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N95 & KN95 availability - Printable Version

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N95 & KN95 availability - M T - 10-29-2020

We've mentioned before KN95 masks available at Ace Hardware (in particular, I've been using the Annie's brand 5-layer KN95) and True Value Hardware.

Lowe's Hardware is carrying both KN95 (with earloops) and N95 (two elastic headbands, NIOSH approved) masks from Dasheng.  You have to find it in a store (which the Lowe's site will tell you) as they aren't available for shipping (they can be truck delivered locally).   In the South SF Bay area, there is only 1 box.  There were about 50 in the greater Boston area.  But when I looked in less populous areas of California, most stores had some (up to 90 boxes of 5 each).

Dasheng's KN95s are approved for use under an EUA.  Earlier this year, either there were counterfeit Dasheng products or the manufacturer improperly made earloop versions labelled N95, which is described in this CDC document (which does indicate that Dasheng does make NIOSH-approved N95 masks).

$4 a mask for N95; $3 for KN95.

Note that at the Lowe's site, one review from a nurse indicated a mask tore easily.

RE: N95 & KN95 availability - allrightynow - 10-29-2020

I recently bought some KN95 made by Powecom, also on the FDA EUA list, on sale for $20 for 10 masks on the Office Depot website (including delivery!). They seem to be decent quality although there's still some leakage around the nose, but that seems to be a common problem with this type of mask from what I can google. I tried sticking a little padding underneath around the nose and that seems to help a little.

RE: N95 & KN95 availability - M T - 10-29-2020

(10-29-2020, 02:50 PM)allrightynow Wrote:  I recently bought some KN95 made by Powecom, also on the FDA EUA list, on sale for $20 for 10 masks on the Office Depot website (including delivery!). They seem to be decent quality although there's still some leakage around the nose, but that seems to be a common problem with this type of mask from what I can google. I tried sticking a little padding underneath around the nose and that seems to help a little.

Thanks.  As you said, these are on the EUA list. And, moreover, each bag of 10 has a unique anti-counterfeiting code that can be checked.
The reviews at Office Depot indicate it is maybe too small for a bigger face.  (But, for children this might be a good thing.  I do NOT know if it is an appropriate size for children as it is described as an adult mask.)

I believe someone here suggested using dancer's tape to get a better seal. (A quick Google indicated double sided sticky strips were about 20 cents each.)

RE: N95 & KN95 availability - Hurlburt88 - 10-30-2020

WSJ had an article months ago that folding up a tissue and placing around the nose helps also.   I tried it, and it did help although since I have been able to find a good fit without resorting to that.