Clean-air shop · 7 picks
On an unhealthy day (AQI above 150, or above 100 if you're in a sensitive group), a well-fitted N95 cuts how much smog you breathe outdoors.
Cloth and surgical masks do little against fine particles.
7 masks at a glance
Most comfortable
$24.45at zoro.com
Amazon(opens in a new tab)
Family packs
$25.29at zoro.com
Amazon(opens in a new tab)
$30.15at zoro.com
Amazon(opens in a new tab)
Fits the 6502
$12.29at zoro.com
Amazon(opens in a new tab)
Cuts smog smell
$16.63at homedepot.com
Amazon(opens in a new tab)
Keeps its shape
$30.79at zoro.com
Amazon(opens in a new tab)
Valved, keeps shape
$41.39at zoro.com
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Most comfortable3M
A NIOSH-approved N95 that folds flat for a pocket, with three panels that shape around the nose and chin, and less fogging for glasses.
Fit matters more than the brand: no gaps at the cheeks, and no mask seals over a beard.
$24.45at zoro.com · pack of 10
Family packs3M
The classic cup-shaped N95, sold in packs of 20: the cheapest certified protection for a household.
Fit matters more than the brand: no gaps at the cheeks, and no mask seals over a beard.
$25.29at zoro.com · pack of 20
Reusable3M
A reusable silicone respirator that seals far better than a disposable mask. Fit it with 2091 or 2097 P100 filters for heavy smog.
It comes without filters: add the 2091 or 2097. No mask seals over a beard.
$30.15at zoro.com · medium, no filters
Fits the 65023M
The standard P100 filters for 3M's reusable respirators: at least 99.97% of particles, including oil-based ones.
$12.29at zoro.com · 1 pair; this listing is 2 pairs
Cuts smog smell3M
P100 filters with a carbon layer that takes the edge off smells: the same particle protection as the 2091, with relief from smoky odours.
Nuisance-level odour relief only. It isn't a gas or vapour cartridge.
$16.63at homedepot.com · 2 pairs
Keeps its shapeMoldex
A made-in-USA N95 with a mesh shell that won't collapse in heat and humidity, and a moulded foam nose bridge instead of a metal clip.
Fit matters more than the brand: no gaps at the cheeks, and no mask seals over a beard.
$30.79at zoro.com · pack of 20
Valved, keeps shapeMoldex
The Moldex 2200 with an exhale valve: the same shape-holding mesh shell and foam nose seal, cooler to breathe through on long days out.
The valve lets your breath out unfiltered. Fine against smog; not for protecting others when you're ill.
$41.39at zoro.com · pack of 10
Buying guide
01
Look for NIOSH approval printed on the mask: N95 stops at least 95% of fine particles, and P100 filters at least 99.97%.
02
Air takes the easiest way in. Pinch the nose clip, tighten the straps, and breathe out hard: no air should escape at the edges. A beard stops any mask sealing.
03
Also change it when it's damp, dirty or damaged. N95s aren't made for young children; keep them indoors with a purifier on bad days.