ago. They sneezed all over the railing in front of you. You sit down, touch the railing, then rub your eyes a few minutes later. You’re infected with the virus.
The spread of the Covid-19 coronavirus is not yet understood. We know it originated in Wuhan, China. We also know it’s spreading around the world. Beyond that, however, we don’t fully understand how the virus is spreading.
It’s possible that the Covid-19 coronavirus is spreading just like any ordinary flu – or like SARS or MERS. It’s also possible that the Covid-19 coronavirus is spreading in a much different and more frightening way.
For all of these reasons, it may be time to buy an N95 face mask.
Top Face Masks Protectors for the Covid-19 Coronavirus
Over the past month, we’ve seen a surge in sales N95 respirators and other protective masks online.
With so many masks available, however, it’s hard to know which mask is the best one to buy.
To clarify, the FDA has cleared only four N95 respirators for use by the general public in public health medical emergencies, including:
- 3M Particulate Respirator 8670F
- 3M Particulate Respirator 8612F
- Pasture F550G Respirator
- Pasture A520G Respirator
These respirators have been verified to fit tightly, filter contaminants, and give you the best possible chance of avoiding the Covid-19 coronavirus.
However, if you can’t find any of the N95 respirators above, or if you’re looking for alternative options, then there are plenty available. We’ll talk about some of the leading N95 respirators on the market below.
How Does an N95 Respirator Work?
image courtesy from totobobo face mask
The N95 respirator is a respiratory protective device designed to achieve a very close facial fit and efficient filtration of airborne particles.
The “95” part of the N95 mask signifies that it blocks at least 95% of very small (0.3 micron) test particles.
When properly fitted, an N95 respirator filters significantly better than a face mask. It is safe to say there are two significant factors to assess when considering buying a face mask fit for filtering out the coronavirus craze. That comes down to “the fit” and “the filter”. A filter fit for a coronavirus face mask will have these two vital components working for you to ensure maximize safety and effectiveness. If the filter is quality but has a leaky-prone fit, the help isn’t as reassuring because the pollutants and toxic substances can still enter the small opening and could be a false sense of security. If the fit is well sealed but the filter is subpar, it won’t be of much use as airborne particles can still bypass the face mask filtration system.
The goal of using a top-ranked in-stock coronavirus face mask is to avoid if not completely eliminate exposure to these invisible hazardous substances and can not be achieved unless an optimal fit factor is formed to the face and the filter is high-grade enough to catch any and all threats. The following best coronavirus-related face masks for anti-pollution clean-air breathing will be researched and reviewed, but recommendations will try to keep up with the trending demand for these N95 respirators.
Top 10 Best N95 Face Masks Respirators of 2023
Let’s look at some of the best anti-pollution clean-air breathing face masks that should be a part of your coronavirus-related survival kit.
OxyBreath Pro
We have extensively reviewed the new OxyBreath Pro face mask that is one of the most popular anti-pollution clean-air breathing respirators available that has been in stock during the whole coronavirus outbreak.
The reason we are ranking this the number one best N95 face mask of 2023 is because of its continual in-stock supply and ability to ship worldwide right away. They also offer bulk options for those looking to not only get a personal anti-pollution mask but also for friends and family. Billed as a highly-effective clean air breathing mask, the OxyBreath Pro respirator uses nano-technology with activated carbon air filter to fight smog, allergens, bacteria and viruses. It also comes with a washable PM2.5 Air Mask for the ability to reuse it multiple times.
The OxyBreath Pro anti-pollution clean air breathing face mask is said to be very lightweight, comfortable and covers both mouth and nose for proper protection and filtration.
The pricing for the best N95 face mask comes in at $49 each, but if you buy bulk can drop as low as $27 each. Click the button below to buy the top-rated N95 face mask today.
SafeMask Next-Gen Nano Technology Face Mask
The SafeMask anti-pollution face mask is another option that is currently in-stock and has remained with a steady supply. While the materials and quality of the product may not be as optimal as some of the others listed below, in a time of demand and the fact they are readily available and shipping out immediately is why the SafeMask is ranked right after OxyBreath Pro.
Here is a video explaining how the SafeMask protects against pollution with its next-generation nano technology benefits that are meant to keep airborne particles such as viruses, chemicals, allergens, germs, dust and pollutants out of your lungs and airways.
Airinum Masks
Airinum makes a wide variety of masks for urban environments, including the Classic Collection (in Onyx Black, Quartz Grey, and Pearl Pink), and the Limited Edition series. Both masks may be effective at reducing the risk of the Covid-19 coronavirus.
To create its popular Airinum + Nemen Limited Edition mask, mask maker Airinum teamed up with Italian fashion brand Nemen to create a minimalistic, fashionable mask designed for urban environments. The collaboration, according to the official website, “raises the bar of what an air mask can be”.
Airinum masks are priced at $70 to $100 USD. The masks are available in four sizes (XS, S, M, and L) and multiple stylish colors.
Airinum masks have a five-layer filter technology that provides superior protection against particle types and sizes. There’s an outside PP layer, an active carbon layer, two electro charged layers, and an inside PP layer. The multi-layer filter was tested at one of the world’s most advanced filter laboratories in Sweden.
Airinum also emphasizes outstanding comfort. The mask has two exhalation valves, adjustable ear loops, an adjustable head strap, 3D memory nose-foam, and a 4-size system.
https://www.instagram.com/p/B9BxGPqFfpw/
As of February 2023, all Airinum products are sold out online.
Price: $70 to $100 USD
Thunder Labs N95 Face Mask Respirator
Thunder Labs, found online at ThunderShop.org, is selling an N95 Face Mask Respirator for $19.99. The company describes the product as a “medical-grade N95 filter mask” that “reduces the risk from coronavirus”.
The mask is made of soft cotton mesh and a dual air valve respirator. The filter is a carbon filter (PM2.5) that traps and filters air molecules. Thunder Labs claims their product filters 95.99% of viruses, including the Covid-19 coronavirus. It also provides a 360-degree seal from outside contaminants.
Overall, Thunder Labs is selling a cheap and basic face mask at an inflated price of around $20. It may provide basic protection against viruses, but it’s unlikely to offer significant safeguards.
Price: $19.99
AusAir Next Gen Pollution & Viral Filtration Mask with Botanicals
A team from Australia just launched a Kickstarter to create a “next gen pollution and viral filtration mask with botanicals”.
That mask is designed in Australia, infused with botanicals, and made from designer materials. It’s designed to be ergonomic, highly breathable, and reusable, while blocking 97% of PM2.5.
As of February 2023, the creators have shattered the fundraising goal, raising over $500,000 to date with 6,500+ backers.
AusAir was created by two brothers. The pair were motivated to create the masks after finding problems with existing masks. The masks aren’t just designed to combat the Covid-19 coronavirus; they’re also designed to combat bush fire smoke.
AusAir is expecting to deliver its first masks to backers in June 2023.
Pricing: $45 (1 mask with 3 filters and 1 carry case)
LuLuLeague Balaclava Face Mask
LuLuLeague sells a balaclava face mask on Amazon. The face mask is designed more for outdoor sports protection and dust protection instead of virus protection. However, the mask is currently sold out, suggesting that many people worried about the Covid-19 coronavirus have picked up the mask.
The Amazon listing for the mask is unusual. There are only 11 reviews. The mask is listed as the “Luleleage” balaclava mask instead of the “LuLuLeague” mask, which appears to be the official company name.
Ultimately, the Luleleage or LuLuLeague mask makes no claims about its ability to protect from viruses or airborne contaminants. It’s marketed more towards people who want to protect their face outdoors – although it may still provide basic protection.
Pricing: $29.99
Trend Air Stealth Half Mask P3R Medium/Large
Trend makes a popular mask sold on Amazon and online through the official website for $30 to $50. The mask offers respiratory protection, filtering airborne particles, mist, welds, fumes, dust, plaster, concrete, and silica dust.
It also offers a compact, slim, and lightweight design, allowing you to maintain unobstructed lines of sight all around.
The mask gets its power from two easy-to-replace HEPAC pleated filters housed behind hinged grills to protect from moisture and particles. A bottom positioned exhalation valve makes this mask ideal for people wearing glasses or safety goggles. The mask also conforms to NIOSH N100 safety respiratory standards.
Most importantly, Trend’s Air Stealth Half Mask filters particles 0.3 microns and above with 99.99% efficiency.
Pricing: $49.99
Alpha Pro Tech N-95 Particulate Respirator
Publicly-traded US-based company Alpha Pro Tech, Ltd. (NYSE: APT) recently announced that it had raised $10.4 million in orders for its proprietary N95 face mask, which they developed in response to the Covid-19 coronavirus outbreak.
The mask is called the Alpha Pro Tech N-95 Particulate Respirator facemask. It comes with a unique, flat-fold design featuring a Positive Facial Lock (PFL). It also meets the CDC’s standards and NIOSH’s recommended protection levels. Integrated Magic Arch technology creates a comfortable breathing chamber.
Alpha Pro Tech has manufacturing facilities throughout the United States and India. The mask looks surprisingly basic and unfashionable compared to most other masks on this list (yes, that’s a real photo of the mask above). However, it claims to offer strong protection against viruses and particulates. It’s also very cheap, priced at $2-3 per mask.
Pricing: $50 to $75 (box of 35)
RZ Masks
RZ is a mask maker that has been frequently sold out of its popular masks since the Covid-19 coronavirus outbreak took place.
The company sells a lineup of M1 neoprene masks, M2 nylon masks, M2 mesh masks, and M2.5 mesh masks.
Many of the company’s masks can be equipped with any of RZ’s three filter options. Each mask is customizable. A variety of valve color options are also available.
The RZ M2.5 Mask is particularly popular. The mask is equipped with two fully adjustable stretch straps, with each strap featuring an easy-to-use clip to allow for easy on, easy off. The mask has the RZ F1 filter, although like other RZ masks, it can be equipped with any of the company’s three filter options.
Pricing: $29.99
Cambridge Mask Co.
Cambridge Mask has launched a lineup of masks to address the demand from the Covid-19 coronavirus. Cambridge Mask claims its filtration system incorporates “particulate filtering layers and military grade carbon” that “meets N99 standard of particulate filtration, providing nearly 100% protection from particulate pollution such as PM2.5 and PM0.3”.
It’s unclear where Cambridge Mask Co. makes its masks. However, the company claims the first layer of the mask was developed by the UK’s Ministry of Defense. That first layer filters out viruses, bacteria, and other particulates.
The masks come in more stylish designs than many of the other options listed here, including colorful options, minimalistic designs, and more.
Price: $29.99
How to Protect Yourself and Others from the Coronavirus:
Basic tips can help you stay protected against the Covid-19 coronavirus. Here are the best tips according to the CDC and other health experts.
Wash Your Hands: Wet your hands, lather with soap, and rub the soap all over your hands, between your fingers, and under your nails. Scrub for at least 20 seconds, then rinse.
Cover Your Mouth and Nose When Coughing or Sneezing: Cough or sneeze into your elbow. Or, cough or sneeze into a tissue, then throw the tissue away. Do not cough or sneeze into your hands.
Buy an N95 Mask: Face masks block liquid droplets. However, poor-quality face masks do not block smaller aerosol particles, which can pass through cheap mask material. Masks also leave eyes exposed, and many viruses can infect through a person’s eyes.
Visit a Doctor ASAP: If you experience fever, cough, or flu symptoms, and you have recently traveled, then you should visit a doctor as soon as possible.
Share Your Travel Itinerary with Healthcare Providers: Healthcare providers need to know if you have recently traveled to an infected area.
Avoid Unprotected Contact with Live Animals: The Covid-19 coronavirus likely originated at a wet market in China. To reduce the spread of disease, avoid direct and unprotected contact with live animals and surfaces that have been in contact with animals, especially in live markets.
Avoid Eating Raw or Undercooked Animal Protects in Affected Areas: Raw meat, milk, and animal organs can become cross-contaminated, increasing the risk of infection.
Avoid Contact with People for 14 Days After Visiting an Affected Area in China: If you have visited an affected area in China, then you should stay indoors and avoid other people for at least 14 days. Similarly, if you know someone who has visited an affected area of China, advise that person to stay home (or avoid that person for a couple weeks).
Watch for Symptoms: Symptoms of the Covid-19 coronavirus include high temperature, cough, runny nose, sore throat, and difficulty breathing.
Understand the Covid-19 Coronavirus Can Affect Anyone: Let’s say you live in a small town in the midwestern United States. You don’t think the coronavirus can impact you. After all, the coronavirus started halfway around the world from you. Today, however, the virus is making its way across the world. All it takes is one person to spread the illness to a new area. Wherever you are in the world, you could become infected by the Covid-19 coronavirus in the very near future.
You (Yes, You) Are Probably Going to Get the Coronavirus Within One Year
The Covid-19 coronavirus is a serious problem.
Health experts are now estimating that 40 to 70% of the world’s population will get the Covid-19 coronavirus within the next year.
The Atlantic published a report explaining that most people in the world are expected to get the Covid-19 coronavirus.
The Atlantic was citing a report from Marc Lipsitch, a Harvard epidemiology professor.
“I think the likely outcome is that it will ultimately not be containable,” explains Lipsitch in his interview with The Atlantic.
“Lipsitch predicts that within the coming year, some 40 to 70 percent of people around the world will be infected with the virus that causes Covid-19.”
Some people will get minor Covid-19 coronavirus symptoms, while others will get the most serious version of the disease.
Older Adults Are Particularly at Risk
It’s important to note that the Covid-19 coronavirus is currently affecting mostly older adults.
Specific patient demographics are hard to find, as China is hesitant to release official figures.
However, researchers analyzed social media to gather epidemiological data and found interesting demographic information about the Covid-19 coronavirus.
Researchers analyzed social media data for 507 patients with Covid-19 coronavirus. Here’s what they found:
- 55% of patients were male
- The average age of a Covid-19 coronavirus victim was 46
- Only 3% of patients were under age 15
- The majority of patients came from mainland China
- 143 patients came from outside of China
Just because most victims are currently adults doesn’t mean that the virus is only targeting adults. Researchers explained that adults are more likely to travel, and that the Covid-19 coronavirus is particularly impacting travelers.
Furthermore, the captured data came from health systems, and older adults are more likely to seek professional treatment for flu-like symptoms.
In the 2009 influenza outbreak, people under age 65 were most at-risk – so it’s not guaranteed that older populations are most affected.
The Covid-19 coronavirus is currently affecting more older adults than younger people. However, that may change as more details are released.
One thing is certain – nobody is safe from the latest Covid-19 coronavirus.
FDA Official Warns Coronavirus “On Path to Becoming Pandemic”
The Covid-19 coronavirus isn’t some frivolous health scare: it’s on the verge of becoming a real pandemic.
Don’t believe us? That’s okay. Maybe you’ll believe someone who literally analyzes pandemics as a job.
“For all intents and purposes, I think it’s fair to say we are on the cusp of the pandemic,” explained Peter Marks, head of the FDA’s Center for Biologics Evaluation and Research, in a recent interview with Bloomberg.
“Is it definitely going to happen? No, but there is significant concern, as of overnight we have cases on six continents.”
The Covid-19 coronavirus can now be found on every continent in the world – except Antarctica.
“There Are Probably More Cases in the U.S. Than We Acknowledge”
Most news about the Covid-19 coronavirus has come from China and other neighboring Asian countries. It’s been easy to bury our heads in the sand in most of the western world.
However, things will almost certainly change in the very near future.
Officially, there are 60 coronavirus cases in the United States.
That number includes the 45 Americans who were repatriated from Wuhan, China after the spread of the virus. It also includes Americans from the Diamond Princess cruise ship, which was overwhelmed by the virus after it docked in Japan.
That may not sound like many cases in a nation of 350 million people. However, there are likely many more cases that remain unreported:
“…there are probably more cases in the U.S. than we acknowledge,” explained Cody Meissner, an infection disease expert and professor of pediatrics at Tufts University School of Medicine.
One of the most worrying cases in the United States occurred in Solano County, California, an area between San Francisco and Sacramento. That person is receiving medical care for the Covid-19 coronavirus.
The unusual thing about the Solano County patient is that the person has no known connection with China, an infected person, or any other known cause of the virus. It’s unknown how the person was infected by the virus.
What Do Doctors Say About Face Masks?
Experts do not yet know how the Covid-19 coronavirus is spreading, which makes it difficult to recommend any specific preventative measures.
However, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is recommending that health care workers treat it like an airborne pathogen, which means that germs travel in particles or droplets in the air.
That means anyone interacting with coronavirus patients should wear a heavy-duty mask called an N95 respirator.
The N95 respirator is designed to fit tightly around the nose and mouth.
When worn correctly, the N95 mask blocks out at least 95% of small airborne particles, according to the CDC.
N95 masks are heavy-duty: they’re designed to fit tight and block airborne contaminants. Health officials who wear the masks must demonstrate they know how to put on and wear the mask.
That’s why many people wear cheap, surgical facemasks instead. However, cheaper surgical facemasks do little to prevent the spread of disease.
As reported by NPR:
“…the scientific evidence that “there might be a benefit for people in the community wearing [surgical] face masks is very, very meager. The general sense is perhaps, but they’re certainly not an absolute protection.” In other words, they do provide some benefit but they’re far from foolproof.”
N95 respirators offer far superior protection from surgical masks.
A good N95 mask could be the difference between you contracting the Covid-19 coronavirus – or avoiding it.
How to Find Approved N95 Face Masks
Since the outbreak of the Covid-19 coronavirus, we’ve seen a surge in low-quality facemasks appear online.
Not all masks are made equal. Some face masks promise complete protection from the coronavirus – which is completely inaccurate.
As mentioned above, the FDA has only approved four N95 face masks for public use, including the 3M Particulate Respirator 8670F, the 3M Particulate Respirator 8612F, the Pasture F550G Respirator, and the Pasture A520G Respirator.
Before buying a mask, we recommend checking this page by the CDC’s National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), which links to all N95 masks, including whether or not the masks have been approved by the FDA or NIOSH.
FAQ About Virus Face Masks
Will a N95 Face Mask Respirator Work Against a Virus?
There is no perfect emergency plan towards ensuring survival against a virus or ensuring a N95 face mask respirator can be effective against a viral respiratory lung infection. While mixed opinions flood online platforms about the proper safety protocol to use during times of crisis and uncertainty, for any N95 face mask respirator to work as real protection it must have the fit factor in play. A N95 breathing respirator requires having a high-quality face mask filter to provide sufficient defense against protecting the risk of airborne particles and invisible threats, but it must also form an optimal facial fitting feature that prevents these micron-sized irritants to enter through a leaky, non-tight area. During heightened, insecure times, the demand for anti-pollution clean air breathing face masks has soared and finding a quality filter with a firm fit may not be easy, let alone if it is in stock or shipping anytime soon during times of need. The level of defensive effectiveness N95 face masks can provide will greatly depend on the quality if the filtration system and how well it forms to your facial features. As the sayings go, an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure and it’s better to be safe than sorry, however no viral face mask should be looked at as a cure-all solution.
What does a n95 mask protect against?
Virus cases are rising around the world and it is the main reason why people are stocking up on anti-pollution face masks. In a better safe than sorry moment of truth, N95 face masks are thought to add extra protection against many airborne particles including dangerous viruses, bacteria, gases, pollen, smoke pollution, chemicals and dust. The best N95 face mask respirators are thought to use a triple-layered filtration system that helps filter clean breathing air by having a particulate filter, activated carbon and reinforcement layer that all work to provide long-lasting protection when you need it most.
Are anti-pollution face masks effective against a virus?
As opposed to using nothing and having your mouth and nose breathing passages exposed wide open, an anti-pollution face mask can certainly provide a layer of resistance towards inhaling and breathing in these harmful particles or a fatal virus. While N95 face masks should not be looked at as a cure-all, they can act as a sound defensive protocol towards making it harder to contract or get infected with one of these deadly airborne viruses.
Should you wear a face mask for virus protection?
Yes, in crowded public areas it may be a smart idea to apply the use of a N95 face mask to avoid any possible chance at coming in contact with a virus infection. An unknown virus can cause all kinds of problems and they may not be noticable early on so as the saying goes, an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. In settings where people are coughing or sneezing it may be an optimal opportune time to use a protective face mask.
How to Use, Put On, Take Off and Dispose of N95 Face Masks?
Before initially using an anti-pollution face mask, make sure you have clean hands when applying as it may be important to wash hands in an alcohol-based hand rub or soap at minimum. Next, slip the face mask respirator over your nose and mouth ensuring there are no gaps between your face and the mask. Avoid touching the mask once on, and be sure its tight enough to not let airborne particles slip in from the side. After using, some are reusable and washable but should be properly disposed if they are not of that type. Here is a video from the World Health Organization about wearing face masks for protection against a virus infection:
Are N95 Face Masks for Virus Protection available on Amazon?
Yes, but the demand has caused most of the top suppliers and manufacturers to run out of supply. The top rated clean-air breathing face masks on Amazon.com all say not in stock and have weeks of lag time in between when they will be ready for purchase again. It is not advised to wait around for manufacturers and retailers on Amazon to restock their face mask supplies as it could be too long or too late in times of urgency and high demand.
What are the Best Protection Tips against a Virus Infection?
While much of this may sound like common sense, here are some practical tips to leverage outside of using a N95 face mask respirator. To start, know what the virus signs and symptoms are and monitor your own health. Make sure observe those around you and have adequate supplies on hand of personal prescription and non-prescription medications. Next make sure you have any medical survival supplies readily available or over the counter pain medications if need them ahead of time. Practice safe social distancing and limit kissing, hugging and handshaking as well as avoid rubbing your eyes, mouth, or face without washing your hands first. Avoid live animals and suspend travels unless necessary and postpone any large gatherings or events near an impacted area. Always use alcohol-based hand sanitizers and wash your hands regularly no matter how minimal you think you’re touching of public surface areas may be. These are most popular common sense approaches to protecting yourself against a virus infection.
Final Word
The Covid-19 coronavirus continues to surge across the world. An estimated 40 to 70% of people worldwide will be infected by the Covid-19 coronavirus within the next year.
The Covid-19 coronavirus is coming – and there’s never a better time than today to buy an N95 respirator.
While there are many anti-pollution tactics to utilize in times of global health crisis, some are opting to use lung health supplements but it is wise to take a look at our top 10 best N95 face mask respirators for coronavirus survival protection and be sure to always put an emphasis on your personal health and well-being.
