Need an N95 or KN95 mask? Here’s where you can find one in the Boise area and online
Idaho health experts stressed last week the importance for Idahoans to switch out their cloth masks for medical grade N95 and KN95 masks as the omicron variant — which spreads quicker and easier than past COVID-19 variants — continues to spread across the nation.
Both types of masks satisfy the need for the mask to fit properly on the face and not hang loosely or leave gaps.
“There’s a little wire, you pinch it around (your nose) and you make sure you don’t have any gaps,” Dr. Laura McGeorge, St. Luke’s Primary Care system medical director, said last week.
The pair of masks are nearly identical in their filtration efficiency. The N95 masks are made in the U.S. and are certified by the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), while KN95 masks are manufactured in China and meet Chinese-specific standards.
If you’re looking to buy masks, here are the best locations in the Treasure Valley as well as some online options. Pricing and stock levels may change.
This list will be updated by the Idaho Statesman as more information becomes available. Masks can be purchased or viewed by clicking the hyperlink for the website.
Where to buy medical grade masks
Amazon: Amazon provides a large selection of masks that either ship for free or ship free with Amazon Prime. Some of the highest-rated masks include the 25-count WWDOLL pack for $49.74 and the 30-count ApePal pack for $53.99.
Those looking for a cheaper option or smaller count can buy a five-count pack of KN95 masks by SupplyAID for $12.99.
Bona Fide Masks: Another online option, Bona Fide Masks, sells both N95 and KN95 masks. The website sells two 20-packs of NIOSH-approved masks for $45 and $114 — the more expensive option molds to your face opposed to folding around it.
The website also offers two 10-packs of KN95 masks produced by Harley Commodity for $14 and a variety of KN95 masks produced by Powecom.
Home Depot: Home Depot currently has just one brand of KN95 masks in stock. The 10-pack of masks, selling for $23.98, is available for both pickup and delivery from all five Home Depot locations in Boise, Meridian, Nampa and Eagle. All five locations also have a large assortment of N95 masks available for pickup and delivery.
Lowe’s: Lowe’s offers more options for KN95 masks. The retail company has six different pack sizes and brands available at its locations in Boise, Meridian and Nampa.
The Lowe’s in Meridian, at 305 W. Overland Dr., also has one pack of N95 masks available, selling for $22.98, but stock is low as of Thursday — so call ahead for availability.
Staples: Many of Staples’ N95 masks are out of stock, but the retail giant recently got in new stock of Moldex 20-pack masks for $32.99 in all three of its Treasure Valley stores.
Staples also sells singular KN95 masks, but prices range from $29.99 to $59.99 for just one mask.
This story was originally published January 13, 2022 at 1:15 PM.
