KN95s for large heads?

March 8, 2022 2:44 PM

My husband has a pretty large noggin and he's been complaining that our Powecom KN95s are uncomfortably tight on him. He can still wear them on short trips to the store and such but would love something bigger that he can wear for an entire workday. Any suggestions?
posted by massofintuition to Health & Fitness (14 answers total)

My large noggined son and husband both find these Good Mask Co KN95s to be very comfortable! And they're much too large for my head.

Also available on Amazon if you like.
posted by cooker girl at 2:46 PM on March 8, 2022

If you're not already, headband versions are more comfortable than the earloop versions for big heads. Slightly more annoying to don/doff.
posted by meowzilla at 2:57 PM on March 8, 2022

I currently wear a Moldex 2200; it comes in sizes (large obvs). The nose is a foam piece rather than a wire, which isn't ideal, but it's the mask that fits me best. (Bought here in Canada at Tenaquip.) I think the key is finding masks that are made in sizes, so you can explicitly get a large one.

Qualification: I have played on a foosball team named the Big Head Brothers.
posted by Superilla at 3:22 PM on March 8, 2022

I use this Moldex mask. It's a little large for me. I wish I could find the smaller size one, but they've been sold out. I think your husband might like it.
posted by amtho at 4:02 PM on March 8, 2022

It may be possible to add a different elastic band instead of the built-in ear loops.
posted by kschang at 5:58 PM on March 8, 2022

These N95 masks from Protectly have elastic straps that can be adjusted for length and switched between over-the-head and around-the-ears depending on which you like better.
posted by soundguy99 at 6:27 PM on March 8, 2022

Maybe try some KF94s. They're more expensive, but the ones I've had are much more comfortable than 95s. They flex with my jaw when I'm talking and don't cut into my ears after a couple hours use.
posted by WhackyparseThis at 6:47 PM on March 8, 2022

These KF94s are the only masks I've ever dismissed as 'too big' -- and they come in XL as well.
posted by another zebra at 8:03 PM on March 8, 2022

If you're not already, headband versions are more comfortable than the earloop versions for big heads. Slightly more annoying to don/doff.

My head's big and "normal" kn95's bend my ears and then fall off just make them hurt, so I tried this exact mask, and right, it doesn't hurt my ears, but it's so tight it hurts my nose, and it's hard to get on and off without breaking the head loops. If your husband's large head is shaped exactly like mine, I don't recommend the Bona Fide masks.

(I'm reading very interestedly in everyone else's suggestions though!)
posted by aubilenon at 11:14 PM on March 8, 2022

These Velcro mask extenders are your husband's friend here.
posted by essexjan at 3:57 AM on March 9, 2022

I bought these KN95s from Protectly because they have a size Large, and they work well for us. There is also an adjustable option. (The mask part is the same for all the sizes, just the length of the straps varies.)
posted by adventitious at 10:50 AM on March 9, 2022

Rubber band-type straps like on the 3M 9010 (and possibly the Moldex 2200 linked above) can be stretchier than elastic-type straps to fit over large heads. They do "recover" less, but that's less of an issue for disposable N95s.
posted by meowzilla at 12:39 PM on March 9, 2022

These KN95 from wellbefore come in size large and fit my husband's larger head. Alas they are sold out at the moment, but do seem to restock frequently.

He also finds the 3M Aura masks ok, though they look awfully tight to me.
posted by esoterrica at 12:40 PM on March 9, 2022

You may also find this similar question useful.
posted by esoterrica at 12:42 PM on March 9, 2022