Do you think these N95 face masks are legit?

[BigmanPigman]

I just came across an add and checked it out since I did 't think they were available and still a shortage. I would like to buy some but don't know if they are the real McCoy.
https://www.cov.care/n95-facemasks?utm_campaign=CovCare+sales&utm_source=adwords&utm_medium=ppc&utm_term=n95s&hsa_acc=6840094441&hsa_cam=10100598128&hsa_ver=3&hsa_net=adwords&hsa_src=g&hsa_tgt=kwd-300326786561&hsa_grp=100911988025&hsa_ad=442715108355&hsa_kw=n95s&hsa_mt=b&gclid=Cj0KCQjw3ZX4BRDmARIsAFYh7ZL_Q6BI0Hgh4JCsJpzHna5AO04Y1lMzjMPrBQzzuQ_Ez8DNub-6UjcaAmAhEALw_wcB

[appalachiablue]

1. Ask OhioChick, her kids are doctprs and know medical supplies.

She posted info about this small online tech company & I'm pleased with basic paper masks I purchased from them last month.

I just ordered basic N95s, and some larger blue paper surgical masks.

https://wyze.com/face-masks.html

[BigmanPigman]

5. I'll ask her.

[appalachiablue]

16. Good, she's around the Lounge sometimes too.

I just ordered the disposable *KN95 masks, not quite the level of the regular ones but ok for me I think,

The co. was a little slower in sending email confirm and the 1st order, maybe because of the initial rush and they're smaller.

But they did come thru, so I'm ok.

[LunaSea]

2. It seems to be a joint venture between two apparel companies

specializing in uniforms. My cursory search uncovered no hint of fraud.
How far did you dig?

[BigmanPigman]

4. I just bought 5 ($8 each).

I see that the materials are the same as the N95 3M masks that I already have. I don't know if this is a crappy company or not.

[LisaL]

10. Does the writing on the mask matches to what they have on the photo?

Cdc has this company on an approved link (see my post below).

[we can do it]

3. I doubt it I got ripped off by a similar site.

[Buckeye_Democrat]

6. NIOSH is printed on the masks with a reference number.

So I suspect they're legitimate or they could get in big trouble.

It's generally the "KN95" masks that are more concerning.

[LisaL]

8. I posted link to cdc and the information matches to what they have on an approved list.

[Buckeye_Democrat]

12. Good job!

[BigmanPigman]

59. The masks were a scam...not the real deal.

I had someone who knows about masks look into it and there are NO N95s around anywhere. Anyone trying to sell some are selling fakes. The KN95s are available but they aren't as good as the real N95s.

[Buckeye_Democrat]

60. Damn, that stinks! I'm sorry.

Were they delivered and you found out later?

Edit: I just saw your other post about canceling the order. Again, sorry it wasn't legit. There ARE legitimate non-disposable masks that can be found online. Many hospitals don't use them because they don't want to train the employees on how to properly clean them. The NYT had an article about them weeks ago, wondering why more healthcare workers weren't using them. So the overall healthcare demand isn't as strong for them and they can be found at woodworking stores, construction safety suppliers and other places

[BigmanPigman]

61. No, I asked a DUer who has

alot of experience with them and she sent me all the research she has done so I was able to cancel them after two days.

I wanted to let you know since I said I would.

[Buckeye_Democrat]

62. No problem!

I'm using the non-disposable kind anyway. (See my edit.)

They have exhaust valves, but I can cover those with cloth masks so my droplets get blocked.

[LisaL]

7. I believe so, based on cdc link.

You can check, but I see this on the mask:
made by San Huei . Approval number: 84A-3713.
It matches an approved mask on cdc list as far as I can tell.

https://www.cdc.gov/niosh/npptl/topics/respirators/disp_part/N95list1sect3.html

[BigmanPigman]

11. Good, I wonder if I should get more before word spreads.

I thought you couldn't find them for the public anymore.

[LisaL]

14. Well, it looks to be a real deal as far as I can tell.

[BigmanPigman]

58. I had someone who knows about masks checkminto these

and it is a scam, they aren't the real deal so I canceled my order. There are NO N95s anywhere! If anyone says they are the real thing don't believe them. The KN95s are the next best thing.

[indigovalley]

9. There are some FDA certified KN95 masks out there

I have the KN95 ones from here and they are good quality

https://bonafidemasks.com/

[LisaL]

13. My understanding is that masks with ear loops are not going to be approved by NIOSH.

[BigmanPigman]

17. These masks don't have loops,

but the straps like my N95s. In fact it is almost identical to it, just the printing on the front is different.

Maybe teachers should stock up on these for staff and students.

[BigmanPigman]

15. What is the difference bewtwen KN95s and N95s?

[Buckeye_Democrat]

18. Different certification from different countries, basically.

https://smartairfilters.com/en/blog/whats-the-difference-between-n95-and-kn95-masks/

[BigmanPigman]

21. Thank You!!!

That gave me tons of info...even how to ckean them (just let them dry in the air...like I've been doing).

I think I made a good purchase.

[Buckeye_Democrat]

22. You're welcome!

Good job finding those masks!

I already have some, so I'm fine, but I think you found some good ones!

[BigmanPigman]

23. These are my back-up masks.

I had 5, now will have 10. I didn't expect to have to get more but with this never ending Covid in the US (thanks to tRump) I want to feel safe, not sorry.

[LisaL]

19. KN95 should be a Chinese equivalent of N95.

The issue with KN95 is right now there are lots of counterfeit KN95 masks floating around.

[Buckeye_Democrat]

20. This. nt

[helpisontheway]

28. I have both. As far as comfort I prefer my KN95s. However, I like both.nt

[mercuryblues]

24. Not likely

https://www.scamdoc.com/view/214135

HTTPS protocol detected. Beware as it does not always mean security
The domain name is very recent (less than 6 months)
The owner of the domain name is hidden: check privacy policies!
The creation of the domain name is rather recent
Short life expectancy domain

[BigmanPigman]

25. Oh shit, maybe I just got scammed!

Of well, I won't get any more. Thanks.

[LisaL]

26. But you ordered and got the masks with writing like in the photo?

The approval number and the company are legit per cdc.

[BigmanPigman]

30. I hope so, now I am confused.

[Buckeye_Democrat]

31. I think they haven't been received yet.

If the masks in the pics is what the OP gets, I agree.

[Buckeye_Democrat]

27. Uh oh. Well, I guess the main concern could be...

... actually receiving the masks shown in the pics.

[LisaL]

29. Yea, that'd be a concern.

I can't figure out of he received the masks as depicted in the photo or not.

[BigmanPigman]

32. I'll find out in two weeks when they arrive.

[LisaL]

33. Yea, I'd wait before the masks show up before ordering more.

[BigmanPigman]

35. I won't tell anyone about the source

until I check the masks out in person. I'd like others to be able to get these since they haven't been available and since the WHO says that the airborne particles are dangerous too and the N95s catch that stuff in their electrical fibers.

[Buckeye_Democrat]

36. Give a follow-up when you get them, if you can.

I suspect you'll get what you ordered. It could just be a new company. There's some businesses in my area that totally switched to selling masks after the pandemic.

[BigmanPigman]

38. I thought the N95s were almost extinct for public purchase.

Are a lot of companies selling them now for regular people to purchase?

I will let DU know if they are genuine or bupkis.

[LisaL]

39. Almost is the word here.

[Buckeye_Democrat]

40. I've found some, but not from major sellers like Amazon.

Woodworking stores and the like, but they're often sold out at those places too. It's been a few weeks since I rooted around the internet for those places.

[BigmanPigman]

42. I remember reading that post of yours.

[we can do it]

56. More likely receiving anything.

[OhioChick]

57. I agree

My kid's hospitals can't even get their hands on more N-95's so I highly doubt a company online is selling authentic N-95's if hospitals can't even get their hands on them.

This company isn't BBB accredited, hasn't been around long and their Google reviews are bad.

Counterfeiters are slapping the NOISH name on them (with a different font and lot numbers) and they offer no protection.

I almost got screwed months ago when purchasing a few grand worth of 3M N-95's on eBay. I called 3M Global Resources to verify since my kids would be using them. They had me send pictures which were deemed to be counterfeit and offered zero protection. Thankfully, I was able to pass 3M's information on to Paypal, who reimbursed my money, banned the sellers and disposed of them.

I'd steer clear of this company.

[shockey80]

34. I bought kN95 masks at a gas station where I live.

The family that runs the place said Homeland security paid them a visit. Wanted to know where they got the masks and what they paid for them and how much they were selling them for. They showed them the paperwork which showed they were only making a 50 cent profit on each mask. Homeland security went away.

I have read about fake KN95 masks. The masks I bought seem like pretty good masks. I don't know if they protect at 95% but I can tell they are pretty good masks.

[KY_EnviroGuy]

37. Go to the root source to find out - CDC/NIOSH

This is the index page for knowledge regarding respirator standards, testing and certification:

The National Personal Protective Technology Laboratory (NPPTL)
National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH)

Respirator Standards

Link: https://www.cdc.gov/niosh/npptl/RespStds.html

If you're wanting to know if a particular brand and model of mask is certified, go here and check the database:

The NIOSH Certified Equipment List

Link: https://www.cdc.gov/niosh/npptl/topics/respirators/cel/default.html

The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), under authorization of the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970, provides a testing, approval, and certification program assuring respirators used in the workplace meet the standards of 42 CFR Part 84. Since 1994, NIOSH has maintained a searchable, online version of the Certified Equipment List.

Do not trust respirators that have not been through NIOSH standard testing or one that carries a certified European equivalent.


KY.......

[BigmanPigman]

41. I think the mask will be a good one but

now I am concerned about the company selling them. If they have a 1% rating that isn't good....
https://www.scamdoc.com/view/214135

[KY_EnviroGuy]

44. Their rating has nothing to do with it.

Your decision should be based in whether and how the mask has been tested as suitable for the intended use, along with the credibility of both the testing agency and the manufacturer.

The world is full of dishonest people and companies and that's why we have standard traceable testing methods for everything from basic metals to car tires to respirators and masks. Without those standards, we would be royally screwed.

Any crooked company can stamp "N95" on a bogus mask but only certified companies using standard NIOSH testing methods can stamp it on a mask with true validity.

Bottom line: It's a roll of the dice if you don't know the manufacturer. That's why most buyers in my line of work trust only a few companies.

Oh, and by the way: Everyday medical people are not qualified to make calls about the applicability of various brands and types of masks that do not carry NIOSH certification.

KY

[LisaL]

46. This company is on cdc list of approved companies.

So if masks actually get delivered and as shown in the photo, presumably they should be legit.

[KY_EnviroGuy]

49. Are you speaking of CovCare?

They're just a retailer/warehouse and it's stated on their web page that you will receive whatever brand of mask they have in stock at the time, not necessarily what shown in a photo.

Therefore, when one receives their masks, just check the brand and make sure it's on the CDC list.

Everything's a crap-shoot in the PPE market right now.......

[Buckeye_Democrat]

50. Receive whatever brand they have in stock? Uh oh!

I didn't notice that earlier.

I hope the OP gets the NIOSH-certified masks shown in the pics.

[LisaL]

51. Well, obviously if they send something else and not what is in the photo, all bets are off.

[KY_EnviroGuy]

52. They also stated any mask you receive will be NIOSH certified......

but they can't guarantee any specific brand. I would still check it against the CDC list after receiving them.

I don't have much faith in this company since they're new in this business, but I am old-fashioned. I'm accustomed to buying safety gear from safety supply houses or industrial supply houses like WW Grainger.

KY

[Stuart G]

54. Some companies are .."legit" ..some are ..."not legit" ..3M's products are legit.

Some companies value their reputation, some do not.....

Scotch Tape, does what it is meant to do..tape stuff..Is that right?

My guess an N95 mask does what it is meant to do..

.......I am guessing that 3M tested the N95 to make sure it does what it is meant to do..Yes, the N95 is expensive, but I think it does what it is meant to do.

[bamagal62]

43. I bought some KN95s

at Staples. I wonder if they're real??? Would a large company like that be allowed to sell fakes?

[LuckyCharms]

48. Do they have ear loops or instead...

do they have the straps that go around the back of the head?

I got taken on some fake KN95's online. Subsequent to my purchase, I read that legitimate N95/KN95 masks do not have ear loops, they have head straps.

Mine had ear loops.

[hvn_nbr_2]

45. Wow, the prices

In 2018, I bought a pack of 10 for $14.78. Now a ten-pack is $79.99.

[Stuart G]

55. About 3M...Here is an historical story about that company....You have never heard....

Many years ago, 3M owned a national poster company..It had a name, I don't recall that name..So as you were driving down the highway, you might see, and you still see, billboards for this and for that..Highway billboards..

...Huge signs say 10 feet tall 30 to 40 feet wide...maybe taller or wider...You know what I am talking about.....billboards.............Yes, ....they are still up everywhere, but 3M sold that company....

Anyway......when 3M owned that in the 70s ....and companies were using those huge billboards to advertise
cigarettes and cigars.......There was a time when you would see those on billboards.....

.....3M refused to allow cigarette companies to advertise on their billboards. I remember thinking that company has "integrity"...whatever that means....

Some companies have integrity, some do not..just like people. Oh, I forgot, people run companies..
....

[safeinOhio]

53. I'm going to add face shields.

I think they protect better against droplets. Added to a mask, you’ll be better protected from others. Pretty cheap now on Amazon.

[BigmanPigman]

64. I canceled my order from that company

after another DUer said that the company is from China and isn't approved by the BBB. Also she said that since the hospitals can't get N95s, doesn't it make sense that regular people shouldn't be able to get real ones easily online either? She said that K95s were the second best choice. I have 't ordered any more and have been recycling the N95s I have just by airing them out and reusing them (I rarely go out). The chart says the CDC doesn't back Private companies on the list. "The links in this section go to websites outside of CDC/NIOSH and should not be considered as an endorsement of their content, or as a statement of NIOSH policy. The donning procedure and/or user instruction, either on the websites or the PDF version, should not be considered an official endorsement of their content, or as a statement of NIOSH policy".

Have you worn them and compared them to your original 3M- N95? I don't need 500 either but if we are going to be living with this for most of 2121 (a realistic timeline) I will need a few more than my original 5. I wrote VOTE on one of mine and "trump" in a red circle with a slash through it on another. The Sharpie doesn't seem to harm the mask and it is fun to send a message (I can't wear my anti-tRump earrings anymore since the mask's straps get tangled in the earrings).