Last week we talked about double masking in the wake of potentially more-contagious variants of COVID-19. While that is one solution, high quality masks (like N95) still provide the best filtration. But the CDC is still advises the public to not buy N95 masks as they are needed for healthcare workers as there is still a nationwide shortage. So here are other high quality mask that work similarly as N95s. K95 are a popular alternative, which meet the Chinese standard but not the U.S. standards for effectiveness. Consider them a step above surgical masks. Concerning is that a team at a not-for-profit patient safety group noted that 60 to 70% of imported KN95 masks do not filter 95% of aerosol particulates. However the FDA has created a list of K95 manufacturers that indeed meet the K95 requirements. Not as widely known but are gaining popularity are KF94 masks, which is the South Korean designation for a mask very similar to an N95. They are intended for use by the general public and they’re both easier to find and cheaper than N95s. Another option are FFP2 masks, which is the European equivalent of an N95. The most important thing to remember is that any mask is better than none and it should work in tandem with social distancing and frequent hand washing.