#3m aura

This is interesting. A lot of people do the lift-to-eat method on flights, etc. I always wondered whether you'd potentially trap contaminated air. Scientists even told me that it is a risk, though minimal compared to total removal.

Here's an actual fit test video. Fit factor drops all the way down to 4.6 when the mask is lifted to drink through a straw:

As he says, that's just mildly better than a surgical mask.

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Compare to 230 with a plugged straw through Sip Valve:

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And 382 when totally sealed: "That means the air is 382 times cleaner inside the mask than outside."

Not a paid ad (I wish, see cons). Just want to tell you about Champak N95s because I love them and hope they will continue to be available. (Other favs mentioned: 3M Aura 9210+ N95, Bluna Face Fit KF94, Breatheteq KN95 small)

PROS:

NIOSH N95 With good fit-test results. E.g.: https://youtu.be/iIOumUsvUfs?si=L46SfoZlgvNpewWd&t=289

Comfortable & breathable AF Even vs Breatheteq. The straps are a soft, microfiber-y material that doesn't hurt, doesn't dig into your ears over time, and doesn't get caught in hair. They're also adjustable with the plastic bit.

Easy, fast don/doff The sliding straps make it so easy and fast, similar to ear loops.

Fits small heads! Most masks are way too big or leak in various places. 3M Auras are the best fit for me (narrow & small face, tall nose bridge). The Medium Champak (PC520M) fits just as well as Aura and, due to its shape, the seal around the face even feels better. The thick nose pad is also great, no leakage. They also have a large size!

CONS:

Expensive (relatively) A friend recommended these and kindly shared one to try. I held off buying my own for a long time because they're kind of expensive: $45 after shipping for 15 masks = $3/mask. Compared to a 20-pack of 3M Aura 9210+ for $30. But after using my own for a few months, with all of the PROS above, it's the only mask I like to use anymore. (I still opt for 3M Aura 9210+ in unsafely-crowded situations just because I feel more comfortable with one that's tried, tested, and proven its efficacy for me multiple times.) We bought from PurCel Labs, good experiences: https://client.purcellabs.com/n95-masks/Champak-NIOSH-N95-Face-Masks-PC520M

(via (2) Ever Bloom 💉💉💉💉😷 on Twitter: "@FitTestMyPlanet @safe_breathe Do you mind saying if you’ve an idea why the black BNX trifolds perform comparatively poorly? They’re the only N95s my teens will wear - and don’t seem to perform at all well compared to, for example, the 3M Auras? Perhaps lack of foam nose piece prevents good seal? Thx 🙏🏼" / Twitter)

Various N95s fit-tested + helpful answers in thread.

E.g. Which work best for small faces?

The CAN99 from @vitacoreinc just got NIOSH approved as a N95! It's a bit smaller than the 3M Aura series, so fits better on smaller faces. Sam from @OpenAeros says "the fabric straps are nice, nose wire fits well and feels more breathable" Picture for size comparison. -@masknerd

Good to have another option for small faces!

Unfortunately these are expensive: CAN $70 for 25 masks 👎

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The oft-recommended 3M Aura N95 is my favorite:

The foam on the nose area and

It actually fits a smaller head + high nose bridge, which is hard to find. Most masks are too loose and leak, rendering them ineffective. (But I've seen loads of people with various head sizes vouch for these.)

The 9210 model has braided elastic straps instead of rubber — shouldn't break or catch on hair unlike the blue rubber straps on the "default" model (9205).

They are currently USD ~$30 / 20 pack (9210) and $24 / 20 pack (9205) or you can get a 3-pack to try for $10.

3M actually lists distributors on their site; possible to find it cheaper.

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My other favorite is the KF94 Bluna FaceFit with adjustable straps: again, way better for for small heads. The nosepiece on this one "molds" well. Tip: bend it around your finger first, it'll be easier to better fit to your nose.

KF94 (Korean Filter, 94% particle filtration) masks were actually designed for general public use. It's more comfortable and easy to don/doff, but could be slightly less protective than the N95 (95% filtration - hard to know without doing a fit test; the opposite could actually be true for some).

The Bluna is USD ~$20 / 10 (currently on sale for $15 / 10 at Kollecte, which is where I got them):