The fit is key when finding best mask for your child :: WRAL.com

– With the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) considering updating their mask guidelines to suggest KN95 or N95 grade masks on fabric face covers, many parents are wondering which masks to buy for their children.

What is the difference between the N95 and KN95 masks?

You will see a lot of healthcare workers using N95 masks. Throughout the pandemic, they are the only people who have really had access to these types of masks, which can filter out up to 95% of the particles in the air. KN95 masks also filter 95% of particles.

N95 masks are made in the United States by the National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), while KN95 are made in China and must meet the requirements of that country.

According to the CDC, approximately 60% of KN95 respirators in the United States are counterfeit or fake and do not meet NIOSH requirements.

The K-95 mask hangs above the Raleigh skyline.  Photo taken on May 22, 2021.

Are the N95 or KN95 masks made in children’s sizes?

N95 masks are hard to find in children’s sizes and because NIOSH only regulates products for adults, there are currently no official and approved N95 masks specifically designed for children. But you can measure your child’s face and determine if a NIOSH approved N95 mask will be right for your child. In some cases, older children may wear smaller adult masks.

There are a lot of masks that claim to be KN95 available in kid sizes, so you will need to do some research before you buy.

Stethoscope

It’s all in the fit

UNC Health Talk recently interviewed Emily Sickbert-Bennett, PhD, director of infection prevention at UNC Medical Center, who says fit is the most important part of any mask worn.

“How your mask fits your face is the most important factor in determining its effectiveness (the mask),” says Dr. Sickbert-Bennett. “You should have a good fit on the bridge of your nose and under your eyes. If you wear glasses with your mask on and have a lot of fog on your glasses, this is a sign that they are not looking great on you. “

The goal is a tight fit with the least amount of air escaping around the mask. A mask that has a nasal thread or splint to hold it against the face is also a good option, according to UNC Health Talk.

The CDC says parents should choose a “well-fitting, comfortable mask or respirator that your child can wear properly. An ill-fitting or uncomfortable mask or respirator can be worn incorrectly or removed often, which would reduce its expected benefits. “.

The mask should cover the child’s chin and nose without affecting their vision.

Go Ask Mom sent questions specifically about children’s masks to UNC Health on Wednesday. Look for these answers in a future article.

Which masks are best for my family?

When I was looking for masks for my kids, I searched the internet and found some good articles that look at specific masks. This USA Today article has some great suggestions. Good Housekeeping also had a nice list of mask options, and I found some really good choices on Parents.com.

After a lot of research, I ended up ordering a few different masks for my family to try on. (I’ll write an update on our favorite ones once we’ve tried them all!)

For adults:

VIDA: N95 mask authorized by NIOSH and FDA – These masks cost $ 38 for a pack of 10. They are expensive, but claim to offer “over 95% filtration efficiency against solid and liquid aerosols” and feature four protective layers, two headbands and a nose bridge adjustable to ensure a perfect fit.

Good Faith Masks: Harley N95 Respirator Mask – Model L-188 – NIOSH Approved – These are not as colorful as VIDA masks, but they are NIOSH approved and filter out at least 95% of the 95% of airborne particles. They’re also not that expensive with a box of 20 costing around $ 45 right now on the Bona Fide Masks website.

For kids:

Kimberly Clark Children’s Face Masks – The only FDA approved children’s mask has a three-layer protective layer. These are usually the masks you get in the hospital or doctor’s office. They are for single use only. They are popular and not too expensive, so they sell out quickly.

VIDA: FDA Listed Children’s Mask with KN95 Protection – VIDA boasts that these masks are “tested by children and approved by doctors”. With a five-layer filtration system, the masks claim to offer 95-99% + efficiency. As with VIDA masks for adults, these masks don’t come cheap. A pack of 10 costs around $ 35.

Grow together – This company has awesome children’s masks. They offer a variety of KN95 options with four breathable layers, dual filtration, and pull-free earrings. These sell out quickly and cost $ 14.95 for a 5-pack. If you want them, sign up to be notified when they are back in stock. So far, I have ordered disposable children’s masks that offer over 95% bacterial filtration efficiency and three layers of protection.

Good Faith Masks: Powecom KN95-SM Smaller or Children’s Respirator Mask – Parenting.com and USA Today have listed this mask among their choices. Powercom sells them through the American manufacturer Bona Fide Masks in New York. The masks come with an anti-fake sticker so you know they are genuine. A pack of 10 costs $ 13.

.

Leave a Reply