Most compact folding disposable N95 masks?

snewkes - July 8, 2021

I have good ones for keeping at home and taking with me when I know the air is bad (wildfire season), but they’re too bulky for carrying with me on a daily basis just in case (of an earthquake, for example). I also have this style of folding mask which is more compact but honestly still too bulky to carry around on a daily basis because they’re too long to fit anywhere I would carry them and if I fold the ends in to fit them in a shorter space (not sure if that’s ok or would compromise the mask long-term) then they’re too thick.

What are the most compact ones out there? As long as length & width are small enough to fit in a jeans back pocket (not actually where I intend to store them, just trying to give an idea of the size I have in mind), thinness is the top priority.

I’m ok with the protection being somewhat lesser since I’d only use it in an emergency situation where I’d be getting out of the area as soon as possible, as long as it’s good enough to be worth carrying at all.

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I placed an order a few days ago for a selection of N95 Tri-Fold masks by JSP and 3M (including the one you linked) so when I get them I’ll let you know how the sizes compare

 

Thanks!

 

I have them now, the JSP masks (in both N95/P2 and N100/P3)  are almost exactly the same length as the 3M ones, and the 3M makes a better seal than the JSP (for me anyway) but I don’t think you would have a different experience because the problem is the nose bridge foam quality (or lack off) that JSP use

also, JSP have a stiff piece of plastic inside the mask so you can’t fold it length ways, unlike the 3M ones that don’t, here’s some photo’s: (these have valves because the non-valved versions only come in packs of 10 and I only wanted a sample to try, the supplier assures me that the shape/patterns of each are the same and that the JSP filter-less mask still has the plastic stiffener)

^btw, I bought this selection to see what best fits me, and the 3M seems to be the best option, so I’ll stock up on those (because of the UK’s rapidly rising case rates) and I second what Bob says below, I’ll be sewing a mask pocket onto the inside of my jacket

 

At $11 for 20 I bought some 3M 9210/37021’s pre covid for my BOB because they were much more compact than the formed or molded ones. They look like the ones you linked to however, so I don’t have any additional help for you unfortunately. They are long like you say and are not small enough for that jeans back pocket.

 

The KN95 masks seem to fit your requirements. Not worn them myself but friends have. 

 

I was under the impression that KN95’s were a bad idea?

https://theprepared.com/blog/fda-guidelines-and-kn95s/

 

I think the answer is: It depends. 

If you want an actual N95 grade mask then, yes, many of the KN95’s don’t meet the FDA standard. As covered in the article you linked, some still meet FDA requirements. I have not tested them. 

@Snewkes covered in his post: “What are the most compact ones out there? As long as length & width are small enough to fit in a jeans back pocket (not actually where I intend to store them, just trying to give an idea of the size I have in mind), thinness is the top priority. I’m ok with the protection being somewhat lesser since I’d only use it in an emergency situation where I’d be getting out of the area as soon as possible, as long as it’s good enough to be worth carrying at all.” 

Protection can be somewhat lesser, priority is thinness. In which case the fold in half KN95’s are suitable until you get to where ever you have your supplies. As a note, the link I included was only for demonstration purposes of what I was referring to – no idea if that link is an FDA okay’d brand/model. 

But as to a certain mask being a good idea or a bad idea – it really does depend on your intended use. I find that long use (5+ hours) of the N95’s is very hard on the nasal passages, due to the seal formed by the mask and the pressure of the elastic to keep the seal in place. If you don’t mind that and you are driving away from a smoke filled area in a evacuation (wildfires for example) I would certainly put up with the pressure. 

In a scenario where I have to be an area that has a contaminate such as chemical spill or abrasive disinfectants (real scenario for me) I will use an actual respirator with replaceable n100 filters. If the contaminate is heavier than that or the manufacturer recommends different gear for dealing with spills, then I wont go near it, another team will handle with proper gear.  

But if I am simply required to wear a mask for government compliance regulations and health reasons where long wear and comfort are an issue, I will likely use something like a bicyclists breather-valve mask or the surgical style paper masks (I say style because there are many kinds of such a mask from those surgeons actually wear that will stop a spray of arterial blood all the way to what you see people wearing on the streets and in stores). A KN95 should be better than your bandana over the face style of mask. 

So, depending on your use case, KN95 masks could be okay. Or they could really, really not be okay. But they will suit Snewkes’ requirements. 

 

3M trifold FFP3 / N95s do the job nicely.

 

Good morning Snewkes,

This has got to be one of those “It depends” subjects.

Wildfires, earthquakes, … even near grinding wheels … not applicable to some of us.  My worry is the virus scare stories being true.

Ref “carry in jeans back pocket [an idea]”:

I use a different prepper philosophy. If I consider something absolutely, positively required, my method is to modify my clothing to accomodate. A non-mask example: For some specific reason, I (and small group) decided that best belt for our purposes is a “rigger’s belt”. It is about a quarter inch wider than the web belt. It will not fit the belt loops of stand brands jeans and even some non-professional (and much less costly!) pants.

Our belt loops were enlarged by personal sewing efforts.  No design awards – but personal modification worked.