The top pick from the hoard when it comes to deciding on a mask these days is your big three – the classic surgical mask, the KF94 mask, or the KN95 mask; made popular due to the reasonable pricing, accessibility, as well as plethora of designs available.
However, we have not forgotten about the OG mask used against the COVID-19 virus (for those who managed to find it at the time) – the N95.
People have mixed feelings about this mask, some touting its efficacy against the virus, while others do not prefer it due to the discomfort caused by the tightness. While some are meant for industrial use, it remains popular due to its tight seal. N95 masks are a good alternative if you run out of your usual masks as it does the job of filtering out airborne contaminants – including the COVID-19 virus.
Table of contents
- Top 10 N95 Masks in Malaysia
- N95 vs KN95
- N95 vs KF94
- N95 vs surgical mask
- How to wear an N95 mask
- Will N95 protect against asbestos
- Are N95 masks considered respirators?
Editor
Table of Contents
Top 10 N95 Masks in Malaysia
- 3M 9502+ N95
- Durio 902 N95 Particulate Respirator 3D Foldable Head Loop Type Protective Face Mask
- 3M 9010VCN N95 Particulate Disposable Respirator with Cool Flow Valve
- 3M Aura 9322A+ Premium FFP2 & P2 Particulate Disposable Respirator
- Ultimate Comfort Painting Solution 3M 7501
- 3M 9105 Vflex N95 Particulate Disposable Respirator
- Novid FFP2 NR 5-Ply Disposable Respirator
- Medical Surgical Mask N95 Kids Face Mask
- Medical Surgical Mask N95
- Ultimate Comfort Painting Solution 3M 7501
Why It’s Our Top Pick:
“One of the most standard N95 masks which comes with head loops, this one is NIOSH-approved and is based on an Advanced Electret Media structure which ensures that each fibre captures particles from a wider radius and secures them into the mask.
Also, these masks can filter out solid and liquid aerosols that do not contain oil.
3M reminds users to keep in mind that these N95 masks are for adults only as they are not currently approved for children to use during emergencies.’’
Overview:
Each box contains 50 pieces. It has a 95% filtration efficacy on a standard N95. The mask is mounted on head strap style and fits snugly on your face. It does not operate on the number of plies, as a regular mask would. 3M uses high electrostatically charged microfibers to capture particles in the air so less material is needed to form the mask, ensuring ease of breathing.
Testimonies:
Wearers of the mask find that it is thinner and easier to breathe with the mask. Despite that, the mask forms a tight seal and air does not enter from anywhere except through the mask after it has been filtered. This is a newer model from the 3M 9010CN, and the head loops have been redesigned for easier wear.
It is always better to dispose of your masks after using them, and that is because whatever contaminants or viruses you encounter during the day should not come into contact with your body or into your house. This Malaysian brand has come up with a disposable N95 mask that is skin-friendly, that’s been tested and approved by NIOSH.
Overview:
With 5 plies comprising the inner thermal bond layer, the middle layers that are made of melt-blown and non-woven material and an outer layer of spun-bond material, this mask has a bacterial filtration efficiency(BFE) of more than 99% and a PFE of more than 95%.
With 40 masks in a box, this mask is to be worn head loop style, with an extra-length nose strip to ensure it’s shaped to the curvatures of your nose and face. This mask is only available for adults.
Testimonies:
Durio comes up with pretty comfortable masks and provides an alternative to N95 masks, which can be hard to find. They are also slightly cheaper as they are made locally. However, quality is not sacrificed which is what’s most important.
Malaysians have grown accustomed to the annual haze affair. This particular mask has a valve to prevent heat from building up inside the mask for the wearer – exhaled air comes out through the valve.
This is fantastic as it will make it more comfortable to wear during the haze season when the weather tends to get hotter.
Overview:
Like most of 3M’s products, high electrostatically charged microfibers are used to capture particles in the air. This mask has a sponge behind the nose clip so you do not feel discomfort while wearing it for long hours.
3M cautions that this mask is only to be worn by adults. Like most N95 masks, this has a filtration efficacy of 95%.
Testimonies:
This is a popular buy for people who live in hot countries like ours as it indeed cools the air inside the mask and makes the wearer feel less stuffy. The head loop makes it easier to wear all day without it threatening to slip, and your ears won’t hurt as much. However, 3M never directly stated whether or not the exhaled air is filtered before it is released so you may not want to use it for the pandemic.
Here’s another mask with a valve, and it is excellent for use when it’s not hazy. 3M's products were originally targeted towards people who work at places with a lot of dust and contaminants in the air, like construction sites.
These are good if you are in a similar line of work as the valve helps with your breathing so you are not heaving and wheezing on a hot day, while also maintaining its filtration efficacy.
Overview:
Made of electrostatic material, the mask’s valve is at the front, filtering particles directly. Aside from that, the nose panel is sculpted to fit yours, and a chin tab is situated at the bottom so you can adjust the mask with ease.
This mask is resistant to oil-based and non-oil-based particles, and it has a filtration efficacy of more than 94%. One can purchase a box with 10 masks individually packed for protection against cross-contamination.
Testimonies
Only suitable for adults, the cool feeling when wearing this mask is a small relief when one is in a very hot area. It has a tight fit which ensures wearers that they are not breathing in harmful contaminants.
Originally designed to be worn in a dusty work environment, this mask may not be suitable for protection against COVID-19.
One of the OG N95 masks (so to speak), as they have been in the market since before the pandemic. You’ll probably recognise it when you see its classic spherical look with the bright yellow head loops.
Overview:
Available in a box of 20, the welded-on head loops are great for people who may be allergic to metal. This means you can don them all day and won’t see a green stain on your face.
Like its successors, this mask is also made of the same advanced electrostatic material that guarantees about 95% filtration efficacy. 3M designs its mask with their custom cushion nose foam which promises comfort without affecting a good fit.
It can also filter out non-oil-based particles, though this mask is (again!) only for adults.
Testimonies:
Albeit a bit tight, the masks do the job of preventing external air from entering without filtrating them first. They are simple enough to wear, and the only few complaints were about the standard sizing, which is more suited for people with bigger faces and is not as snug for those with smaller ones.
Having been in the market for a while now, you can never go wrong with something tried and tested.
If you’ve lived in the city, you can attest to the fact that it can be a pain to breathe in all the dust and fumes from the many vehicles on the roads. Of course, it is worse for your lungs, and you need your lungs to be functioning well, especially during the pandemic season.
As such, it is time to get yourself this respirator from 3M, which is well-suited for haze, dust, and mist.
Overview:
You have the choice between a pack of 25 or 50. Made for adults, this has uniquely positioned tabs for ease of speaking and is made of an electrostatic medium. The V-shaped pleats also contribute to easier breathing. No more excuses for ‘feeling suffocated’!
When not in use, it can be easily folded and carried with you.
Testimonies:
People report that this mask is soft, comfortable, and easy to wear. Not only that, but it also covers the wearer’s nose and mouth well. On that note, people with wider faces find that it fits well, providing good coverage and protection from contaminants.
More plies, more protection, right? At least, that is what we know so far. These Novid masks are 5-ply and are hypoallergenic, so you needn't worry about getting hives or pimples even when wearing them daily.
Overview:
This respirator can filter particles down to 0.1 microns and has a BFE and PFE of more than 95%. You get 50 pieces in a box, individually wrapped. The 5-plys are comprised of spun-bond material, melt blown and non-woven material, and thermal bond material, alternating each other. It is fitted onto your face through ear loops and is for adults only.
Each mask is also individually wrapped, which we give brownie points for as it prevents cross-contamination – eg: when you take one out of the box with dirty hands and contaminate the other 49 masks (yes, we know you take your mask without washing your hands first).
Testimonies:
The material used to make the masks is soft and gentle on the face, which is what you want when wearing masks for hours throughout the day. They fit well too.
After reading all our reviews above, I bet you’re wondering why all the N95 masks recommended are only for adults. Don’t worry, we found a kid-friendly one too!
Overview:
This mask is designed smaller to fit the faces of young kids, especially for those who are going to school. It also comes with a mask connector so parents need not worry about the mask slipping off their ears when they get distracted (probably cause they heard the recess bell?).
Since it is an N95 mask, it has about 95% filtration efficacy. The mask is made for kids above two years of age and is marketed to have 5 layers of material. There are 25 pieces of masks in a pack, and they are individually packed so you can even have your children bring them to school in their schoolbags.
Testimonies:
These masks are soft and comfortable to wear. Good quality, the pricing is reasonable for N95 masks. Parents do sometimes find it easier to use the connector that comes along with the masks to ensure that the mask stays on their kids’ faces all day.
According to one review, this may not be the best fit for those below the age of 5 though it’s recommended for kids above 2 years old.
N95 masks can get a little pricey but not without good reason. These masks can filter up to 95% or more of particles. However, we did find this N95 mask which is friendly on your pocket and also comfortable to wear!
Overview:
Customers can expect to get 20 pieces in a box. They are marketed as medical masks and you wear them with ear loops. This is a great option for those who favour it over your standard head loop N95 masks.
Testimonies:
Much comfort can be derived from wearing the masks, and it also suits the skin of people with allergies who tend to experience irritation with normal masks.
This seller even gives free masks and sanitiser in addition to the N95 masks, which makes it such a great deal. The packaging that covers the masks was the only main complaint amongst the customers, as some experienced some pretty banged-up boxes that their masks came in.
While this is not your standard N95 mask, this product does come with an N95 filter. As you can see from its irregular shape, it is not meant for everyday use but rather for people who do painting jobs. It is NIOSH approved to use against organic vapour, which includes paint chemicals.
The filters can be replaced, making this mask reusable which makes it worth its price!
Overview:
This mask comes with 7 filters, including the 3M 6001 Organic Vapor Cartridge, 3M 5N11 N95 Filter, and 3M 501 Filter Retainer – 6 in total. It has a valve for ease of breathing and also to remove heat, a drop-down feature for breaks, and twin filters on each end for better filtration and lower breathing resistance. The headband is adjustable, allowing you to fit it properly over your head and face.
Testimonies:
A great option for painting or doing anything chemical-related, though users should check the efficacy of the filtration against the chemical you are using before purchasing this. It is made for good ventilation, just what you need when all the fumes are right in front of your face.
N95 vs KN95
There are not a lot of differences between the two masks as both are targeted towards the prevention of the spread of the COVID-19 virus and have a 95% capture rate on 0.3-micron particles.
N95 masks were ordinarily used for haze and dust, some even used for painting. These are used by many construction or factory workers in conditions where it may be unsafe to breathe in, while the KN95 was designed in China when the outbreak of Covid-19 started.
Another distinction is probably their respective shapes, with the N95 mask having a more spherical outlook and the KN95 having an almost beak-like shape. The shapes do not really determine their efficacy, however, and the CDC has included both masks into the ‘high efficacy’ category against the virus.
N95 vs KF94
Like the KN95, the KF94 mask does not differ a lot from the N95; aside from the 1% variance in filtering particles which is frankly, too minute to pose any difference to the wearer. As we have often mentioned in our other articles, the most important thing is to ensure a snug fit – and the KF94 and N95 masks pass the test.
N95 vs surgical mask
Fit. That is the key difference between these two masks. The N95 mask is tight-fitting and usually goes through fit tests to ensure that there is no space at the sides of the mask. It is also designed to filter out the smaller airborne particles.
On the other hand, the surgical mask can prevent larger droplets from one’s body orifice from touching our nose and mouth, but may not be as effective against the airborne particles. This is not to say that surgical masks are not reliable but it would be wise to double mask just to ensure a snug fit.
How to wear an N95 mask
Traditional N95 masks have head loops. Fit the mask on top of your nose and mouth, as you would with a regular mask. Pull the top strap over your head, bearing towards the top half. Then, pull the bottom strap over and place it at the back of your neck, snapping it right below your ears.
Will N95 protect against asbestos
No, they do not.
Are N95 masks considered respirators?
The function of an N95 mask is to prevent the wearer from breathing in the hazardous matter; including fumes, vapours, gases, and particulate matter such as dust and airborne pathogens such as the Covid-19 virus. Most N95 masks are respirators.
We cannot afford to be lax about our health now so make sure you wear a mask every time you leave the house!