How to pick a mask?
Choosing the right mask depends on the needs and consideration of each individual. The information on this page is meant to help you get a better idea of which masks might be the right choice for your needs.
Please note that the information on this page is provided by community volunteers and should not be taken as professional health care advice.
Style
Trifold: Masks with 3 panels that fold out horizontally to cover the nose and chin. Trifolds maintain a good seal even when moving your jaw and the additional surface area can improve breathability.
Bifold: Masks with two panels with a vertical seam in the middle. Bifolds are usually smaller when folded making them easier to carry but their seal can often break with jaw movement.
Cup: Masks with a ridged molded shape that does not fold. The rigidity of the masks can help keep the mask away from your mouth but are more difficult to store since they do not fold.
Duckbill: Masks that fold horizontally and stick further our from your face in a way that looks like a duck’s bill. The additional material provides a high level of breathability but can look less subtle than other masks.
Filtration Type
N95: Masks certified by the U.S. National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) to filter at least 95% of particles 0.3 microns or larger.
KN95: Masks certified by the Chinese National Medical Products Administration (NMPA) to filter at least 95% of particles 0.3 microns or larger.
KF94: Masks certified by the South Korean Ministry of Food and Drug Safety (MFDS) to filter at least 94% of particles .4 microns or larger.
Strap Type
Headstraps: go around the back of your head and usually provide a more secure seal compared to earstraps.
Earstraps: go around your ears which can make them easier to put on and take off.
Nose Foam
Nose foam is padding on the inside of the masks where your nose would make contact with the mask. Nose foam can help improve comfort, prevent glasses from fogging, and improve the mask’s seal.
Additional Resources
Article: How to Find the Best N95 for Your Face Shape
Mask Bloc ATL often has the following masks in our inventory.
3M
1860
Cup
N95
Headstrap
Nose Foam
Strong nose wire, the edges of this mask can feel rough against the face
3M
Aura 1870+
Tri-fold
N95
Headstrap
Nose Foam
Largest sized Aura, strong nose wire, straps can be prone to stretching or breaking if put on and taken off frequently
3M
Aura 9205+
Tri-fold
N95
Headstrap
Nose Foam
Slightly smaller than the Aura 1870, strong nose wire, straps can be prone to stretching or breaking if put on and taken off frequently
3M
VFlex 9105 (standard)
Duckbill
N95
Headstrap
Strong nose wire
BOTN Particulate Respirator (large)
Tri-Fold
N95
Earstrap
Adjustable straps can help with fit
BYD
Particulate Respirator
Bi-Fold
N95
Headstrap
Nose wire is harder to form properly
Funight Foldable Protective Mask
Bi-Fold
KN95
Earstrap
Ear straps are not adjustable
GMS
Safety Mask
Bi-Fold
KN95
Earstrap
Ear straps are not adjustable
WellBefore Welcome Series 3D (regular)
Tri-Fold
KF94
Earstrap
Adjustable straps can help with fit