3MN95 Disposable Respirator, 9010, Pack of 50, Flat Fold, Individually Packaged, NIOSH Approved, Advanced Electrostatic Media, Stapled Headband, Soft Inner Layer

They are face hugging. That's because they are protecting you. Yes, there's a medical smell to these at first. But, it goes away after about 15 minutes of use. If you need to spend all day in a Covid-19 Hospital, this is what you need.

Although I'm vaccinated, I recently found I have some acute medical issues , so immediately decided to use only N-95 masks from here on out.First, the price is right, and the masks are individually wrapped. My box had no weird odor, like commercial chemicals that others have mentioned.Another reviewer complained about the inner layer of the mask seeming not sufficient. Not true. It's a layer of the microbe/particle blocking 'fabric' which is non-woven dense fibers, similar to Tyvek, if you've seen that stuff, sandwiched between the sort of honeycomb outer layers.I had no problem with the mask straps going the back of neck and head, instead of ear loops. In fact, I prefer it. Plus, the elastic is super securely stapled to the mask, so no more 'lifting the mask to sip some water' and the ear loop breaking off. I really pulled hard on the straps, and they stayed securely in place. Some may find this mask tighter, and less comfortable so I gave that part 4 stars.Best of all, I gave it my reading glasses test. With the disposable surgical style I've used up until now, my lenses fog almost instantly, like when trying to read a label in the grocery store. I put on THIS mask, plus glasses for over 10 minutes.....NO FOGGING AT ALL.In time I may go to the more expensive type that has the little 'cool air' valve thingy, but super pleased to now be more fully protected from Covid, the flu, smog on bad air days, etc.

Reading many reviews here, maybe I'm in the minority, but, I do find the masks to be decent and tolerable to use. The rubber bands are not ear looped, but, I find these rubber bands that you put over your head to be the safest in terms of how it sits on your face. Maybe my facial structure is one reason why these masks sit well on mine. I have average size earlobes but many of the earloops on the kn95s and the non-surgical flat masks tend to irritate my ears after having them on for about an hour or two, and as a result, I've suffered from sore ear lobes often. The fact that I can put the bands over my head without it hurting my ears is a benefit to me. The nose strap stays on my nose well. I don't find it uncomfortable at all. I know some have complained about that, but, again...i just speak for myself. Not everyone has the same facial structure or average sized lobes.The smell is, and I agree with many on here, super pungent upon opening it from the individual wrapper. A bit like licorice (if you're into that. Mmmmm, licorice scented masks. *snaps out of it* NO! EEEWWWW!!). I'm not a fan of licorice, honestly. Whatever chemical they sprayed on this mask, it does get to you if you hate the smell. Best thing to do is leave it open upon removing it from the wrapper and let it sit in the open air for a few hours. I find that spraying a bit of lemon or lavender essential oils mixed with a bit of isopropyl alcohol on the inside helps deodorize it. Hand sanitizer spray works just as well, but just spray 2 or 3 times. Don't overspray it. (I use a small 50mL bottle with about 10-15 drops of essential oil and fill the bottle with about 2/3 alcohol. Shake well. And you only need 2 sprays at most. 3 is fine, BUT, DON'T overspray or you'll wear out the mask! Let it sit cone side pointed up for 1 hour.)The staples holding the bands aren't my concern. The staples are well flattened (at least mines were). If you're in doubt, you can always remove it with a staple claw and then you can re-staple the bands from the inside of mask with the teeth of the staple puncturing outward. Problem solved.So, all in all, it is a decent and tolerable mask to wear. I'm already on my 20th mask. I did count them and mine came with all 50 masks. It might be time consuming for many to adjust the way this mask can be worn but if you have the patience to spray it to remove the pungent licorice-y smell or remove and re-staple the bands, then kudos to you.

These ARE 3M N95 N.I.O.S.H. ( National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health ) Certified. These masks are meant to have a snug fit on the face. If you prefer to have a feel of the "surgical masks", you are in error. I have used these masks on a professional capacity as a member of Emergency Medical Services. These masks are MEANT TO BE WORN OVER THE MOUTH & NOSE. DO NOT wear them UNDER your nose. This is an improper use of the equipment. HINT: If close your mouth & the air can get in, so can the particles, even viruses. If you pinch your nose & air can get in, so can the particles. The metal bridge should be molded to fir your nose comfortably. These masks have a minimal adjustability by sliding the elastic band through the staple. It is recommended that you get the proper size for the individual face. Both band are meant to go around the head. The bottom band is placed first under the ears & top band placed over the ears. If you alter the band configuration, you defeat the safety efficacy of the mask. I have already used this particular product. I can't smell the odors of my favorite restaurant as I pass by. Personally, they're more comfortable than the "surgical masks". I don't that sensation of suffocation. I've also used them whenever I had to encounter persons with respiratory diseases. BE CAREFUL. BE SAFE. BEST OF LUCK.

Seems legit. I bought these in July when they were around 35 bucks a box. I was concerned maybe they would be fake. Thoroughly inspecting them and the packaging it appears they are legit. I advise taking them out of the individual plastic wrappers to air out for 24 hours before wearing. They smell pretty bad when they’re brand new. They don’t smell at all after 24 hours out of the bag.