Bogus N95 Masks Are Flooding the Market – Here’s How to Spot One

The N95 mask has long been hailed as the gold standard of face masks. And with good reason – when used correctly, this mask can filter out 95% of particulate matter and reduce the risk of inhaling any harmful airborne pathogens. However, there’s been an increase in counterfeit N95 masks hitting the market, and it’s important to be able to spot one if you don’t want to put your health at risk. Luckily, here’s how to know if an N95 mask is legit.

How to Know If N95 Mask Is Legit? – It’s important to make sure you are buying the right type of mask if you want your respiratory health and that of your family to be protected from hazardous particulate matter (the kind of particles that can cause lung damage). This guide will show you how to know if an N95 mask is legit so you can get the protection you need.

Review the Appearance
The first way to check whether your mask is legit is simply by looking at it. The package should be a bright orange color with a lot of text on it, and N95 written in bold letters should be visible. Also, make sure that there are no tears or holes in your mask before use. If you can’t tell whether there are holes, try blowing into one end of your mask—if air comes out from other places besides your mouth and nose, you need a new one! Finally, always remember to look for NIOSH approval when purchasing masks. There will be an official stamp somewhere on your product’s packaging.

See What it Feels Like
When it comes to masks, there’s no surefire way of knowing whether or not your mask is legit until you try it on. But instead of testing out an ill-fitting mask—risking exposure during an emergency—you can follow these simple steps to see what a real one feels like: First, find a well-ventilated area where you won’t be disturbed. Remove your current mask and hold it up against your face so that it covers both eyes and mouth (but don’t inhale). If you feel air coming through any part of the mask that isn’t supposed to be open, then your mask may be fake.

Smell it!
That’s right. If you smell a mask and it smells like it’s brand new, that’s a good sign your mask could be legit. However, if you can smell mold or musty stench, chances are that is not a real N95. You should also check for loose stitching on the inside of your mask (if applicable) and whether or not there are any raised blisters of silicone on its surface.

Check the NIOSH-approved Mark
The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) issued a warning in 2012 concerning dust masks that have not been certified by NIOSH as approved respirators. The Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) has expressed its concern about these masks on numerous occasions. Are you using one of these fake respirators? Find your label: If it doesn’t say NIOSH Approved, then it isn’t!