The Covid-19 pandemic caught the world by surprise and got people living through a crisis that hasn’t been experienced in 100 years. The pandemic’s enormous scale and its impact have caused fear, anxiety, and uncertainty across the world.
The good news is that wearing a facial mask is one of the recommended ways to keep you and those around you in public places safe from contracting the virus. A facial mask is classified as a Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) due to its ability to prevent the spread of this deadly virus.
The FDA recently approved kn95 masks as a PPE for their effectiveness in filtering out 95% of micro-particles breathed in and out. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is an organization that is responsible for protecting public health and has played a significant role in the prevention of Coronavirus spread.
Being a vast improvement, the Kn95 mask can significantly reduce your chances of contracting Covid-19. But where can you buy an FDA approved face mask? We have researched and came up with the best places to buy an FDA-approved Kn965 mask.
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Buy from a Local Pharmacy
Local pharmacies can be a convenient place to buy the FDA approved Kn95 mask. Pharmacies are more likely to stock the Kn95 face mask after it was approved as a PPE. It is best if you visit your local pharmacy and inquire if they have any in stock.
The best thing about buying from a local pharmacy is that they can differentiate between counterfeit and original Kn95 FDA approved masks. However, most local pharmacies have reported selling out of the FDA approved Kn5 face mask due to its shortage and huge demand.
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Order from an Online Store
Ordering an FDA approved KN95 face mask online is the best option for you if your local pharmacy has not stocked it yet. It is essential to consider some factors before ordering the Kn95 mask from an online store.
First, it is essential to consider if the face masks have been tested and certified under the international standards similar to those of US N95 and EU FFP2. These standards ensure that the face mask can filter out 95% of bacteria with a 0.3-micron diameter in the atmosphere with efficiency.
Secondly, ensure that the Kn95 face mask you are ordering has 5 layers of protective filtration fabric. This is one reason why the FDA approved Kn95 face mask offers superior protection compared to the disposable 3 layer cloth masks.
Thirdly, avoid buying Kn95 masks from a store that promises you their durability, claims they are washable, or are returnable after ordering.
The FDA-CDC guidelines are that the Kn95 face mask should only be used for 8-12 hours, after which it should be disposed of. Disinfecting the face mask to extend this recommendable use cycle should only be done in situations when the Kn95 face masks are in shortage.
Due to the current health safety concerns, PPEs, including Kn95 masks, are non-returnable. Please do not buy from any online store offering a return policy on these masks as they are probably selling counterfeit Kn95 masks.
How to tell if your Kn95 Face Mask is Authentic
So, after knowing where you can buy your Kn95 face mask, how do you determine if it’s original or fake? There are many concerns over the fabrication of the Kn95 face masks due to their huge demand and short supply.
Counterfeit Kn95 masks are PPEs that are currently being falsely marketed and sold as FDA approved. However, these counterfeits are not sufficient for the appropriate respiratory protection needed.
The good news is that there are several ways you can test your face mask to determine its authenticity.
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The Water Resistance Test
One of the simplest methods to determine your Kn95 face mask’s authenticity is by conducting the water-resistance test. To perform this test, one is required to slowly pour a small amount of water into the face mask.
If the mask does not allow any water to pass through, it’s an original Kn95 face mask. However, if the water passes through, the mask is counterfeit and won’t be of much help.
FDA-approved Kn95 face masks have an outer waterproof layer to protect the wearer from liquid splashes such as saliva and cough fluid from other people.
Counterfeit face masks have little capability to block liquid splashes, meaning you are at a higher risk of infection.
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The Lighter Test
Another easy way to differentiate between real and counterfeit Kn95 face masks is the lighter test. This test involves putting on your mask and holding a lighter a few inches directly from your mouth.
Then, try putting off the lighter by blowing it out. If the lighter goes off, your Kn95 face mask is counterfeit. If you cannot put off the lighter no matter how hard you try, your mask is authentic.
FDA approved face masks are made of breathable but strong full mesh fabric. This means that while inhaling and exhaling, the material is able to obstruct contagions making it impossible to put off the lighter.
If the lighter goes off, this means that the face mask is made from inferior quality material and will be of little help in preventing infection.
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Analyze the Texture
The texture analysis test involves putting your Kn95 face mask against the light. First, you unfold the face mask and hold it over light.
If you notice light and shadows passing through the mask, know that it’s counterfeit. The mask is authentic if you notice uniform texture through the mask.
The FDA approved face mask has a uniform texture due to the strict production process. Counterfeit masks are made from inferior raw materials, and they can let light pass through due to their varying quality.
Beware of inferior and counterfeit face masks as they not only fail to prevent infection of airborne diseases, but they have the potential to harm our health. Protect yourself and those around you by buying an authentic FDA-approved Kn95 face mask.