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Is this KN95 mask legit? How long can I reuse it?

Question: We need to stock up on masks!  I like the look and price of this black KN95 mask, but how can I tell if it’s a real KN95 mask? And how many times can KN95 be reused before discarding? 

Answer: KN95 masks are made in China and are sold in the US thanks to emergency use authorization (EUA) from FDA.  Unlike N95s, they do NOT have FDA clearance or NIOSH approval (reminder N95s are reserved for health workers).  This factoid is important for making decisions about whether you’re purchasing a KN95 of acceptable quality (see bullets below).  In terms of reuse, CDC offers a set of guidelines, which I’ve synthesized here: 

  1. Do not reuse if the mask is damaged, ill fitting, or hard to breathe through;  
  2. Reuse no more than 5 times; 
  3. Store each mask in its own “breathable paper bag” and wait at least five days before reusing each mask.  As CDC states, “This will provide some time for pathogens on it to “die off” during storage.”

Being an informed consumer:

  • Is the labeling truthful?: If marketing is misleading, then product quality is questionable and you shouldn’t buy it. For example, if the seller makes claims that it is NIOSH approved, or if there’s NIOSH stamp/logo on the mask or box, don’t buy it.  If it claims to be approved for use by children, don’t buy it.  And if it claims to be FDA approved or have an FDA logo on the box/marketing materials, don’t buy it.  NIOSH shows examples of such incorrect marketing/labeling here.
  • Are the prices fair?: Most KN95 masks sell for $2-$3/unit (per CDC).  If the masks you’re looking at are going for a rate much higher than that, you’re potentially being subject to price gouging.  If you’re paying much less than that, the quality of the product is highly circumspect.
  • Is the website suspicious?: Are there typos?  Broken links? Does the primary email use a free email service?  Is customer feedback a bit off?  These can all be red flags indicating that the seller is not legitimate.  Steer clear.
  • Check the fit: Before buying many masks, consider buying a sample to test the fit. if the mask is loose, don’t use it.  Masks with poor ear loop design can be too loose.   
  • Other factors: CDC offers several other suggestions, but they are generally geared towards a large scale purchaser rather than an individual.  For example, NIOSH tests filtration efficiency of different international non-NIOSH approved masks, including many KN95s.  Results are available online and can be helpful in making determinations if you know the mask manufacturer. Any mask <95% efficient should NOT be purchased.