Best N95 Face Masks To Stay Safe From Air Pollution in 2024

The season of festivities brings together loved ones for a jolly good time but in large parts of Northern India, it also brings back the deadly episodes of air pollution. The air quality starts to deteriorate drastically in the days leading to Diwali, with factors like vehicular emissions and stubble burning adding to the woes. Venturing outdoors becomes a challenge and N95 face masks become key to surviving the man-made epidemic.

Why choose an N95 mask for air pollution?

N95 masks contribute a lot to filtering harmful pollutants in the air and allow for breathable conditions for a short span of time. The multiple layers of filtration can catch hold of particles as small as 0.3 microns, which include common allergens, viruses, dust, PM 2.5, smoke, haze and other common concerns that plague people during the ‘pollution season’. 

N95 masks are also known as filtering facepiece respirators, with each of the letter denoting the levels of filtration they can do.

- ‘N’ stands for non-oil, which means the mask can work in environments where non-oil particulates are present. Other ratings include R (eligible to filter oil particulates for eight hours) and P (oil contaminant proof).

- ‘95’ denotes the efficiency. In N95 masks, it denotes 95 per cent filtration efficiency. There are masks that come with 99 per cent efficiency and 100 per cent efficiency (same as HEPA filters in air purifiers).

With that out of the way, let’s look at some of the top N95 face masks that are within an accessible budget range.

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Best N95 face masks to buy this pollution season

HYDRISE Non-Woven Fabric Premium N95 Mask 

Price: INR 649 

Units: 40

Reusable: Yes

The HYDRISE Non-Woven fabric premium N95 mask is a great pick for families who constantly need to venture outdoors. The mask features a 5-layer filtration system with two layers of melt-blown cloth to block heavy dust particles, bacteria, viruses, PM2.5 air pollutants and more. The mask offers a tight fit on most faces and the ear loops allow for easy adjustment. The nose clip also makes it easy to adjust without tampering the seal around the nose and mouth. The mask can worn up to eight hours at a stretch and is washable too. 

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Careview N95 Anti-Pollution Reusable Unisex Face Mask

Price: INR 569 

Units: 10

Reusable: Yes

The Careview N95 Anti-Pollution Reusable Unisex Face Mask is another good option for urban dwellers in North India. Each mask comes with six layers of filtration that include two melt-blown cloth lakers of 25 Gsm, thus helping keep viruses and bacteria at bay. The ear straps allow for a snug fit with an ultrasonic seal around the nose and mouth area. The 3D breathing space promises to keep breathing easy (both inhale and exhale). Although the mask is reusable, it’s not fit for washing. 

Tata 1mg BIS Approved FFP2 N95 Mask

Price: INR 371 

Units: 10

Reusable: Yes

The Tata 1mg BIS Approved FFP2 N95 Mask comes with a simpler five-layer filtration system that includes static melt-blown layers, thereby filtering viruses, bacteria, PM2.5 particles, vehicular emissions and more. Each mask has a Bacterial Filtration Efficiency (BFE) of up to 99 per cent  and Particle Filtration Efficiency (PFE) of up to 95 per cent. The mask is hypoallergenic, says Tata 1mg. The Tata 1mg BIS Approved FFP2 N95 Mask ends up being a value-for-money option for commuters.

Siso N95 5 Layer Face Mask 

Price: INR 249 

Units: 10

Reusable: Yes

The Siso N95 5 Layer Face Mask is a decent choice if you aren’t eager to spend a lot on a face mask. Each mask features a five-layer filtration system with two melt-blown layers to keep the dust, pollens and allergens at bay. Siso says that the fitting should be fine for most individuals and the masks are reusable with dry wash recommended for cleaning. 

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OxiClear N99 Anti-Pollution Reusable Face Mask

Price: INR 424 

Units: 1

Reusable: Yes

The OxiClear N99 Anti-Pollution Reusable Face Mask is the most expensive one here. However, the filtration is easily the best one you can get compared to the others listed here. 

The OxiClear N99 mask, as the name suggests, offers up to 99 per cent efficiency courtesy of its activated carbon layer. You get a pack of four activated carbon filters that can be changed after a span of 21 days. This, along with the melt-blown cotton filter, ensures the best kind of filtration from allergens, dust and other harmful particles. The detachable headband reduces the pressure on your ears. OxiClear says that the mask can be hand-washed for reuse. 

3M Unisex 8210 Disposable Respirator N95 Face Mask

Price: INR 549 

Units: 10

Reusable: No

This one comes from 3M and is ideal for usage in extremely dusty conditions. 

The 3M 8210 respirator mask has a 95 per cent filtration efficiency against certain non-oil-based particles, which means it can block particles emitting from grinding, sanding, sweeping, sawing, bagging or other dusty operations. The multiple layers also filter biological particles like mould, Bacillus anthracis and Mycobacterium tuberculosis. However, the 3M mask is disposable and cannot be washed for reuse in similar conditions. 

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

- Can I reuse an N95 mask for air pollution?

You should always check with the manufacturer on whether your mask can be reused or not.

- Is an N95 mask effective against all types of air pollution?

The N95 mask can keep most common air pollutants at bay from your lungs.

- Is an N95 mask effective for Delhi-NCR winter pollution?

Yes, the N95 masks are effective for the extreme winter pollution in Delhi NCR.