Mask mandates could be coming back this month. Here's where to find N95 masks on sale

By Carolin Lehmann

Updated on: August 30, 2022 / 4:33 PM / Essentials

CBS Essentials is created independently of the CBS News editorial staff. We may receive commissions from some links to products on this page. Promotions are subject to availability and retailer terms.

In some places, mask mandates are on the verge of a comeback. Yesterday, Barbara Ferrer, Public Health Director for Los Angeles County, announced that the nation's second largest city once again had a "high" level of COVID-19 activity. If rates remain elevated, Los Angeles will re-impose a mask mandate in all indoor spaces July 29.

More than one in two Americans live in an area where the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) currently urges indoor masking. Even if your area is not instituting a new mask mandate, it's still a good time to stock up on new N95 masks now.

Top products in this article:

Our most popular N95 mask: Kimberly-Clark N95 duckbill mask (50 pack), $58

Best per-mask price: 3M N95 8210 respirator (20 pack), $15 (reduced from $19)

Small pack of N95 masks: 3M Aura N95 respirator (3 pack), $10

Unlike early in the pandemic, N95 respirator availability is high -- and N95 prices are more affordable. The CDC says that N95 masks "provide the highest level of protection from particles, including the virus that causes COVID-19." We've rounded up some solid, popular deals to help you get the very best N95 masks.

N95 masks offer the best protection against COVID-19. They're designed to filter at least 95% of all airborne particles larger than 0.3 microns when the mask forms a tight seal on your face.

It's important to pick up an N95 mask that's approved by the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH). Find the full list of approved N95 brands here (and all the picks below are NIOSH-approved, naturally). Beware: There are counterfeit N95 masks online, so be sure to check the brand name on the NIOSH site, and to shop at trusted retailers to avoid buying a fake N95 face mask.

One more thing you should know about N95 masks -- you can rewear them. The CDC says that health care professionals can rewear an N95 mask up to five times before it's thrown out. Experts note, however, that you should discard a mask sooner if it no longer forms a tight seal on your face, or if it gets dirty or wet.

We've found protective N95 face masks available at Honeywell, Amazon and more below.

Find good deals on the N95 masks below.

These NIOSH-approved masks have four filter layers and feature an adjustable nose clip. The double elastic head straps eliminate pressure on the ears, making the mask more comfortable than some rivals.

Benehal N95 Mask Particulate Respirators (20 pack), $21 (reduced from $53)

This new Honeywell design is made to fit more face shapes and minimize pressure points. It comes in a pack of 20.

Honeywell DC300 N95 particulate disposable respirators (20 pack), $30

If you're willing to purchase 50 at a time, these duckbill N95 masks from Kimberly-Clark have a large breathing chamber for comfort and soft but strong headbands.

Kimberly-Clark professional N95 pouch respirator (50 pack), $58

These 3M masks prevent eyewear fogging and have a foam cushion for maximum comfort on your nose. They're currently on sale at Amazon for 75 cents per mask if you buy a 20-pack, making this one of the lowest per-mask prices we've ever seen for N95s.

3M N95 8210 respirator (20 pack), $15 (reduced from $19)

These disposable N95 masks by 3M feature an adjustable nose clip, chin tab and a low-profile design that directs air away from the nose panel to reduce eyewear fogging. You'll get the best per-mask price when you buy the 20 pack.

3M Aura N95 respirator (10 pack), $23

3M Aura N95 respirator (20 pack), $32

This N95 face mask has a soft foam nose cushion for maximum comfort. Its humidity-resistant filter media repels moisture. This 50 pack of Honeywell N95s will run you 87 cents per mask.

Honeywell Safety DF300 N95 Flatfold Disposable Respirator (50 pack), $44 (reduced from $51)

Don't forget your little ones when it comes time to mask up. While they're not officially designated N95 -- no child-sized mask is -- they do claim to meet a similar 95% international filtration standard.

These individually wrapped face masks are $1.49 each, or $1.04 each when you sign up for a regular shipment. They're made of five layers (for kids for ages 5 to 12), or four layers (for ages 2 to 4). Their earloops are adjustable, and they have a moisture-wicking inner layer. Find them in three sizes for kids.

WellBefore KN95 kids masks, $1.49 each

WellBefore also sells individually wrapped KN95 fish-style masks for kids. They too are $1.49 each, and available in three sizes.

Kids' masks don't have to be dreary -- they can be colorful and fun. These U.S.-made KN95 masks from Vida are available in 12 vivid colors, from aquamarine to magenta to tangerine. If you can't choose just one, there are multicolor packs as well.

Quantity discounts are available here: The more you buy, the more you save.

Vida colorful KN95 kids' masks (10 pack), $35

Vida colorful KN95 kids' masks (20 pack), $60

Evolvetogether, a mask brand that's popular with celebrities, has a line of KN95 masks that includes KN95 masks for kids. The masks are available in black, white, khaki and navy blue.

Evolvetogether KN95 kids' mask (5 pack), $15

The Biden Administration announced a plan to make 400 million N95 masks available to Americans for free through local pharmacies (such as Walgreens, CVS and some supermarkets) and local health centers. You can now locate free mask pharmacy locations with the CDC's mask locator.

Supplies are limited to guarantee availability, and children's masks are not being offered with the program. Unlike the free at-home COVID-19 tests offered by the government, these free N95 masks cannot be shipped. So if you need a reliable supply of N95 masks delivered, you'll have to open your wallet and choose one of the N95 options above.

Carolin Lehmann is an expert in health, fitness, furniture, apparel, gift guides and books for CBS Essentials. She's always testing new products to recommend. Some of her current favorites include Stanley cups, Alo Yoga workout sets and the Cuzen matcha maker.

First published on January 5, 2022 / 4:47 PM