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Since the COVID-19<\/span> pandemic five years ago, WIRED has continued to update our mask recommendations due to the constant changes in availability and evolving guidance. Add to that the threat of toxic air<\/a>, not only from wildfire smoke but, even worse, from burning homes. Now is the time to purchase masks in the same way one would buy a first aid kit or medicine, just in case. Some masks\u2014like our top affordable pick, the Honeywell Safety DF300 N95 Flatfold ($13 for 50)<\/strong><\/a>\u2014are ideal for public transportation or for use in a theater, and others\u2014like our top overall N95 pick, IQAir’s KN95\/FFP ($60 for 10)<\/strong><\/a>\u2014are put on during or after a wildfire. With the risk of disruption hitting mask supply chains, along with the issues of counterfeit masks, community spread of illness, a longer and more active wildfire season, climate change, and the sometimes-vanishing guidance pages on government websites, it\u2019s important to keep your masks at the ready.<\/p>\n Most alarming is the Trump administration\u2019s recent gutting<\/a> of the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, or NIOSH. The Centers for Disease Control (CDC)\u00a0website<\/a>\u00a0declares, \u201cDue to the reduction in force across NIOSH, no new respirator approval applications can be accepted.\u201d This will impact compliance and safety of new and future manufactured masks. Masks do have expiration dates, but I still think now is a good time to stock up on a variety of masks that you know are certified safe and effective.<\/p>\n We’ve also included some tips on mask care and choosing the best kind of mask straps at the end of this list. Be sure to check out our other air quality guides, including the Best Air Purifiers<\/a>, Best Indoor Quality Monitors<\/a>, and Best Fans<\/a>.<\/p>\n Updated November 2025:<\/em> We’ve added the 1870+, 9205+ and 9211+ N95 respirators from 3M Aura, and masks from Lement and Kimtech. We’ve also removed out-of-stock items and updated prices throughout.<\/em><\/p>\n Jump to Section<\/p>\n