Where do I find genuine 3M N95 masks without valves right now?
August 2, 2021 9:18 PM Subscribe
I have heard in two different mainstream news sources recently that I should go get N95 masks because there "are plenty of them now". Where do I buy genuine 3M N95 masks without valves right now? No Amazon ( lots of counterfeits), other country equivalents, or other non-trustworthy websites. I'd be interested in main hardware stores (Lowes, Home Depot, others?) and reputable safety sites. I don't personally believe them when they say there are lots around, so show me where they are, thanks!
Fisher Scientific sells 3M NIOSH-approved N95 valve-less respirators (more at site).
posted by Iris Gambol at 9:54 PM on August 2, 2021 [1 favorite]
posted by Iris Gambol at 9:54 PM on August 2, 2021 [1 favorite]
It seems you want N95 masks made in the US? If so, consider https://www.unitedstatesmask.com/
posted by coberh at 9:57 PM on August 2, 2021
posted by coberh at 9:57 PM on August 2, 2021
Home Depot sells the 3M Aura Particulate Respirator N95 Foldable which meets your requirements is in stock at my local Home Depot. I assume that Home Depot does enough business with 3M that what they sell as 3M would be genuine.
posted by metahawk at 10:00 PM on August 2, 2021 [1 favorite]
posted by metahawk at 10:00 PM on August 2, 2021 [1 favorite]
Best answer: I've ordered multiple times from Zoro, which is owned by Grainger, which is a super huge industrial supply company. Here's Zoro's 3M respirator selection. I've also ordered from:
Magid Glove
Stauffer Safety
Gemplers
Heard good things about:
MSC Direct
PK Safety
ME Campbell
posted by meowzilla at 10:04 PM on August 2, 2021 [11 favorites]
Magid Glove
Stauffer Safety
Gemplers
Heard good things about:
MSC Direct
PK Safety
ME Campbell
posted by meowzilla at 10:04 PM on August 2, 2021 [11 favorites]
microcovid has a few recommendations, including MSC Direct.
posted by brainwane at 10:32 PM on August 2, 2021 [1 favorite]
posted by brainwane at 10:32 PM on August 2, 2021 [1 favorite]
If you are open to a Honeywell N95, this is a great price from a direct source.
https://ppe.honeywell.com/collections/respiratory/products/honeywell-df300-disposable-respirator
It has a really nice stiff nose piece with a bit of comfy foam on the inside. Fits my big face and Dr. Advicepig's smaller face.
posted by advicepig at 8:52 AM on August 3, 2021
https://ppe.honeywell.com/collections/respiratory/products/honeywell-df300-disposable-respirator
It has a really nice stiff nose piece with a bit of comfy foam on the inside. Fits my big face and Dr. Advicepig's smaller face.
posted by advicepig at 8:52 AM on August 3, 2021
I've been getting mine from https://www.tasco-safety.com/ .
I don't personally believe them when they say there are lots around, so show me where they are, thanks!
Believe! N95s have been available for a long time, and the quality and the fit of your mask can greatly affect how well protected you are (not just others, as has been the louder message) from infection.
posted by Expecto Cilantro at 9:39 AM on August 3, 2021
I don't personally believe them when they say there are lots around, so show me where they are, thanks!
Believe! N95s have been available for a long time, and the quality and the fit of your mask can greatly affect how well protected you are (not just others, as has been the louder message) from infection.
posted by Expecto Cilantro at 9:39 AM on August 3, 2021
I've ordered 3M masks from Grainger and Protect Life masks from firstaidkitsurvival.com. The CDC has an approved list as well as tips to spot counterfeits. Once you receive your masks you can use these tips for validation. It will also open up the possibilities so you are not limited to 3M. You can also use P95, and I think R95, but that information can be verified on the CDC site.
Also, if you have an HSA account or FSA, you can use it to pay for COVID masks. The IRS made that rule in March. I was unable to use my HSA debit card directly with Grainger but I paid out of pocket and then put in for a reimbursement check from my HSA, which worked out fine.
posted by happy_cat at 10:50 AM on August 3, 2021 [3 favorites]
Also, if you have an HSA account or FSA, you can use it to pay for COVID masks. The IRS made that rule in March. I was unable to use my HSA debit card directly with Grainger but I paid out of pocket and then put in for a reimbursement check from my HSA, which worked out fine.
posted by happy_cat at 10:50 AM on August 3, 2021 [3 favorites]
You can also order Demetech N95s directly from the company. Higher price, US made, very low risk of getting counterfeits.
You can definitely use FSA funds for masks. I've done it a couple times.
posted by praemunire at 12:12 PM on August 3, 2021
You can definitely use FSA funds for masks. I've done it a couple times.
posted by praemunire at 12:12 PM on August 3, 2021
Fisher won't send me the masks I selected due to "state restrictions" unless I am a business. And the Demetech cup masks that were so lauded in the NYT are unusable, I cannot breathe at all through them and they leak like crazy. Zoro at least accepted my order, so here's hoping!
posted by wnissen at 2:19 PM on August 3, 2021
posted by wnissen at 2:19 PM on August 3, 2021
Why do they have to be 3M? I use Kimberly-Clark Kimtech, and Wirecutter recently rated them #1. They make you look like a duck but they are really comfortable and fit snuggly. I've tried Demetech and others but find the Kimtech ones to be superior in fit and feel.
posted by Dansaman at 11:16 PM on August 3, 2021
posted by Dansaman at 11:16 PM on August 3, 2021
This thread is closed to new comments.
posted by ananci at 9:41 PM on August 2, 2021