Best Masks for Covid: Which Design is Best?

The COVID-19 pandemic has brought about a heightened awareness of the importance of wearing masks to protect ourselves and others.

With many mask shape types, it is important to understand their differences and how they may provide a better protection for your face type.

How do you pick the right one to help provide best protection? Are there shapes to avoid? Which shape will give you best comfort?

In this article, we will explore the differences in the shapes of masks and what it means for their effectiveness, as the shape of the mask may be one of best factors to determine how much protection it will provide based on your face type. 

N95 (Flat Fold, Tri-Fold, and Cup-Shaped)

If you're looking for effective protection against the coronavirus, N95 respirators, US NIOSH standard, without valves are one of your best bets. These masks not only protect the wearer but also those around them.

N95 mask is a type of respirator that is designed to filter out at least 95% of airborne particles. The mask is made of multiple layers of material, including a non-woven fabric outer layer, a melt-blown fabric middle layer, and a soft inner layer for comfort.

The three most common shapes of N95 masks are: 

Flat Fold

 Flat fold N95 masks are US NIOSH N95 standard. They are made to provide greater level of comfort when worn over extended period of time. According to NIH, "The ability of flat fold N95 FFRs, at lower seal pressures, to obtain similar fit factors as cup-shaped N95 FFR at higher seal pressures offers the possibility of enhanced facial comfort without a loss of protection." 

N95 masks are designed to form a tight seal around the face, which helps to prevent airborne particles from entering through gaps or leaks around the mask. A proper fit is essential for the mask to be effective in filtering out airborne particles.

Flat-fold N95 masks have several benefits, including:

1. Portability: Designed to be foldable, which makes them easy to store and transport. They are compact and easily fit into a pocket, purse, or bag.

2. Comfort: Lightweight and comfortable to wear, making them suitable for extended periods of use. They have a soft inner layer that feels comfortable against the skin.

3. Filtration: Flat-fold N95 masks are highly effective at filtering out airborne particles, including bacteria and viruses. They are designed to filter out at least 95% of airborne particles that are 0.3 microns or larger in diameter.

4. Secure fit: Designed to form a tight seal around the face, which helps to prevent airborne particles from entering through gaps or leaks around the mask. A proper fit is essential for the mask to be effective in filtering out airborne particles.

5. Durability: Drable and can withstand multiple uses. They are made from high-quality materials that can withstand wear and tear.

6. Availability: Widely available and are used in a variety of settings, including healthcare, construction, and industrial workplaces.

Overall, flat-fold N95 masks are highly effective at providing respiratory protection against airborne particles. They are portable, comfortable, and provide a secure fit, making them a popular choice among healthcare workers, construction workers, and other individuals who require respiratory protection. However, it is important to choose a high-quality flat-fold N95 mask that meets NIOSH standards and to ensure that it fits securely to provide the best protection possible. Our top pick for a flat-fold N95 is Respokare.

Tri-Fold (Three-Panel Design)

 A three-panel N95 mask is a type of N95 respirator that is designed with three separate panels that allow the mask to conform to the face and provide a secure fit. It has passed exact same US NIOSH standard as a flat-fold N95 mask; however, it may offer a better protection to certain face types. There are several benefits of using a three-panel N95 mask, including: 

Cup-Shape

This style N95 mask has passed the same NIOSH N95 US standard as the flat-fold and three-panel design. Cup-shaped N95 masks offer certain vital benefits, including:

1. Secure fit: Cup-shaped N95 masks are designed to fit very snugly over the face, providing an even more secure seal to certain face types that helps prevent airborne particles from entering through gaps or leaks around the mask.

2. Enhanced breathability: Designed with a convex shape that creates a larger breathing chamber, making breathing easier while wearing the mask.

3. Comfort: Lightweight and comfortable to wear, with soft and flexible edges that conform to the contours of the face. However, to certain face types, they may be uncomfortable to wear for long periods.

4. Protection: Highly effective at filtering airborne particles, including bacteria and viruses. They are designed to filter out at least 95% of airborne particles that are 0.3 microns or larger in diameter.

5. Durability: This is one of their best features. Durable and able to withstand multiple uses. They are made from high-quality materials that can withstand wear and tear.

6. Availability: Widely available and used in a variety of settings, including healthcare, construction, and industrial workplaces.

Cup-shaped N95 masks are highly effective at providing respiratory protection against airborne particles. They offer a highly secure fit and enhanced breathability. They are typically very widely available. Our best pick for this type of mask is Moldex 4200. 

KN95 Mask (Flat-Fold)

CDC has recommended using either KN95 or N95 for Covid protection. The KN95 mask looks nearly identical to the flat-fold US N95 mask. KN95 is a Chinese standard for respiratory protective equipment that regulates the production and quality of masks used to protect against airborne particles. The standard requires masks to have a filtration efficiency of at least 95% for particles that are 0.3 microns or larger in diameter, as well as maximum inhalation and exhalation resistance levels. Masks must be made from safe, non-toxic materials, and tested and certified by a qualified agency such as NIOSH in China. The KN95 standard aims to ensure that masks provide effective respiratory protection and meet quality and safety standards.

The most common shape for KN95 masks that are available in US is a foldable or flat-fold design. It is rectangular in shape with pleats on the sides to allow for a better fit. The mask has two ear loops that go over the ears to hold the mask in place. The top of the mask has a metal strip that can be shaped to fit the wearer's nose for a tighter seal.

The key features are quite similar to the flat-fold N95 mask, including:

1. Portability and convenience: The foldable design makes the KN95 mask easy to store, transport, and use, and it offers good portability and convenience.

2. Easy to put on and take off: Design allows the mask to be quickly unfolded and fitted securely over the nose and mouth, making it easy to put on and take off.

3. Comfortable fit: Allows for a comfortable fit and ease of breathing, making it suitable for extended periods of use.

4. Effective protection: Highly effective at filtering out airborne particles, including bacteria and viruses, and it can filter out at least 95% of airborne particles that are 0.3 microns or larger in diameter.

5. Widely available: Available, and it is used in a variety of settings, including healthcare, construction, and industrial workplaces.

6. Value: Generally, the KN95 mask is available at a more affordable price than its' competitor - the flat-fold N95. 

Overall, the flat-fold design of the KN95 mask provides a balance of convenience, comfort, and effectiveness, making it a popular choice for individuals who require respiratory protection. Our top pick is the Protectly USA Made KN95.

KF94 Mask (Three-Panel, Adjustable)

The KF94 mask is is a South Korean standard for respiratory protective masks that regulates the filtration efficiency of masks. To meet the KF94 standard, masks must filter out at least 94% of airborne particles that are 0.3 microns or larger in diameter, as well as meet certain requirements for breathability and leakage. The KF94 standard aims to ensure that masks provide effective respiratory protection against airborne particles and meet certain quality and safety standards. NIH Study has compared the effectiveness of KF94 mask to be on par with N95. 

The KF94 mask is similar to the N95 mask and the KN95 mask, and it provides a high level of respiratory protection. The KF94 mask is often used in healthcare settings, as well as in the general public, to prevent the spread of airborne illnesses.

What makes KF94 mask unique is its' adjustable three-panel design, as well as a variety of Kids' options. Additional benefits of the KF94 mask include: 

1. Universal three-panel, adjustable shape: KF94 mask is offered in several sizes for adults and kids. 

2. Comfortable fit: Designed to fit snugly over the nose and mouth, providing a comfortable fit that is suitable for extended periods of use.

3. Eyewear-friendly: Adjustable design works perfectly for those who wear glasses.

4. Breathability: Allows easy breathing, even during strenuous activities, making it suitable for various settings.

5. Cost-effective: The KF94 mask is generally more affordable than other respiratory protective masks, making it accessible to a broader range of individuals.

Overall, the KF94 mask offers a balance of effectiveness, comfort, and affordability, making it a popular choice for adults and kids who require respiratory protection against airborne particles. Our top pick is Bluna KF94.

Verdict: Which Mask Shape is Best?

While the shapes of the KN95, KF94, and N95 masks are slightly different, all three are designed to provide effective protection against airborne particles. The main difference in the shapes is the way they fit on the face. Everyone has a different shape face, so it's essential to find the face mask shape that works best for your face.

Some people find the KN95 mask shape more comfortable because of the ear loops, while others prefer the N95 mask shape because of the more customized fit. KF94 is a very popular choice among many adults and kids. Ultimately, the most important thing is to wear a mask that fits securely.