Essentials
By Carolin Lehmann
/ Essentials
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It's back-to-school season. Along with picking out a new backpack and school supplies, it's a good idea to stock up on KN95 and KF94 kids' face masks now. Masks are again mandatory in some schools, and more may institute masking requirements if COVID case numbers rise in the fall or winter.
If you're looking to buy new kids' masks, there's some good news: Mask prices have never been lower. Many popular kids' mask styles are currently on sale.
Top products in this article:
Individually wrapped KN95 masks for kids:WellBefore KN95 kids masks, $1.49 each
$1.49 at WellBefore
Popular KN95 masks for kids:Evolvetogether KN95 kids' mask (5 pack), $15
$15 at Evolvetogether
Small KF94 masks for little kids:Dr. Puri KF94 masks, small (20 pack), $27
$27 at Amazon
KN95 and KF94 masks: What to look for in a kids' face mask
When it comes to shopping for adult face masks, the task is relatively simple: Look for a tight-fitting,N95-rated maskfor the maximum amount of protection. When it comes to shopping for face masks for kids, things get a bit more complicated. That's because there are no masks for kids officially rated N95 by a U.S. government agency.
That said, there are N95-style masks available for little ones -- that is, children's masks that claim to meet the same filtration standard as adult N95 masks, even if they don't carry the official label of N95. These masks are typically designated KN95 or KF94. (Be wary of masks claiming to be an N95 for children -- that's a sure sign of acounterfeit N95 mask.)
If you're seeking children's masks that may offer more protection than cloth, check out the N95-inspired models in kids' sizes below. While their filtration claims haven't been verified by NIOSH -- the federal agency that approves N95 brands -- they're worth a try if you're seeking models that have adjustable nose bridges and a close fit to the face, as N95s do.
It's important that any mask you or your children use fits properly, forming a tight seal with your face.
Below, KF94, KN95 and other masks similar to N95s for kids.
For information on where to purchase N95 masks for yourself, and on the Biden administration'sfree mask program, check outour guide to N95 masks. The price of masks is down,with N95 masks even selling for under $1 each now. Also be sure to check out our guide onhow to avoid counterfeit N95 and KN95 face masks.
WellBefore individually wrapped KN95 kids masks
These individually wrapped face masksare $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
$1.49 at WellBefore
WellBefore also sells individually wrapped KN95 fish-style masks for kids. They too are $1.49 each, and available in three sizes.
$1.49 at WellBefore
Vida KN95 colorful kids masks
Kids' masks 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 kids' masks (10 pack), $35
$35 at ShopVida
Vida colorful kids' masks (20 pack), $60
$60 at ShopVida
Brookwood Medical kids disposable KF94 face masks (30 pack)
Choose from all sorts of kid-friendly prints, from Spider-Man to unicorns, inthis disposable, four-layer face mask. The mask's fish-style design prevents gaping and it won't cling to their mouths. A 10-pack is also available.
Brookwood Medical kids disposable face masks (30 pack), $40 (reduced from $50)
$40 at Brookwood Medical
Evolvetogether KN95 masks for kids (5 pack)
Evolvetogether, amask brand that's popular with celebrities, has aline of KN95 masksthat includes KN95 masks for kids. The masks are available inblack,whiteandkhaki.
Evolvetogether KN95 kids' mask (5 pack), $15
$15 at Evolvetogether
Happy Life kids KF94 masks (20 pack)
These 4.2-star-rated masks with four layerscome individually packaged, are made of an eco-friendly material and claim to meet Korea's KF94 standard (94% filtration efficiency). Reviewers recommend this size for older children.
Happy Life kids KF94 (20 pack), $32
$32 at Amazon
Powecom kids KN95-SM respirator mask (10 pack)
This multi-layer, breathable KN95 maskcan be purchased in a 10 pack (or more). Quantity discounts are available.
Powecom kids KN95-SM respirator mask (10 pack), $13
$13 at Bona Fide Masks
Happy Masks Pro
This five-layer maskis lightweight and breathable, and claims 99.9% filtration. Its design leaves room around the nose and mouth for comfort, and its ear straps are adjustable. This mask can be washed up to 50 times.
Happy Masks Pro, $24
$24 at Happy Masks
Dr. Puri KF94 masks (20 pack)
These masksclaim 99% filtration and come in small, medium and large sizes. If you're willing to use Amazon's "subscribe and save" option, you can save 10%. (Apply the coupon before checkout.)
Dr. Puri KF94 masks, small (20 pack), $27
$27 at Amazon
Dr. Puri KF94 masks, medium (20 pack), $27
$27 at Amazon
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- Where to buy N95 masks following updated CDC federal mask guidance
- Don't laminate your vaccine card: 7 vaccine card holders to use instead
- The best back to school deals on Apple AirPods
- The best laptop bags for back to school
- The best calculators for back to school
- In:
- N95 Mask
- Face Mask
- COVID-19
Carolin Lehmann
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 and Alo Yoga workout sets.
