Just when we thought we got the kids under control and COVID-19, a whole new strain and surge is coming – just in time for the kids to go back to school after winter break.
You probably thought that your kids were well protected with their cute cloth masks, but as we learn, cloth masks are no longer recommended for protection against the omicron variant, especially when it is in use. acts of children in classrooms. Experts recommend an upgrade, urging parents to opt for three-layer surgical masks, N95, KN95 or KF94, which offer more protection against the highly contagious variant.
Richard Malley, a senior physician in the infectious disease division at Boston Children’s Hospital and professor of pediatrics at Harvard Medical School, is one of the experts who recommended the upgrade. “What we see [with omicron] that is, you need extra protection than what the cloth masks provided. Omicron is much more transmissible than the variants we’ve seen before, “says Malley.” If you’re indoors and, in particular, if you’re surrounded by a lot of people – which is basically a classroom – you want [kids] wear a better and better fitting mask.
What kind of children’s mask should I buy?
Credit: Getty Images / simon2579
Sheet masks are no longer recommended for indoor activities.
While the gold standard for protective masks is an N95 respirator, these are almost non-existent in children’s sizes. The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, or NIOSH, only regulates products designed for adults, so PPE products designed for children are outside their jurisdiction. This means that there are technically no NIOSH approved N95, KN95, or KF94 masks for children, forcing us to rely on a company’s word for the effectiveness of their product.
If you find a company that claims children’s masks are FDA certified or approved, be sure to dig deeper. Only Kimberly-Clark makes FDA approved children’s masks. There are, however, many companies that make masks that are FDA approved or certified for adults, which also manufacture them in children’s sizes. Although children’s masks may not have the FDA designation, these masks deserve a closer look.
Please note, however, that we depend on companies to regulate these goods themselves. For this reason, always make sure you read their claims and credentials carefully and carefully, and use your best judgment before purchasing.
How should a child’s mask fit?
Credit: Getty Images / JNemchinova
A good fit is essential for optimal protection.
Fit is of the utmost importance, Malley says. “You really want to be very aware of the gaps, the looseness [and/or] slip right now, ”he said.
It is recommended to purchase masks designed for the face of a child. Make sure the gaps are minimal and that you haven’t chosen a mask that needs to be constantly readjusted by your child, as frequent face and mask contact can increase your child’s exposure to the virus.
The best way to ensure a good fit is to measure from the middle of the bridge of your child’s nose to the bottom of their chin with a soft tape measure. When you have this measurement, you should be able to search better for masks of the appropriate size.
Some brands of adult masks can be up to 5 inches tall, so if your child’s measurements match, you may want to consider an adult size mask.
Children’s Surgical Masks, KF94 and KN95 You Can Buy Now
It’s no surprise that masks are selling everywhere. We did some research based on the Malley criteria, FDA guidelines, and research conducted by Aaron collins, an engineer who tests and reviews the masks. Here are some of the best we’ve found.
1. Kimberly Clark
Credit: Kimberly-Clark / Revised
This Disney themed pack includes 75 masks.
The first and only children’s mask to receive FDA certification, these surgical masks have been used in hospitals across the country for over 20 years. They are the real stand-by for anyone looking for a definitely doctor-approved children’s surgical mask.
Get the Kimberly-Clark Children’s Surgical Mask 75-Pack at SchoolNurseSupply.com for $ 19.95
2. Grow together
Credit: Evolvetogether
These masks feature a variety of colors.
These children’s masks are made of three layers that claim to block 95% of bacterial and viral particles. Independent lab tested and physician approved, they’re also touted by reviewers as comfortable and breathable and kids will love that they come with non-toxic decals for personalization. These come with an adjustable nose wire, are responsibly made and recyclable. They don’t come with adjustable earrings, but this can easily be fixed by tying knots in the buckles or purchasing separate flip flops to customize the fit.
Shop Evolvetogether KN95 Kids Mask Multipacks from Evolvetogether from $ 8.97
3. Life
Credit: Vida / Revised
According to Vida, these masks are “tested by children and approved by doctors.”
According to Vida’s website, these masks are “tested by children and approved by doctors.” They’re also made in the USA for durability – every order includes a prepaid return label so you can send in your used masks for recycling.
The five-layer filtration system offers 98.3% efficiency, according to Collins tests, and their metal nose thread ensures a snug fit. These masks do not offer adjustable earrings.
Get the pack of 10 KN95 children’s masks at Vida for $ 35
4. Good + Before
Credit: Good + Before / Revised
Be sure to measure and select the correct size mask for your little one.
These are listed as ‘small’, but there are always three separate sizes, so be sure to measure and choose the correct one. Made with five layers of protection, including two meltblown layers, Collins tested them to have 99.1% filtration. The company claims the masks are KN95 certified (and the certification is available by email).
Reviewers say these masks are soft yet strong and they praise the sturdy nose clip, adjustable earrings, and excellent breathability. Plus, these are some of the cheapest masks on the market, and you can even subscribe to get a continuous stream of fresh masks delivered every month.
Get Well + Before KN95 Children’s Masks at Wellbefore.com starting at $ 1.19
5. Powercom
Credit: Masks of Good Faith / Revised
We found it to be the closest thing to an N95 children’s mask.
These masks are what we found closest to a real N95 for kids. They can be found widely on the internet, but it is 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 had emergency clearance for its KN95 masks, so they produce masks of the highest quality and with exceptional filtration of over 97%.
Get a pack of 10 Powecom KN95 children’s masks at Bona Fide starting at $ 12.50
6. Kazé
Credit: Kaze
Add a touch of color with these masks.
Small, powerful, and super breathable, these are the favorite masks of celebrities and, for more personal approval, of my group of moms. These three-ply, five-layer masks consistently get stellar reviews for comfort and fit from parents and kids alike. These are also available in bright colors that kids love to wear, and they lay lightly on the face, perfect for kids who tend to chew on their masks while wearing them. The masks also have adjustable nose threads and adjustable soft earrings. These respirator-style masks claim to consistently meet international standards for filtering 95% of airborne particles and 99.9% of bacteria.
Buy Kaze Mini 10-packs on Kaze.com for $ 40
7. Happy children
Credit: happy life
KF94 design may be suitable for children who have difficulty speaking while wearing a mask.
Happy Life is a brand recommended by Collins for incredible filtration. Its tests determined that the masks’ filtration efficiency was 98.5%, and the company is transparent with its FDA certification. The KF94 three-dimensional mask is slightly different from the KN95 or surgical masks, but it can be a good option for children who have difficulty speaking in other masks and prefer the masks to sit out of their mouth. We have them at home and have found them to fit well without being restrictive.
Get the Happy Life Kids KF94 20-Pack on Amazon for $ 28.88
8. Little lives
Credit: Little Lives / Revu
These colorful masks could be perfect for school or travel.
If you are looking for affordable surgical masks specially designed for children, Little Lives is worth a visit. Made in the USA in an FDA registered facility, they come in cute, kid-friendly colors and patterns and their accordion cut makes them easy to wear, especially for small children.
Get the Little Lives 3-Ply ASTM Level 3 Surgical Masks 50 Pack for Children for $ 24.99
9. Happy masks
Credit: Happy Masks
These masks tout breathability and comfort.
If you are looking for a non-disposable mask, Happy Mask is still our favorite and ranked as the best kid mask of all we’ve tried. According to Collins’ research, with 85.2% filtration, they have one of the highest particle protection of any sheet mask.
We also find them to be incredibly comfortable, breathable and adjustable. Right now they’re out of stock but, we promise, they’re worth the wait.
Buy Happy Masks on Happymasks.com from $ 19
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Prices were correct at the time of this article’s publication, but may change over time.
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