Regularly wash cloth masks in the washing machine or by hand. (They can be washed along with other laundry.) Dry them in the dryer or hang them outside in the sun.

Personal protective equipment: Questions and answers. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/hcp/respirator-use-faq.html. Accessed Feb. 2, 2021. To determine the best face masks for COVID-19 protection, we asked experts for their recommendations and why. The experts we spoke with included:

Hana Akselrod, MD, assistant professor of medicine in the division of infectious diseases, George Washington University School of Medicine, phone interview, February 23, 2021 KF94s offer an alternative fit to KN95s or N95s. They feature ear loops, an adjustable nose bridge and side flaps to create a tight fit. For some people, they're more comfortable and easier to wear than the alternatives -- unlike N95s in the US, KF94s are often worn by regular citizens in Korea. Computers Tech All Computers Laptops Gaming Laptops Laptops for College Students Computer Monitors Ergonomic Keyboards If you are a consumer and you're just using this to go shopping or do low-risk activities, then yes, your testing results do show that it protects you better than cloth masks. You don't have to throw them out. I think that you just need to be informed that these do not meet KN95, 95 per cent filtration standards."

When your mask does come to end of its life, don't assume it has to go in the bin. Some retailers and specialists have recycling schemes in place. The imported equivalents include the KN95 respirator, which meets the Chinese standard of 95 per cent filtration efficiency and the KF94, which meets the Korean standard of 94 per cent filtration efficiency. Masking suggestions are a bit different for people at higher risk of serious illness. This includes people with risk factors such as older age. It also includes people with weakened immune systems and those who live with or care for someone with these risk factors. N95 masks may be the gold standard, as they are approved by the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), but KN95 masks, the Chinese equivalent, remain a more widely popular type of disposable high-filtration mask. Their beaklike shape and ear loops (as opposed to the head straps found on most N95 masks) make them a more convenient and comfortable everyday choice. According to emergency room physician Dr. Jay Park of San Diego, Calif., it depends on who is using the mask and the level of protection they need or want.The CDC says you should not double-mask while wearing a KN95 mask. Friese adds that a KN95 mask generally offers more protection than double-masking anyway, as long as it fits well. Other Occasions & Loved Ones Gift Guides All Other Occasions & Loved Ones For Teens For Grandparents For Bridal Shower For New Parents For Any Occasion When working at a job where you interact with large numbers of the public, especially when not everyone is consistently wearing a mask. For example, bus drivers and grocery store workers. Experts do not recommend using face shields instead of masks. It's not clear how much protection shields provide. But wearing a face mask may not be possible in every situation. If you must use a face shield instead of a mask, choose one that wraps around the sides of your face and extends below your chin. Do you still need to wear a face mask after you're vaccinated? The Well Before KN95 mask with standard ear loops is a pretty standard KN95 mask experience. It fits nicely and it is easy to adjust the nose area. The adjustable ear loops version is similar, but a little more comfortable thanks to being able to loosen or tighten the ear straps for a better fit.

The CDC has a running list of non-NIOSH-approved N95s, KN95s, KF94s and other protective masks that have gone through filtration testing. The list also includes known counterfeits.

Alternative Masks for Special Situations

When shopping online and in stores, consumers are most likely to find the international equivalents of the coveted N95, as these masks are still generally not available in stores. If you’re concerned about spiking COVID cases in your area, you may find yourself reaching for a face mask (and an at-home COVID test). But which type of face mask offers the most protection? Respirators — among them KN95 masks and N95 masks — are more protective than cloth masks, according to the CDC. N95 respirators and surgical masks (face masks). U.S. Food and Drug Administration. https://www.fda.gov/medical-devices/personal-protective-equipment-infection-control/n95-respirators-and-surgical-masks-face-masks. Accessed Feb. 2, 2021. Some scientists and doctors have also suggested this might be a sensible measure for some higher-risk scenarios, now that we have increased understanding of the importance of aerosol transmission. When purchasing face masks, it’s also important to consider the size, shape, and whether it has an ear loop or nose wire to help you get the most secure fit.