Got My Free N95s

[NJCher]

They were in at CVS at the front register, not the pharmacy.

You can get three and they are labelled "3M Aura 9205 NIOSH N95." Look like this:



Not all CVS locations have them. I went to one, thinking it was the location that had them but they said to go to another location. Call ahead to be sure.

[ShazzieB]

1. Ooh, I have to go to CVS tomorrow to pick up a prescription!

I'll be sure to ask about these. Thanks for the heads up!

[left-of-center2012]

2. Do you think it is good quality ?

Just looking at the photo I would think the NK95 masks that I bought online (10 for $14) are better.

They were recommended in an article from The New York Times quoting info from the CDC.

[NJCher]

3. They are excellent quality

I’ve had quite a few, right from the very beginning of the pandemic. This measures up very well compared to others I’ve had.

It has a very tight fit.

[LisaL]

5. These are real N95 masks.

Certainly of good quality.

[LisaL]

4. Those are real N95 masks, not KN95s.

They have head bands, not ear loops.

[dwayneb]

6. KN95s are the best bet IMO

If you get good ones, they match the capability of the N95 and are much easier to wear. Lots of comparison studies out there from NIH and others.

Unfortunately all of the free masks I have seen are N95s with the double straps - those are not practical.

[LisaL]

7. But the ear loops can hurt ears.

If you don't have to take mask off constantly, N95 might be more comfortable.

[Liberal In Texas]

8. I have had N95s with ear loops for some time now.

I have other N95s with head bands.

The differences in N95 and KN95 are the specifications of the mask, not the elastic. The N95 adhere to American standards while the KN95 to Asian. There actually isn't much difference in the standards. Any comfort issues you have are due to the manufacturing differences and strap placement and length.

[LisaL]

9. Real N95s don't have ear loops.

"N95 masks fasten snugly to your face with two bands that go around the back of your head."

https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/where-to-buy-n95-kn95-masks-online/

[Liberal In Texas]

11. I have some purchased last year from a reliable source and they are registered. n/t

[LisaL]

12. Registered with whom?

"...NIOSH (National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health) requires all certified N95 respirators to have head and neck straps to provide a better fit."

https://sps-support.honeywell.com/s/article/Does-Honeywell-offer-a-N95-respirator-with-ear-loops

[Emile]

10. The store greeter are handing them out at Walmarts.

[Midnight Writer]

13. They are also nice to wear when shoveling snow in below zero wind chill.

[mainer]

14. Our local Walgreens hasn't received theirs yet

Everyone's been asking about them.

[LetMyPeopleVote]

15. I picked up three free masks at Kroger yesterday