Looking for quality made in Canada disposable masks!

[BlancheNeige7]

Would anyone have reccommendations for quality N95 (KN95 or similar) that are made in Canada? Looking for extra protection when travelling and am overwhelmed by search engine results. I have seen some in stores, but really rather pay more to ensure that we get the protection promised. Saw the CBC Marketplace piece on N95s sold in stores... Thank you!

 

[juniorbugman]

I bought some from a Canadian Company - Canada Strong Masks and they were recommended by a biostatistician that I follow on twitter. I still wear my homemade cloth mask when I go grocery shopping but I wear the other one when I go to the Dr's and when I went for my shot.

 

[Nahanni]

We purchased a box of Eclipse ARC N95 Equivalent that are manufactured in Ontario. Can't comment on quality or fit as we haven't been in a situation where we felt the need for more protection than being double masked (surgical + cloth) and didn't want to waste one. We'd probably break them out if flying or going to hospital emergency.

Website is inspiredppedotcom. $62.49 for a box of 25.

 

[TammyLynn33]

Just a thought.. personally I would rather wear a higher quality mask at the grocery store and in public areas vs doctors offices and hospitals where people are yes possibly sick but screened properly at least.
Just a thought .. Regardless stay safe

 

[Jennkneefir]

Hey! You might want to take a little time to learn about the different certification levels for medical and non-medical grade disposable masks. It's super complicated, but i've had to learn a fair amount for my current job due to covid. Health Canada is an excellent resource - https://www.canada.ca/en/health-can...tive-equipment/medical-masks-respirators.html

A quick rundown - there are various standards that med grade masks can be tested to. In north america, we most commonly use the ASTM rating for procedure/surgical masks. They run levels 1-3, with 3 being the highest. ASTM level 3 procedure masks are recommended for use in many medical situations, but are NOT intended to keep you safe from aerosols, and are therefore not used during aerosol generating procedures like certain surgeries, etc. In europe they use the EN rating system. Their procedure masks are rated to I, II, or IIR, with IIR being roughly equivalent to an ASTM level 2. Like the ASTM 1-3 procedure masks, these masks are not intended for aerosol generating procedures.
If you are looking to purchase a box of 50 disposable masks, purchasing a box that is clearly labelled as ASTM level x, y, z or EN rating x, y, z will generally be better quality than a brand that does not include a rating. Some of the rules included in the certification of these masks include labelling requirements on the box. If they are being sold as ASTM level 2, it needs to say that on the box.

If there is no clear rating on the box it doesn't necessarily mean the masks aren't as good, but it does mean that they are untested. This most likely means the company does not intend for their products to be used in a medical setting, and is therefore not held to the same standard that companies who do. I personally like the comfort of knowing my masks are tested and verified. Pri-Med is a really high quality brand if you can find their products. They have been around for ages, and are Canadian owned and made.

As for KN95 and N95 masks, you will find both medical and non-medical masks. The non-medical masks are intended to protect you from dust and particulates in a construction, etc setting. These would be fine, but aren't really designed to protect you from covid or other viruses. You would be better off using a high quality procedure/surgical masks. Another thing to consider is that in order for N95 masks to be used properly, you need to be fit tested to know which style fits your face size/shape. This is something that usually happens in a work setting. If you don't know your style, you could just be wasting a medical grade masks, keeping a healthcare or first responder from being able to use it, and it still not protecting you because it doesn't fit properly. KN95 masks are a chinese certification level, and are not recommended for use in Canada because there is an extremely high number of knock-off's, as well as the lack of certification documentation to verify the quality of the masks. Within my work, we are essentially considering all KN95 masks to be of unknown quality, and no better than any other non-certified disposable masks.

I hope this is helpful. I'm happy to provide more depth/breadth about masks for those curious!

 

[quandrea]

Would anyone have reccommendations for quality N95 (KN95 or similar) that are made in Canada? Looking for extra protection when travelling and am overwhelmed by search engine results. I have seen some in stores, but really rather pay more to ensure that we get the protection promised. Saw the CBC Marketplace piece on N95s sold in stores... Thank you!

I buy all my masks at 72 hours. They are based out of BC. I just checked and they have n95 masks that are made in Canada. They are currently 40% off.

 

[BlancheNeige7]

Just a thought.. personally I would rather wear a higher quality mask at the grocery store and in public areas vs doctors offices and hospitals where people are yes possibly sick but screened properly at least.
Just a thought .. Regardless stay safe

Good point! I am scheduled to go to Disney in a month and am looking for masks to wear on the plane and indoors.

 

[BlancheNeige7]

Hey! You might want to take a little time to learn about the different certification levels for medical and non-medical grade disposable masks. It's super complicated, but i've had to learn a fair amount for my current job due to covid. Health Canada is an excellent resource - https://www.canada.ca/en/health-can...tive-equipment/medical-masks-respirators.html

A quick rundown - there are various standards that med grade masks can be tested to. In north america, we most commonly use the ASTM rating for procedure/surgical masks. They run levels 1-3, with 3 being the highest. ASTM level 3 procedure masks are recommended for use in many medical situations, but are NOT intended to keep you safe from aerosols, and are therefore not used during aerosol generating procedures like certain surgeries, etc. In europe they use the EN rating system. Their procedure masks are rated to I, II, or IIR, with IIR being roughly equivalent to an ASTM level 2. Like the ASTM 1-3 procedure masks, these masks are not intended for aerosol generating procedures.
If you are looking to purchase a box of 50 disposable masks, purchasing a box that is clearly labelled as ASTM level x, y, z or EN rating x, y, z will generally be better quality than a brand that does not include a rating. Some of the rules included in the certification of these masks include labelling requirements on the box. If they are being sold as ASTM level 2, it needs to say that on the box.

If there is no clear rating on the box it doesn't necessarily mean the masks aren't as good, but it does mean that they are untested. This most likely means the company does not intend for their products to be used in a medical setting, and is therefore not held to the same standard that companies who do. I personally like the comfort of knowing my masks are tested and verified. Pri-Med is a really high quality brand if you can find their products. They have been around for ages, and are Canadian owned and made.

As for KN95 and N95 masks, you will find both medical and non-medical masks. The non-medical masks are intended to protect you from dust and particulates in a construction, etc setting. These would be fine, but aren't really designed to protect you from covid or other viruses. You would be better off using a high quality procedure/surgical masks. Another thing to consider is that in order for N95 masks to be used properly, you need to be fit tested to know which style fits your face size/shape. This is something that usually happens in a work setting. If you don't know your style, you could just be wasting a medical grade masks, keeping a healthcare or first responder from being able to use it, and it still not protecting you because it doesn't fit properly. KN95 masks are a chinese certification level, and are not recommended for use in Canada because there is an extremely high number of knock-off's, as well as the lack of certification documentation to verify the quality of the masks. Within my work, we are essentially considering all KN95 masks to be of unknown quality, and no better than any other non-certified disposable masks.

I hope this is helpful. I'm happy to provide more depth/breadth about masks for those curious!

This information is very helpful! Thank you so much! I was also concerned about the knock-offs. I rather pay more and ensure the masks have been tested and certified. I will look into Pri-Med.

I was looking at the Canada Strong website and they sell FN-N95 that seem highly rated. What are FN-N95s?

 

[mshanson3121]

Not to hijack, but we need good quality surgical masks for my husband for when he goes back to work. Ideally made in Canada, and fibreglass-free. Suggestions?

 

[Jennkneefir]

This information is very helpful! Thank you so much! I was also concerned about the knock-offs. I rather pay more and ensure the masks have been tested and certified. I will look into Pri-Med.

I was looking at the Canada Strong website and they sell FN-N95 that seem highly rated. What are FN-N95s?

I took a look at their website, and it looks like there are few things to consider with these masks. They are described for medical use (which is good), and provide testing results/specs. They passed tests for a high BFE (bacterial filtration rate) and PFE (particulate filtration rate). All good signs.

They appear to have been a purpose made solution for the 3M brand N95 shortage due to Covid-19. The mask has earloops, with can result in a looser fit that allows leakage around the sides. This means that the mask itself may have a high filtration rate, but the reality is that the aerosols could sneak around the leaky spots. Even though these masks are described as being made for medical use, the medical profession would not see these as equivalent because of the earloop design.

I'm not trying to warn you away from purchasing them, as they do appear to have met a high testing standard, but you would probably save a few $, and get an equally effective mask in purchasing an ASTM 3 rated procedure mask. It would meet the exact same PFE (98% or better) and BFE (98% or better) ratings as the masks you looked up, but they aren't designed to be air tight like an N95, which you wont achieve without fit testing. The way that hospitals fit test their staff is that they try on specific sizes, and they spray a scented spray around the face. If you can smell it, the mask is a poor fit, and they move on to a different size until they find the correct fit. This makes any mask that comes in various sizes/styles (like N95's) impractical for non-medical use.

I understand wanting to be diligent, and purchase the best products that will keep you safe. I think there are a lot of companies that are preying on peoples fear and vulnerability right now, and a lot of companies are using the N95 and equivalent moniker to convince people they need the very best. The reality is that N95's are as effective as they are because of their very specific fit. Anything not fit tested will never perform to the same level, and it will just be a waste of $$.

 

[Jennkneefir]

Not to hijack, but we need good quality surgical masks for my husband for when he goes back to work. Ideally made in Canada, and fibreglass-free. Suggestions?

Hey! Happy to help. As for the fiberglass/graphene free thing, that was specific to one particular recall. Most masks should not be made with fiberglass, especially if they are made by a quality manufacturer. Someone above referenced the website 72 Hrs Survival and First Aid. They are a solid small company. Search "ASTM Lvl 3" procedure masks. These are the highest rating for procedure masks. There are tons of brand who make them. I just did a quick query and it looks like even Staples carries ASTM level 3 masks. My favourite brand is Pri-Med. The fit is excellent, and they don't smell weird, like some masks sometimes do.
Also, if you want to ensure quality, the filtration/lab results should always be readily available to you. If the company doesnt automatically have them available on the website, or wont provide them to you if you ask, move on to the next company.

 

[Starwind]

We like Vitacore masks.

They make their masks in BC. We learned about them from Canadian media reporting about the company. Their website ( https://www.vitacore.ca/ ) has information about their masks and the testing and certifications their masks have undergone.

They have surgical masks at various ATSM levels, as well as N95 and N99 equivalent respirators. They also have earloop and headband versions. They have been working with Health Canada and CSA to create Canadian N95/N99 standards.

SW

 

[cdnSpinalTap]

Hey! You might want to take a little time to learn about the different certification levels for medical and non-medical grade disposable masks. It's super complicated, but i've had to learn a fair amount for my current job due to covid. Health Canada is an excellent resource - https://www.canada.ca/en/health-can...tive-equipment/medical-masks-respirators.html

A quick rundown - there are various standards that med grade masks can be tested to. In north america, we most commonly use the ASTM rating for procedure/surgical masks. They run levels 1-3, with 3 being the highest. ASTM level 3 procedure masks are recommended for use in many medical situations, but are NOT intended to keep you safe from aerosols, and are therefore not used during aerosol generating procedures like certain surgeries, etc. In europe they use the EN rating system. Their procedure masks are rated to I, II, or IIR, with IIR being roughly equivalent to an ASTM level 2. Like the ASTM 1-3 procedure masks, these masks are not intended for aerosol generating procedures.
If you are looking to purchase a box of 50 disposable masks, purchasing a box that is clearly labelled as ASTM level x, y, z or EN rating x, y, z will generally be better quality than a brand that does not include a rating. Some of the rules included in the certification of these masks include labelling requirements on the box. If they are being sold as ASTM level 2, it needs to say that on the box.

If there is no clear rating on the box it doesn't necessarily mean the masks aren't as good, but it does mean that they are untested. This most likely means the company does not intend for their products to be used in a medical setting, and is therefore not held to the same standard that companies who do. I personally like the comfort of knowing my masks are tested and verified. Pri-Med is a really high quality brand if you can find their products. They have been around for ages, and are Canadian owned and made.

As for KN95 and N95 masks, you will find both medical and non-medical masks. The non-medical masks are intended to protect you from dust and particulates in a construction, etc setting. These would be fine, but aren't really designed to protect you from covid or other viruses. You would be better off using a high quality procedure/surgical masks. Another thing to consider is that in order for N95 masks to be used properly, you need to be fit tested to know which style fits your face size/shape. This is something that usually happens in a work setting. If you don't know your style, you could just be wasting a medical grade masks, keeping a healthcare or first responder from being able to use it, and it still not protecting you because it doesn't fit properly. KN95 masks are a chinese certification level, and are not recommended for use in Canada because there is an extremely high number of knock-off's, as well as the lack of certification documentation to verify the quality of the masks. Within my work, we are essentially considering all KN95 masks to be of unknown quality, and no better than any other non-certified disposable masks.

I hope this is helpful. I'm happy to provide more depth/breadth about masks for those curious!

This is great information. So just to be clear, ASTM level 3 would be just as good or better than N95 at filtering out COVID virus but the main difference is that it is not airtight, so potentially your risk could increase? Am I looking at it the right way?

 

[Jennkneefir]

This is great information. So just to be clear, ASTM level 3 would be just as good or better than N95 at filtering out COVID virus but the main difference is that it is not airtight, so potentially your risk could increase? Am I looking at it the right way?

So the difference between an N95 mask and a procedure mask is the intended use. The procedure mask is used in medical settings when they are not generating aerosols, and there may be moisture or liquid. An N95 mask is used with patients when aerosols are being generated. The materials that compose an N95 mask and procedure masks are both very effective at filtering out bacteria and particles, but an N95 is tested with smaller particles than the procedure mask. In a healthcare setting, doctors and nurses are generally using ASTM level 3 masks unless there is a super high risk due to the procedure they are doing. For example, all of our covid swabbing nurses are wearing level 3 masks, not N95's, while anesthesiologists who are removing intubation from a patient after surgery are wearing N95's.

Since there are very few situations where we are exposed to aerosols the way that a medical professional is, the procedure masks are considered to be very effective for non-medical use.
But yeah, you have the gist of it. The fit of a mask is just as important as what the mask is made of, and the N95 mask is effective because of the way it is designed to fit the face, which requires a fit test to be effective.

 

[gisele2]

I bought O2 mask , made in Canada and reusable. If you want a reusable surgical mask you can buy https://solutions.frettdesign.ca/

 

[BlancheNeige7]

I bought O2 mask , made in Canada and reusable. If you want a reusable surgical mask you can buy https://solutions.frettdesign.ca/

Thank you! They really look great!

 

[badiggio]

Some masks are better quality than others,but none are "certified",as in preventing covid.That's the impression I'm getting from some people's thinking and definitely not an answer for taking kids under 12 to disney.JMO

 

[BlancheNeige7]

Some masks are better quality than others,but none are "certified",as in preventing covid.That's the impression I'm getting from some people's thinking and definitely not an answer for taking kids under 12 to disney.JMO

Hopefully people are not under the impression that masks prevent all covid! I am very grateful for the input from fellow canadian posters on mask reccommendations. There are so many options out there that it is really overwhelming! It can be difficult to compare all the products and really want the best when in higher-risk travel settings!

 

[BlancheNeige7]

Some masks are better quality than others,but none are "certified",as in preventing covid.That's the impression I'm getting from some people's thinking and definitely not an answer for taking kids under 12 to disney.JMO

Hopefully people are not under the impression that masks prevent all covid! I am very grateful for the input from fellow canadian posters on mask reccommendations. There are so many options out there that it is really overwhelming! It can be difficult to compare all the products and really want the best when in higher-risk travel settings!

 

[gisele2]

Thank you! They really look great!

One of the frettdesign is certified astm 2 . These are not n95 , they replace the blue mask.