With children returning to schools across the state after winter break, and COVID-19 cases once again on the rise amid the spread of the more contagious omicron variant, we’re circling back around to remind our readers that it might be time to replenish your supply of face masks.

Since coronavirus isn’t going away anytime soon, the need for measures such as frequent hand-washing, social distancing and wearing masks or respirators in public – both indoors and some outdoor situations – continues to be paramount in order to help to slow the spread of the virus.

In Oregon and across the country, the N95 and KN95 medical masks that experts have said offer the best protection from the virus are well-stocked and available to the general public in stores and online. With schools, businesses and eateries locking down and putting restrictions in place again due to the spread of the omicron variant, it’s time to stock up on the kind of masks that will help best protect you and your family.

N95 vs. KN95 FACE MASK: WHAT’S THE DIFFERENCE?

While both masks are considered very effective in protecting wearers from the transfer of aerosol particulates, filtering out up to 95% , KN95 masks are simply considered the foreign equivalent of N95 masks. The difference between the two has to do with which regulating bodies oversee and test the effectiveness of these masks. N95 masks have been tested and approved by the U.S. National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH). Because KN95 masks aren’t overseen and vetted by NIOSH, they aren’t considered as effective as the U.S.-certified N95 masks.

Be wary of N95 masks with valves fixed to the outside. While these masks protect the wearer from inhaling particulates, they do not prevent transmission of the virus out of the mask by the wearer through the valve. It should be noted that most masks or respirators with valves are not recommended options for the general public unless they are certified by NIOSH and/or the FDA as a surgical grade mask. If you are wearing a mask with the valve like the 3M 8511 model respirator, you must cover the valve with tape or a secondary mask as shown here:

Another difference between N95 and KN95 masks comes at the price point. Because KN95 masks are not certified by NIOSH, they usually come at a cheaper price than their N95 counterparts. Now that many consumers are searching for packs of N95 and KN95 masks to provide more protection on trips to the store or elsewhere, here are some options for where you can find them in stock and available now.

WHERE TO BUY N95 & KN95 FACE MASKS AT THE BEST PRICES

• If you are looking to sift through and find the best N95 or KN95 mask styles to fit your face, or just want a variety of price points to pick from, N95 Medical Supplies has a plethora of styles to choose from in small or large quantities. They are one of the top retailers of N95 masks, so they have a huge inventory and rarely sell out of the masks they carry.

• If you have an Amazon Prime account, this might be the best way to get masks quickly with free two-day shipping. Amazon has several brands of KN95 and N95 masks in stock now, but availability can change quickly so keep that in mind as you shop around.

• Highlighting one of the better N95 mask options on Amazon right now, these Kimberly-Clark N95 pouch respirator masks are made in the United States and go for around $50 for a pack of 50 masks. While the strap construction leaves something to be desired, the pouch design allows for a large “breathing chamber” and improved comfort. The nose piece is bendable to customize the fit as well. The price is a bit steeper, but these Halyard Fluidshield N95 respirators are under $80 for 35 masks and are very well-rated. The manufacturer says they have been cleared by the FDA and are listed on the CDC website. These are also made in the USA.

• If you’re looking for something a little more robust or reusable, this one isn’t a disposable mask, but 3M’s plastic, 6000 series reusable half masks can be purchased from Amazon for under $20 each. P100 filters for use in these masks are sold separately for under $7 for a two-pack.

• You can find KN95 masks in almost any big box store right now if you are willing to make a trip. Lowe’s has KN95 masks available in a 10-pack for under $20 and these ones come with a thin metal bracket to help better contour the mask around your nose for improved comfort. Home Depot has KN95 masks as well.

If you can’t find what you’re looking for from some of these larger online retailers, you can try some smaller retailers that have some different style options at a variety of price points.

• Well Before has a mix of N95 masks available and most cost under $5 each. The Makrite Sekura respirator folding masks are on sale for $1.99 each. N95 Medical Supplies sells a 20-box of N95 masks for $60 and these are NIOSH-certified and USA-made.

READ MORE ABOUT THE CORONAVIRUS:

• FDA authorizes COVID boosters for 12- to 15-year-olds

• Oregon predicts spike to record-high hospitalizations in January as new wave of omicron infections begins

• Need to upgrade your mask for omicron? Here’s a ranking from good, better, best to help prevent COVID-19

• Live map tracks spread of coronavirus