The Project N95 Kids Masks Guide

Project N95 is the trusted nonprofit source for safe and authentic high-filtration kids masks. Take advantage of our expertise in this article and learn more about picking a mask for your children.

Happylife Goodday Kids White Adjustable Ear-Loop KF94 Left Side View Model
KF94 Kids Masks

Assorted reliable, versatile masks

Shop All KF94

BNX Kids Black KN95 Front Left 3Q View Model
Kids KN95 Mask

Flat-fold ear-loop masks for ages 5+

Shop All KN95

Kids Flat Fold High Filtration Mask - White - Demetech
US-Made Masks

Domestic high-filtration kids masks

Shop All US-Made

Tips on Masking

Masking absolutely helps protect your child and others from COVID-19, including the Omicron variant, and other airborne infectious diseases. Even a good mask, however, can only do good as long as it stays on the face. Fit, filtration, and comfort are the three pillars of mask selection that you need to keep in mind when picking something for children.

It can be challenging to find a mask with that perfect mix of comfort and coverage—a high-filtration mask needs to maintain a proper seal to provide its full level of protection—and it’s even harder with fast-growing kids than adults. Fortunately, we have some tips to help you find the ideal mask that your child can wear.

Tips on Fit

A good mask needs to fit your face well. Kids are constantly growing, so finding a mask in the right size is a constant challenge. Here are some guidelines to help you keep up with your growing child’s needs:

  1. Check to see if the mask has an age-range.
  2. Check for customer reviews on fit and whether the sizing tips indicate that it fits children.
  3. Masks with a flat-fold shape and masks with adjustable ear loops are a good option if you’re unsure about size or fit—these both tend to be adaptable to various face shapes and sizes.
  4. Buy a variety of different mask shapes and sizes in small packs so your kids can decide what works best for them.
  5. If you have a middle-school aged child that is in between kids and adult sizes, try a small-sized adult mask.

Tips on Filtration

The U.S. does not have a regulatory standard that applies specifically to face coverings for children, which makes it tricky to know which types of masks to consider.

Project N95 has been keeping up with the market and vetting products since the beginning of the pandemic, so we are in a unique position to help you choose the right model. We recommend high-filtration options that that will offer much more protection than 3-ply surgical masks or cloth masks.

Tips on Mask Types

Project N95 carries four major high-filtration masks types: KF94s, KN95s, N95s, and domestically-produced masks. KF94 and KN95 masks have become particularly popular.

KF94 Masks

KF94 masks—KF for "Korean Filter" and "94" for 94% filtration efficiency—were developed to help protect the Korean public against the notorious yellow dust that originates from the dry desert regions of inland Asia. They are fully regulated by the South Korean government, including sizes meant for children ages 2 and up.

Because the KF94 standard was meant for public use, these masks are consumer friendly. They almost always use ear loops with an adjustable nose piece and often come in the 3D boat-shape style. The space inside the mask often makes them feel cool and comfortable for breathing. They are individually wrapped and available in a wide variety of sizes and designs that make them a great option for kids and teens.

Dr. Puri White KF94 Kids Front View Thumbs Up
Small KF94 Mask

A fantastic choice for kids 4–9

SEE DR PURI KF94

Comma Comma Yellow KF94 Kids Mask Front View Model
Colorful KF94 Masks

Blue, pink, and yellow for kids 5–10

Comma Comma KF94

Happylife Goodday White Kids Adjustable Ear-Loop KF94 Mask Front View Model
Toddler-Sized KF94

A small KF94 mask for kids aged 2–5

See Toddler KF94

KN95 Masks

KN95 face masks are the Chinese equivalent of respirators and have become popular for personal use in the United States. Like an N95, a KN95 filters to a 95% efficiency standard, but because KN95 masks are not approved by regulators prior to sale, they are not subject to the same level of oversight as N95 or KF94 masks. That has resulted in the proliferation of fake and low-quality masks. To learn more, read our guide about avoiding counterfeit KN95 masks.

Nevertheless, legitimate KN95s are safe and offer good protection. We recommend purchasing only from reputable sources like Project N95, which comprehensively reviews every product in the online shop.

The large majority of KN95 masks have ear loops with an adjustable nose piece and come in the versatile flat-fold shape, which can be a good option for kids who are fussy about sizing.

Powecom White Small Kids KN95 Front View Mask Only
Powecom Small KN95

Our most popular KN95 for kids

Powecom KN95

BNX Kids Black KN95 Front Left 3Q View Model
Kids KN95

A chic black KN95, ages 5 and up

BNX KN95

BNX Kids White KN95 Mask Right 3Q View Model
Kids KN95

The same BNX available in classic white

BNX KN95

N95 Masks

You’ve probably heard more about N95 masks than any other type—in fact, it’s how we got our name. N95 particulate respirators are fully regulated as a workplace or medical device by the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH). Accordingly, N95 masks don't have children's versions.

Still, NIOSH-approved N95 masks may work for children or teenagers who have outgrown child-sizes. Try starting off with a small as these masks fit well on petite faces.

AOK Tooling Small 1608 Flat-Fold N95 Respirator Left Right 3Q View Model
AOK Small N95 Mask

Soft silicone seal for comfortable fit

AOK N95 Mask

Avery Dennison Strapless Yellow N95 Mask Front View Model
No Strap N95

This unique design fits almost any face

Stick-On N95

Protective Health Gear 5160 N95 Front 3Q View Mask Only
Small US N95

The 6150 from Protective Health Gear

PHG N95 Mask

Domestic High-Filtration Masks

American manufacturers have stepped into the market with their ingenuity to provide consumer-friendly masks similar to the popular KN95 and KF94 models. These domestically-produced non-NIOSH versions are great for the general public.

Companies such as BNX, DemeTECH, and United States Mask use the same melt-blown layers as in their N95s to produce protective masks for adults and children that are focused on comfort and convenience. These are outstanding for all-day wear at school or extracurricular activities.

United States Mask Kids95 White High-Filtration Mask Front View Model
US Mask Kid95

For ages 5–10, secures with head straps

Kid95 Mask

DemeTECH Kids Black Ear-Loop Mask Front View Model
Black Ear-Loop Mask

The popular 5-layer mask for kids 5–12

DemeTECH Kids Mask

BNX Kids Teal KN95 Mask Right 3Q View Model
BNX Blue KN95

US-made KN95 for kids older than 4

BNX Kids Mask