Cup, Cone or 3D-Willow-Leaf: What N95/KN95 Mask Style Works Best for You?

What's important to you when searching for a N95/KN95 face mask?

Are you looking for one that provides the highest levels of protection and the tightest seal? Or, are you looking for a mask that is comfortable for long hours of wear? Do you have a slim face and struggle to find a face mask that caters to you? Or are you looking for a mask for your little ones and not sure where to start? Familiarizing yourself with the different styles, designs and shapes of masks available on the market today will help you to protect yourself and your loved ones more efficiently, while also meeting your everyday needs.

We now know that cloth and surgical masks do not provide a tight seal over the wearer's face, resulting in large amounts of unfiltered air to escape from the mask. These disposable, pleat-style masks are designed to stop the potentially contagious droplets that we expel when we breathe, sneeze, cough or while we are having conversations with one another. They are not designed to contain harmful aerosols that build up in enclosed spaces such as an N95 does, heightening the risk of infection from surrounding sick individual

Canada's top health officials and the Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) continue to encourage and enforce the use of N95 and KN95 masks, as these masks fit the contours of the wearer's face and are equipped with a tight facial seal. Furthermore, they are guaranteed to filter out a minimum of 95% of aerosols, a higher filter efficiency in comparison to their counterparts.

So, what style of KN95/N95 works best for you? Let's take a closer look at each mask design and find the fit that caters to your needs.

Cup Style

A cup-style N95 respirator is a great option if you're looking for the highest levels of protection available. These respirators are equipped with head straps, securing the mask in two places; the back of the crown of the head and the nape of the neck. This enhances the already-tight facial seal and blocks potentially harmful aerosols from escaping. With this in mind, due to this extremely tight fit, they are less comfortable than other N95 and KN95 masks with ear loops. This makes them a better option for those who are immune-compromised or who will be in a crowded area or space where the risk of infection is high.

The Honeywell DC301 NIOSH-Approved Respirator is the best option on the market when it comes to cup-style N95 respirators. Although most cup-style N95 respirators do not provide as much comfort as other ear-looped masks, this model continues to exceed wearers’ expectations

This mask was recently supplied to the US government and is listed on the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention / NIOSH-approved N95 Particulate Filtering Facepiece Respirators as an approved respirator to don while navigating the pandemic! We wanted to take this moment to note that in order for an N95 mask to be NIOSH-approved it must be equipped with head straps, not ear loops. An N95 mask that is equipped with ear loops cannot be NIOSH-approved. Please keep this important detail in mind when shopping for your perfect fit!

So, what style of KN95/N95 works best for you? Let's take a closer look at each mask design and find the fit that caters to your needs.

SHOP OUR HONEYWELL DC301 NIOSH-APPROVED RESPIRATOR

Cone Style

Moving onto the cone-style of N95/KN95 masks, these are a great option if you're someone with a slimmer facial structure and perhaps struggle to find a mask that caters to this. This style is also great for older youths and children, as they tend to have a smaller face width. These masks are usually equipped with ear loops, enhancing overall comfort levels and allowing them to be a great choice for everyday protection. As with all N95/KN95 masks, they are guaranteed to filter out a minimum of 95% of harmful aerosols!

Our Individually Sealed KN95 Cone-Shaped Mask and Individually Sealed KN95 Cone-Shaped Children's Mask are both exceptional options when looking for a cone-shaped N95/KN95 mask. They provide phenomenal levels of breathability and comfort, without compromising protection. Our Individually Sealed KN95 Cone-Shaped Children's Mask has been our best seller for children's masks since it was added to our catalogue!

3D Willow-Leaf Style

Lastly, we have our 3D willow-leaf-style N95/KN95 mask. These masks are the perfect option for most face shapes or sizes as well as for everyday wear! The expandable 3D willow-leaf shape broadens the breathing area and provides a large filter surface, optimizing breathability and reducing the amount of contact between the mask and the wearer's skin and lips. The wide, soft fabric folds of the mask distribute any pressure evenly across the wearer's face, eliminating pressure points and any overall discomfort.

Our Individually Sealed 3D Willow-Leaf-Style KN95 Mask is our #1 bestseller and has been since we introduced it to our customers! The soft ear loops maximize comfort and the spacious yet secure design allows for long hours of wear, without jeopardizing levels of protection and filtration. The adjustable, flexible nose bridge piece provides a tight facial seal, and our customers have seen a significant reduction in how much and how often their glasses fog when donning these masks. This facial seal helps to personalize the fit and contain any potentially harmful aerosols, ultimately minimizing the risk of infection. They are, of course, also equipped with a minimum filtration efficiency of 95%!

There are many elements to consider when choosing the mask that's right for you. We need to take into consideration the levels of filtration the mask offers in addition to the style and the fit it will provide. 

When looking at the fit, we should view masks like we do a garment. A sweatshirt serves its purpose as a sweatshirt, but you will need to find the right fit that is comfortable for you in order to gain the benefits of wearing a sweatshirt. For example, you probably won't expect to stay warm in an XS sweatshirt when your actual size is an XL. The same type of thinking goes for face masks. If a mask is certified and tested to provide a minimum filtration rate of 95%, this remains true about the mask even if it doesn't fit you, but you will not gain the full benefits of the mask if it does not cater to your face size and shape. The mask should fit you snugly and comfortably enough so that you aren’t constantly adjusting it or experiencing wide gaping.

We've created a helpful Mask Sizing Guide to aid you in your search for the best fit! All of our N95/KN95 masks feature a layer of non-woven polypropylene fabric for optimal filtration and are free from graphene, latex and fibreglass. It’s time to upgrade your mask and invest in only the best!