Since the start of the pandemic, N95 respirators and surgical masks have been reserved for frontline workers—and many still are. But, since the start Austin Technology Supply has always offered to the general public medical-style disposable respirators to protect themselves and their neighbors. In recent months, some people are trading in their cloth face masks for respirators or doubling them up with surgical masks.

Also, the FDA has issued emergency use authorizations (EUA) for internationally sourced, non–NIOSH-approved respirators such as KN95, KN94, and FFP2 models to be sold in the United States if they meet certain criteria. KN95 masks (China’s N95 equivalent) should block out 95% of 0.3-micron particles. FFP2 masks (Europe’s N95 equivalent), 94%. All are made with similar layers of high-filtration nonwoven materials.

These masks are constructed from nonwoven layers that are better than cloth at filtering the tiniest, potentially infectious particles floating in the air. But separating the good options from the bad can be tough. We carefully vet manufacturers and have pored over documents from the CDC’s National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), FDA, and the European Committee for Standardization (CEN) to confirm our masks are authentic, and effective.

Here we recommend legitimate N95, KN95, and FFP2 masks available now on our online store.

This Benehal N95 mask is manufactured by Suzhou Sanical Protective Product Manufacturing, Co., Ltd., one of the most reputable, and long-established company's in China, it's the real deal—and because it’s a medical mask, it has been through rigorous testing. Its malleable material and soft headbands form a quality seal for most faces, and this mask’s generous cut allows more air to filter in for easier breathing.

The Weini design—made by an established mask maker in China and sold by a reputable US-based company—comes with ear loops, so you have a great comfortable fit. It's comfortable, breathable, and filters out at least 95% of airborne particles.

This FFP2 particulate respirator is medical-grade, and is for individuals looking for respiratory protection from asymptomatic, or pre-symptomatic individuals with an infectious disease. It is foldable, light and soft on the skin that is ideal for everyday use. It is disposable, fluid resistant to splash and filters out particles, dust, haze, and droplets.

There is no material difference between the N95 and the FFP2 respirator mask. The European test standard: EN 149:2001 + A1:2009 represents the most recently accepted and current standards by the European Committee for Standardization (CEN)