Best Places To Buy Air Pollution Masks

Air pollution is a serious issue, causing about seven million premature deaths annually due to respiratory, cardiovascular, and cerebrovascular diseases. To combat this, air pollution masks are available for purchase from various retailers, such as Amazon, and specialized companies like IQAir and Prana Air. When choosing a mask, it is essential to consider its effectiveness in filtering out pollutants and its seal, ensuring a good fit with your face. N95, KN95, FFP2, and carbon masks are recommended for protection against particle pollution and airborne infectious aerosols. Surgical masks, while offering limited protection against fine pollution particles, are also an option. Additionally, Respro, Vogmask, and 3M offer masks suitable for urban sports environments.

Online retailers like Amazon sell air pollution masks

The most effective masks filter up to 95% of airborne particles down to 0.3 microns in size. Masks with an N95, KN95, or FFP2 rating provide this level of protection. These masks are commonly recommended for protection against particle pollution and airborne infectious aerosols. It is also important to ensure that the mask has a good seal. A proper seal ensures that the mask fits snugly against your face, preventing air leakage and improving the overall effectiveness of the mask.

There are several options available on Amazon that meet these criteria. For example, the Cambridge Mask Co. offers a range of masks with military-grade filters that protect against a variety of pollutants, including smog, dust, and allergens. Their masks are reusable and environmentally friendly, making them a cost-effective and sustainable choice. Another option is the Respro® Mask, which is well-suited for urban sports enthusiasts who need protection while biking or travelling through heavy traffic areas. The Respro® Mask features replaceable filters and dual valves for improved breathability.

Online retailers often provide a diverse selection of air pollution masks, allowing customers to choose based on their specific needs and preferences. It is always important to prioritize masks that offer adequate protection and fit well to ensure maximum effectiveness.

N95 masks are proven to be effective against air pollution

Air pollution is a global issue that affects the health and well-being of millions of people worldwide. The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that approximately 4.2 million premature deaths occur annually due to outdoor air pollution. The harmful particles and gases in the air can have severe consequences on human health, including respiratory diseases, cardiovascular problems, and adverse effects on the brain. As a result, individuals have turned to protective measures such as air pollution masks.

N95 masks, also known as N95 respirators, are a popular choice for protection against air pollution. These masks gained prominence during the COVID-19 pandemic, and their effectiveness against air pollution has been a subject of interest. N95 masks are designed to filter out at least 95% of airborne particles, including bacteria and viruses. They create a tight seal against the wearer's face, ensuring that air passes through the filter material and not around the mask's edges. This seal is crucial to the mask's effectiveness, as it prevents unfiltered air from entering.

While N95 masks are highly effective at filtering out particulate matter, they are less effective against gases commonly found in air pollution, such as nitrogen dioxide (NO2), sulfur dioxide (SO2), and ozone (O3). Gas molecules are smaller than particulate matter and can more easily penetrate the mask's filter. To address this limitation, N95 masks can be combined with additional features like activated charcoal, which helps reduce exposure to gases. However, these masks with enhanced features tend to be more expensive.

The breathability of N95 masks is another factor to consider. Due to their design, N95 masks can be uncomfortable for extended periods as they may restrict airflow and cause heat and moisture buildup. This discomfort can be a drawback in highly polluted areas, as individuals may be less inclined to wear the masks for long durations. Despite this, N95 masks remain an effective tool for reducing exposure to air pollution when worn correctly and consistently.

You can purchase N95 masks from various retailers, including Amazon and 3M, as well as other specialized mask providers. When choosing an N95 mask, ensure that it fits your face properly to maximize its protective capabilities.

KN95 masks are also effective, but may emit exhaled aerosols

KN95 masks are widely available online, with some retailers including Amazon, IQAir, and Bona Fide Masks. These masks are effective at filtering out allergens, airborne viruses, and wildfire smoke, and are ideal for public transportation or use in a theatre. They are also likely to be more comfortable than N95 masks. However, it is important to note that KN95 masks may have exhaust valves, which can help with breathability and moisture reduction, but will emit exhaled respiratory aerosols when the wearer breathes out. This can include infected respiratory aerosols, which may put those around the wearer at greater risk for airborne infections.

KN95 masks are China's equivalent of the N95 mask and are governed by a different set of standards specific to China. They are sometimes easier to find than N95 masks and are widely available. For example, the Honeywell Safety DF300 N95 Flatfold is available for $23 for 50 masks, while IQAir's KN95/FFP2 costs $70 for 12 masks. The Powecom KN95 mask, available from Bona Fide Masks, was FDA-cleared under the agency's emergency use authorization during the N95 shortage and has been verified to maintain its high filtration efficiency.

When shopping for a KN95 mask, it is important to ensure that the mask complies with the latest quality control standards. For masks manufactured after July 1, 2021, look for the stamp GB2626-2019, indicating that the mask meets the new Chinese government standards. If the mask has a GB number ending in 2006, it was made based on the previous standard and is still usable as long as the expiration date has not passed.

While KN95 masks are effective at filtering particles, it is critical to ensure a proper seal to maximize protection. A good seal will create a suction effect, causing the mask to bend inwards and conform to the contours of your face. Without a proper seal, unfiltered air can escape, reducing the mask's effectiveness in preventing the spread of communicable respiratory diseases. To test the seal, exhale with the mask on, and if you feel a puff of air on your skin near the edges, you need a tighter fit.

Vogmask™ is a trendy option with microfiber filtration fabric

If you're looking to buy an air pollution mask, there are several options available. One trendy option with microfiber filtration fabric is Vogmask™. Vogmask offers a range of masks with different features to suit your needs.

The Vogmask VMC and Organic VM are non-valved filtering masks. The VMC has a printed outer layer, middle layers of VM particle filters that filter out over 98% of microscopic particles, and a carbon filter. It also has an inner layer of woven microfiber. The Organic VM has a certified cotton outer and inner layer with a middle layer of VM particle filter, also filtering out over 98% of microscopic particles. The filtering efficiency of these masks depends on a good seal around the nose and mouth, and they filter both inflow and outflow.

The VMCV and Organic VMC2V are valved filtering masks with middle layers of VM particle filters that protect against over 95% of microscopic particles, a carbon filter, and one or two exhalation valves to help with moisture and heat. The valved Vogmasks only protect the wearer from inhaling airborne microscopic particles, and part of the exhale exits the valve unfiltered.

Vogmask™ is a popular choice for those seeking a reusable mask, with some customers praising its effectiveness in filtering out dust and allergens. It is also known for its comfort, breathability, and ease of use. However, some users have noted that it may not be suitable for more strenuous activities as it can get warm and condensation can build up inside the mask.

You can purchase Vogmask™ products directly from their website or from online retailers like Amazon.com.

Respro® Masks are suitable for urban sports environments

Respro® Masks have been on the market for several years and are especially suitable in the "urban sports environment". For example, if you are biking in the city and having to get through heavy traffic where cars, especially diesel cars, are the source of pollution. The masks come with two valves for easier breathing, as well as replaceable filters. The filter lifespan is said to be 69 hours, so assuming you bike 1 hour every day, that's 3 months of use for one filter.

Respro's Ultralight™ Mask is made from a 'four-way stretch', air-permeable technical fabric that allows the face to breathe in hot and humid conditions. The mask is available in Olive Green and Black, which comes with a Black/Silver Powa Elite™ valve and a Black metal nose clip and carry bag, and Sand, which comes with White/Gold Powa Elite™ valves and a White metal nose clip. The Hepa-Type™ sports filter is fitted as standard, making it the perfect PM2.5 filter for urban areas high in diesel particulates or hot, dusty conditions. The Ultralight™ mask is also suitable for those with mild asthma and allergies, enabling them to jog in a park full of pollen and hike on dusty mountain trails without feeling sick afterward.

The Sportsta™ Mask comes with a Particle filter that works best for small and fine particulates less than 1 micron. The Techno Filter is designed for those who need protection in the urban environment where there is a mix of pollutants in the air. The POWA valves on the Sportsta are only open when you breathe out, helping to expel air when breathing at elevated rates when cycling or running. When breathing in, the valve closes. The Sportsta is also suitable for those who suffer from hay fever and need to cycle during the season.

Respro® Masks are available to buy directly from the Respro website.

Frequently asked questions