Review on NIOSH Approved Mask Particulate Respirator by Derek Helvie

I've used a fairly wide range of masks during the pandemic year and a half. From various surgical masks to the KN95, N95 and a full Breaking Bad style P100 respirator (with two pink filter cartridges). I saw that they were becoming available for Prime shipping and decided to give them a try. A quick look at the list of NIOSH N95-approved CDC masks shows that this mask is on the list. It is sold under the MAXBOOST brand but manufactured by Suzhou Fangtian Industries Company Ltd, model FT-N040. I also decided to compare them to two other NIOSH-approved N95 masks I have, as well as the previously FDA EUA (Emergency Use Authorization)-approved KN95 mask, which is based on the broadly equivalent (N95) Chinese one standard based. I say "earlier" because on June 30, 2021, the FDA withdrew all EUAs for non-NIOSH approved masks. Presumably because supply of NIOSH-approved N95 masks has now caught up with demand. However, I still have a few KN95 masks in stock as all N95 masks come with headbands and KN95 masks come with ear loops. I've found that in situations where I need to take my mask off and on frequently (e.g. drinking a drink) it's easier with the ear loops on the KN95 mask. MAXBOOST N95 first impressions: Pros: Good price for the mask. N95 mask approved by NIOSH. Available for Prime shipping. The mask is comfortable to wear. Inside is a foam strip for the nose. I have not seen this feature on any other mask I have used. It's nice. Cons: - Supplied in non-resealable plastic bags, 10 masks per bag. The other two brands of N95 masks I have are individually sealed. Competitors: I am comparing MAXBOOST to other N95/KN95 masks I own. These include: - 3M N95 - 3M needs no introduction. It's a huge company that makes an amazing variety of personal protective equipment, including the P100 respirator (not pictured, but imagine what Walter White and Jesse Pinkman are wearing in Breaking Bad) that I use when I really need extra protection need. The mask is NIOSH approved. - The US N95 Mask - The US Mask is a fairly new venture. They can be searched and read online as they have appeared in numerous magazines and newspaper articles. What is special about them is that they are not only based in the USA (Dallas-Fort Worth area), but are also manufactured in the USA. Your N95 mask is fully NIOSH approved. This is the only mask in this comparison that is made in the USA. I will refer to them as "USM" for the rest of this review. Purism KN95. As I explained above, they were previously on the FDA's EUA list. A few observations compared to the competition: its comfortable elastic fabric, good nose clip and foam nose pad. The USM N95 is also comfortable, but lacks the foam nose pad, so I've put it a step behind the MAXBOOST. The 3M N95 model has elastic straps and is less comfortable. The Purism KN95 has small elastic bands and can damage your ears with prolonged use. It's a relatively minor issue, but I'm not a huge fan of the MAXBOOST packaging here, which contains 10 masks in a non-resealable plastic bag. I would just put them in ziplock bags. It would be nice if it were like 3M and USM, where each mask is individually packaged. Purism here in the middle of the street; There are 5 masks in the package, but the package is re-zipped. Looks wise, MAXBOOST, USM and Purism look very similar. The 3M mask has a more industrial look with a silver metal nose wire and elastic straps attached with silver metal clips. Conclusion: Overall, MAXBOOST N95 seems to be a good choice for N95 masks. It's a good price and available for Prime Shipping. This is the mask I would consider for permanent use while the pandemic continues.