Fight the tripledemic with these KN95 masks for kids
This is not where you want to cheap out
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A new strain of COVID-19—XBB.1.5—is making the rounds, and this variant is said to be five times more contagious than omicron. By the end of December, it had accounted for more than 40% of new cases. What’s more, COVID-19 isn’t the only sickness that has us feeling less than great, as influenza and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) cases have been on the rise, creating a “tripledemic.”
The rise in infectious diseases has led to some schools reinstating mask mandates. In other districts, parents are taking it upon themselves to mask up their own children for peace of mind.
Kids' KN95 masks, and the lesser-known KF94 masks, remain some of the best forms of protection against COVID-19 and other airborne diseases, with kids' surgical masks running a close third place. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that everybody above the age of two wears masks in areas where the community is high, regardless of one’s vaccination status.
That said, finding suitable kids' KN95 masks, KF94 masks, and surgical masks can be surprisingly tricky. We’re here to help you navigate the mask market and find the best-quality mask for your child.
What kind of kids' mask should I buy?
While the gold standard for protective masks is an N95 respirator mask, those are almost non-existent in kids’ sizes. The National Institute for Occupational Safety & Health, or NIOSH, only regulates products designed for adults, so PPE products designed for children are out of their purview. This means there are technically no NIOSH-approved KF94 kids' N95 or kids' KN95 masks, forcing us to rely on a company’s word as to their product’s effectiveness.
If you find a company that says their children’s masks are FDA-certified or FDA-approved, be sure to dig deeper. Only Kimberly-Clark makes FDA-approved children's masks. There are, however, many companies that make FDA-approved or certified masks for adults, who also make them in children’s sizes. While the children's masks may not have the FDA designation, those masks do deserve a further look.
Kimberly-Clark kids' masks $30 at Amazon
Know, however, that we are reliant on companies to regulate these goods themselves. Because of that, always be sure to read their claims and credentials thoroughly, and use your own best judgment before purchasing.
Note that reusable, cloth masks are the least effective type of mask when it comes to filtering the particles responsible for COVID-19 and other airborne illnesses. If your child doesn’t find a kids' N95 or kids' KN95 mask comfortable, consider giving them a surgical mask.
How should a child’s mask fit?
According to Dr. Richard Malley, senior physician at Boston Children’s Hospital Division of Infectious Diseases and professor of pediatrics at Harvard Medical School, fit is of the utmost importance. “You really want to be very aware of gaps, looseness [and/or] slipping right now,” he says.
It's recommended you shop for masks that are made with a child’s face in mind. Be sure that gaps are minimal and that you haven’t chosen a mask that constantly needs to be readjusted by your child, as frequent touching of the face and mask can increase your child’s exposure to the virus.
The best way to ensure a proper fit is to measure from the middle of the bridge of your child’s nose to the bottom of their chin with a soft measuring tape. When you have that measurement, you should be able to better search for appropriately sized masks.
Some brands of adult masks can be as small as 5-inches, so if your child's measurements match, you can consider an adult-sized mask.
Surgical, KF94, and KN95 kids masks you can buy right now
We did a bit of research based on Malley’s criteria, FDA guidelines and research conducted by Aaron Collins, an engineer who tests and reviews masks. Here are some of the best we’ve found.
1. WellBefore kids' KN95 masks
Disposable face masks for kids: WellBefore disposable masks.
These kids' masks by WellBefore are listed as “petite,” but there are still three distinct sizes, so be sure to measure and pick the right one. Made with five layers of protection including two melt-blown layers, Collins tested these as having 99.1% filtration. The company claims that the masks are certified KN95 (and certification is available via email).
Reviewers say these masks are soft yet strong and they praise the sturdy nose clip, adjustable ear loops and excellent breathability. What’s more, these are some of the best-priced masks around, and you can even subscribe to get a continuous flow of fresh masks delivered monthly.
2. WeCare kids' surgical masks
Disposable face masks for kids: WeCare disposable masks
With three layers of protection, including a super-soft inner layer, these surgical-style kids' masks by WeCare are comfortable for children and meet the criteria of most school districts. At less than 50 cents a piece, these are super affordable. Kids also love the vibrant prints that make them feel cool while being safe.
3. Powecom kids' KN95 masks
Disposable face masks for kids: Powecom KN95 masks
These masks by Powecom are the closest thing we found to a true N95 for kids. They can be found widely on the internet, however, it’s highly recommended that you purchase them from a reputable supplier, like Bona Fide Masks, where they should arrive with an “anti-fake” label to verify authenticity. Powecom used to have emergency authorization for its KN95 masks, so they do produce masks of the highest quality and with exceptional filtration of over 97%.
4. Dr. Talbots kids' surgical masks
Disposable face masks for kids: Dr. Talbot's disposable masks
Dr. Talbots has long been a trusted brand of healthcare products for families. Owned by Nüby, this company is focused on the care and comfort of kids, so it's no wonder why Dr. Talbot's kids' masks are often touted as the best-fitting surgical masks parents have found. These come in sizes 6 to 12 and 2 to 5, so be sure you're picking the right size for your child.
5. Evolvetogether kids' surgical masks
Disposable face masks for kids: Evolvetogether disposable masks
These kid-sized masks from Evolvetogether are made of three layers that claim to block 95% of bacterial and viral particles. Tested by an independent laboratory and approved by physicians, they are also touted by reviewers as being comfortable and breathable and kids will love that they come with nontoxic decals for personalization. These come with an adjustable nose wire, are responsibly made and recyclable.
They do not come with adjustable ear loops, but that can easily be remedied by tying knots in the loops or by purchasing separate toggles to customize the fit.
6. Vida kids' KN95 masks
Disposable face masks for kids: Vida disposable masks
According to Vida's website, these KN95 masks are “kid-tested and doctor-approved.” They are also made in the USA with an eye towards sustainability: Each order includes a prepaid return label so you can send your used masks to be recycled.
The five-layer filtration system offers 98.3% efficiency, according to Collins’ testing, and its metal nose wire ensures a snug fit. These masks don’t offer adjustable ear loops.
7. Kaze kids' KN95 masks
Disposable face masks for kids: Kaze disposable masks
Small, mighty and very breathable, Kaze kids' masks are the favorite masks of celebrities and—for a more personal endorsement—my mom group. These three-ply, five-layer masks consistently get stellar reviews for comfort and fit by parents and kids alike. These also come in vibrant colors that kids like to wear, and they sit slightly off the face, perfect for kids who tend to chew their masks while wearing them. The masks also have adjustable nose wires and adjustable soft ear loops. These respirator-style masks claim to consistently achieve international standards of filtering out 95% of airborne particles and 99.9% of bacteria.
8. Little Lives kids' surgical masks
Disposable face masks for kids: Little Lives disposable masks
If you’re looking for affordable surgical masks that are made just for kids, Little Lives is worth a look. Made in the USA in an FDA-registered facility, Little Lives masks come in cute, kid-friendly colors and designs and their accordion fit makes them easy to wear—especially for small children.
As a bonus, it's been reported to us that—because these are made domestically—these kids' masks arrive fast. If you're scrambling to get kids' masks quickly, these may be your best choice.
9. U&I kids' KF94 masks
Disposable face masks for kids: U&I disposable masks
According to my mom group, U&I masks are the "absolute best for preschoolers" and toddlers. The small frame of the mask fits tiny faces comfortably and gives them the right seal to protect them against viruses and bacteria. Collins's research claims that these masks filter out 99.3% of airborne particles. These are a great option for kids ages 2 to 5.
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