General Discussion
Related: Editorials & Other Articles, Issue Forums, Alliance Forums, Region ForumsDo you think these N95 face masks are legit?
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
(41,145 posts)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
(51,610 posts)appalachiablue
(41,145 posts)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
(2,894 posts)specializing in uniforms. My cursory search uncovered no hint of fraud.
How far did you dig?
BigmanPigman
(51,610 posts)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
(44,973 posts)Cdc has this company on an approved link (see my post below).
we can do it
(12,189 posts)Buckeye_Democrat
(14,855 posts)So I suspect they're legitimate or they could get in big trouble.
It's generally the "KN95" masks that are more concerning.
LisaL
(44,973 posts)Buckeye_Democrat
(14,855 posts)BigmanPigman
(51,610 posts)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
(14,855 posts)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
(51,610 posts)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
(14,855 posts)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
(44,973 posts)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
(51,610 posts)I thought you couldn't find them for the public anymore.
LisaL
(44,973 posts)BigmanPigman
(51,610 posts)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
(113 posts)I have the KN95 ones from here and they are good quality
https://bonafidemasks.com/
LisaL
(44,973 posts)BigmanPigman
(51,610 posts)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
(51,610 posts)Buckeye_Democrat
(14,855 posts)BigmanPigman
(51,610 posts)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
(14,855 posts)Good job finding those masks!
I already have some, so I'm fine, but I think you found some good ones!
BigmanPigman
(51,610 posts)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
(44,973 posts)The issue with KN95 is right now there are lots of counterfeit KN95 masks floating around.
Buckeye_Democrat
(14,855 posts)helpisontheway
(5,008 posts)mercuryblues
(14,532 posts)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
(51,610 posts)Of well, I won't get any more. Thanks.
LisaL
(44,973 posts)The approval number and the company are legit per cdc.
BigmanPigman
(51,610 posts)Buckeye_Democrat
(14,855 posts)If the masks in the pics is what the OP gets, I agree.
Buckeye_Democrat
(14,855 posts)... actually receiving the masks shown in the pics.
LisaL
(44,973 posts)I can't figure out of he received the masks as depicted in the photo or not.
BigmanPigman
(51,610 posts)LisaL
(44,973 posts)BigmanPigman
(51,610 posts)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
(14,855 posts)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
(51,610 posts)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
(44,973 posts)Buckeye_Democrat
(14,855 posts)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
(51,610 posts)we can do it
(12,189 posts)OhioChick
(23,218 posts)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
(4,379 posts)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
(14,492 posts)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
Do not trust respirators that have not been through NIOSH standard testing or one that carries a certified European equivalent.
KY.......
BigmanPigman
(51,610 posts)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
(14,492 posts)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
(44,973 posts)So if masks actually get delivered and as shown in the photo, presumably they should be legit.
KY_EnviroGuy
(14,492 posts)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
(14,855 posts)I didn't notice that earlier.
I hope the OP gets the NIOSH-certified masks shown in the pics.
LisaL
(44,973 posts)KY_EnviroGuy
(14,492 posts)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
(38,436 posts)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
(3,264 posts)at Staples. I wonder if they're real??? Would a large company like that be allowed to sell fakes?
LuckyCharms
(17,444 posts)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
(6,486 posts)In 2018, I bought a pack of 10 for $14.78. Now a ten-pack is $79.99.
Stuart G
(38,436 posts)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..
....
Response to BigmanPigman (Original post)
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safeinOhio
(32,688 posts)I think they protect better against droplets. Added to a mask, youll be better protected from others. Pretty cheap now on Amazon.
Response to BigmanPigman (Original post)
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BigmanPigman
(51,610 posts)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).