Check for counterfeits
The KN94 and KN95 masks for children are widely available, but Ms. Marr said parents do need to watch out for counterfeits, which don’t perform as well.
The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health gives examples of counterfeit products here.
There’s also a type of cloth mask that has a built-in, edge-to-edge filter layer that is made for children.
“Some of these filter out more than 99% of particles and those can be very effective, if they fit well,” Ms. Marr said.
She has compiled and publicly posted a list of her recommendations for masks for children.
There’s also a new standard for face masks. It’s called ASTM F3502-21, and it’s published by an international organization that sets voluntary standards for thousands of products. To claim that a mask meets this standard, a manufacturer has to have its mask tested and demonstrate that it provides a certain level of filtration and breathability.
A version of this article first appeared on Medscape.com.