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Fake N95 and KN95 masks are everywhere—here's how to spot them and where to buy real ones

Amanda Tarlton, Felicity Warner and Kaleb A. Brown, Reviewed
·6 min read
KN95 and N95 masks can significantly decrease the spread of COVID-19—but there are many fakes out there.
KN95 and N95 masks can significantly decrease the spread of COVID-19—but there are many fakes out there.

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Coronavirus cases are on the rise once again and health officials are urging Americans to get a second booster shot. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), 67% of Americans are fully vaccinated against coronavirus. Unfortunately, this may not be enough to hamper the rising cases, as 80% of new cases are due to the BA.5 omicron subvariant, which is highly transmissible and has a notable tendency to get around vaccines at times.

The CDC continues to recommend masks for people over the age of two in areas of high COVID-19 community levels, if you are sick and around others, or if you have a weakened immune system or are at higher risk. As cases climb, certain municipalities such as Los Angeles are exploring the possibility of re-enforcing mask mandates. However, the situation continues to evolve and masks remain optional for travel, leaving it up to individuals to remain vigilant in protecting themselves and others.

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When it comes to masking, experts recommend that those who do wear masks upgrade to N95 or KN95 masks, which can filter up to 95% of particles in the air. This recommendation comes after experts discovered cloth masks weren't as effective in protecting against the more contagious variants of COVID-19. While these protective masks are accessible to buy at major retailers and online distributors, there are a lot of fakes out there, especially when it comes to the popular KN95 masks. The CDC estimates that about 60% of KN95 respirators in the U.S. are counterfeit and these fake masks fail to meet the safety standards of the National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH).

When it comes to the health of you and your loved ones, only the real deal will do. Luckily, there are some tells that distinguish the fake masks from the genuine ones out there. Here are a few tips from the CDC and other experts that will help you steer clear of fraudulent N95 and KN95 masks.

►Related: CDC unanimously recommends Novavax's COVID-19 vaccine for adults

How to tell if an N95 mask is counterfeit

There are certain features that distinguish a real N95 mask from a fake one.
There are certain features that distinguish a real N95 mask from a fake one.

Look for the NIOSH stamp of approval

The most important thing to look for in N95 masks specifically is that the respirator has been tested and certified by NIOSH. There should be an approval number on the filtering respirator and "NIOSH" must be spelled correctly.

Both the mask and its packaging should be labeled "NIOSH-approved," Dr. Stella Hines, Associate Professor at the University of Maryland School of Medicine, says. "These masks must meet a specific set of criteria to guarantee that they provide the expected level of protection and performance," Dr. Hines explains. "A formal fit-testing procedure ensures that there is an adequate seal to the face."

You can also reference the manufacturer and approval number from the N95 mask to ensure it's listed on the NIOSH-Certified Equipment List. That way, you can be certain that it meets NIOSH standards.

N95s never have ear loops

Legitimate N95 masks do not have ear loops—they have straps or a headband instead—and no other decorative accents. N95 respirators use headbands that secure around the head to ensure a proper fit to the face.

Look out for the price

Jim Churchman, vice president, Procurement and Supply Chain at Duke University Health System recommends keeping an eye out for any N95 masks that are significantly more expensive than the average respirator or ones that are available in suspiciously large quantities. He says that both of these are strong indicators of potential fraud, given that demand is high and that legitimate manufacturers won't charge a premium during a pandemic.

NIOSH-approved N95 kids' masks don't exist

Looking for N95 masks for kids? Unfortunately, N95s are essentially non-existent in kids' sizes due to NIOSH only regulating products for adults, as parenting staff writer Janelle Randazza reports.

While an N95 mask might not be an option for your children, protective KN95 or KF94 masks designed for smaller faces or kids are an alternative solution. Many of them are made from the same brands as N95 masks—such as Powecom and WellBefore—and are sold by reputable distributors like Bona Fide Masks and Project N95.

How to tell if a KN95 mask is counterfeit

It's important to know what to look for in a legitimate KN95 mask.
It's important to know what to look for in a legitimate KN95 mask.

KN95s cannot be NIOSH-approved

While NIOSH tests and certifies N95 masks, they don't approve KN95 masks, KF94 masks or any other respirator products that may receive international certification. If a retailer or manufacturer claims the KN95 masks are NIOSH-approved, you've most likely encountered a counterfeit product.

Look for the KN95 standard printed on the mask

In 2020, the FDA granted emergency-use authorization (EUA) for some KN95 masks due to N95 masks supply being scarce. This included respirators and filters certified under China's standards: GB 2626-2006 or the most recent GB 2626-2019. Look for either of these codes printed on the KN95 mask, as this could help identify if a mask is counterfeit or not.

If it feels questionable, it probably is

While sorting through N95 masks is more straightforward, shopping for KN95 masks can be more confusing. If you really aren't sure about any kind of mask from an unknown retailer, ask yourself the questions that you would when encountering other potentially counterfeit products: Is the manufacturer making false claims about certifications? Does the packaging look neat and intact or does it look like it's been tampered with? Are there positive or negative reviews to look into? If something feels questionable, it most likely is.

Where to buy real N95 and KN95 masks

Looking for N95 or KN95 masks? Here's where to buy them, from major retailers to online shops
Looking for N95 or KN95 masks? Here's where to buy them, from major retailers to online shops

Shopping for N95 or KN95 masks can feel daunting, especially when retailers like Amazon house thousands of unknown brands and manufacturers of N95 and KN95 masks.

“The absence of US government oversight of claims of filtration quality other than for the NIOSH and ASTM authorized coverings has led to widespread confusion about quality,” Project N95 executive director Anne Miller said in a press release from the brand.

One main method to ensure you're purchasing legitimate respirator masks is by buying from retailers you know and trust. Retailers like Lowe's and Home Depot sell NIOSH-approved N95 masks for many different uses, including for industrial or home improvement needs. Those N95 masks are still certified to provide efficient filtration, so you can buy and use them as needed. You can also find N95 respirators from pharmacies like CVS as well.

If you're looking for more options for N95 masks or want to try KN95 or KF94 masks, you may want to look to an online distributor that vets personal protective equipment like masks. Places we'd recommend shopping from include Project N95, Bona Fide Masks and WellBefore as they all work to provide affordable, accessible and legitimate PPE to those who need it. Dr. Sabrina Assoumou, an infectious disease physician at Boston Medical Center, says she uses Project N95 herself.

Project N95

Bona Fide Masks

WellBefore

Amazon

The Home Depot

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Prices were accurate at the time this article was published but may change over time.

This article originally appeared on Reviewed: How to find a real N95 or KN95 mask and avoid fake ones