N95 masks for travel: What to wear as TSA extends its mask mandate for planes, trains and buses
While mask mandates are becoming more relaxed across much of the nation, the Transportation Security Administration has extended its security directive for mask use on public transportation through at least April 18. If you're planning a Spring break trip or other travel, you'll want to pick up a supply of N95 masks -- even though COVID-19 case numbers are down, you'll still need them.
Top products in this article:
Honeywell DC300 N95 particulate disposable respirators (20 pack), $30
Kimberly-Clark professional N95 pouch respirator (50 pack), $48 (reduced from $58)
Honeywell Safety DF300 N95 Flatfold Disposable Respirator (50 pack), $44
Your safest bet for travel is an N95 mask, in combination with being vaccinated and boosted. These masks are designed to filter at least 95% of all airborne particles larger than 0.3 microns when worn correctly.
The Biden Administration is making 400 million N95 masks available to Americans for free through local pharmacies and health centers. Supplies of these masks, sourced from the government's Strategic National Stockpile and now available, are limited to guarantee availability. And you need to pick them up in person.
So to ensure you have enough N95 masks for your upcoming trip, we've found some options. They're approved by the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), which is key, as there are many counterfeit N95 masks for sale online. Fortunately, face masks are more affordable than they've been in the past, with COVID numbers declining.
(For more information, check out our COVID-19 guide: including where to buy N95 masks, how to avoid counterfeit N95 masks and what masks to buy for kids.)
Benehal N95 Mask Particulate Respirators (20 pack)
These NIOSH-approved masks have four filter layers and feature an adjustable nose clip. The double elastic head straps eliminate pressure on the ears and is meant to make wearing the mask more comfortable.
Benehal N95 Mask Particulate Respirators (20 pack), $25 (reduced from $53)
Honeywell DC300 N95 particulate disposable respirators (20 pack)
This new Honeywell design is made to fit more face shapes and minimize pressure points. It comes in a pack of 20.
Honeywell DC300 N95 particulate disposable respirators (20 pack), $30
Kimberly-Clark professional N95 pouch respirator (50 pack)
If you're willing to purchase 50 masks, these, from Kimberly-Clark, have a large breathing chamber for comfort and soft but strong headbands. They're selling for less than $1 per mask.
Kimberly-Clark professional N95 pouch respirator (50 pack), $48 (reduced from $58)
3M N95 8210 respirator (20 pack)
These 3M masks prevent eyewear fogging and have a foam cushion for maximum comfort on your nose.
3M N95 8210 respirator (20 pack), $18 (reduced from $30)
[OUT OF STOCK] N95 disposable multi-purpose respiratory mask (25 pack)
These N95s have an adjustable nose clip and head strap. They come in a 25-pack.
N95 disposable multi-purpose respiratory mask (25 pack), $42
Honeywell Safety DF300 N95 Flatfold disposable respirator (50 pack)
This N95 face mask has a soft foam nose cushion for maximum comfort. Its humidity- and moisture-resistant filter media repels moisture. At less than $1 per mask, these Honeywell N95s are one of the best N95 mask deals out there.
Honeywell Safety DF300 N95 Flatfold Disposable Respirator (50 pack), $44
Related from CBS Essentials:
- COVID-19 pandemic guide: Face masks, testing kits, travel and more
- Face masks for kids: KF94 and other masks similar to N95 and KN95 that fit children
- What are the differences between N95, KN95, surgical and cloth masks?
- COVID-19 testing kit tracker: How and where to find at-home coronavirus tests
- COVID face masks: 7 fashion brands you didn't know sell face masks
