- DEMETECH NIOSH N95 Respirator Face Mask, Fold-Style with Headbands, Made in USA, 20 Qty

I bought my first DemeTECH masks in March 2020, when I first found them online as one of the few N95 Masks "Made in the USA". The really important thing is the MATERIALS. Are THE MATERIALS manufactured elsewhere, China, etc.??? Free of toxins? I just wish I knew the answer to this question. I LOVE these masks, because the materials and construction seem good, and the 2 headbands, while a little challenging to put on and off, really hold the mask against your face for safer protection. They fold flat, so that they fit easily in your pocket. They are pricey, but I let them dry out at the window, in the sunshine, between wearings, so that I can use one for weeks. Retired MD

The masks are comfortable and fit snuggly. The only issue I have is that twice, one of the bands broke off at one end.

These USA-made masks are definitely very high quality. They arrived quickly and in perfect shape, but they didn't fit well over my admittedly small head-- the mask felt huge on me. (I wear an Adult XS motorcycle helmet, and even that rattles around a little). The bottom elastic was so, so loose on me, and the only way to tighten it was to cut the bottom elastic in the middle and tie it on instead, which worked fine for me. The inside of the masks are soft and pleasant, but I have no other commercial masks to compare it to. One of the other reviews said the inside of the masks felt "like sandpaper," but that reviewer said she used to be a nurse, so she probably had access to some really fancy masks during her time on staff. But to just an average person like myself, the inside of the mask felt perfectly fine. And bonus: They don't have a weird smell or anything like that. I think if you're a regular-sized person, you should be fine with these.

I bought these after reading an article about how they are some of the only made-in-USA masks available on the market. They are definitely a bit pricy, but overall they're my favorite mask! When I wear one I can feel that the air is mostly going through the mask and not around, which is an issue with a lot of disposable particulate respirators. Also, I'm personally a big fan of the headband style overall because I find it much more comfortable than the earloop style. For what it's worth, I've been using these masks for about a month now and the elastic bands haven't snapped off, so I'm not really sure what went wrong with some of the more-critical reviewers' masks. For comparison's sake, here's how I feel these Demetech masks compare with some alternatives that I've tried: Compared to fold-style headband KN95 masks: I also have a set of fold-style headband KN95 masks, which are very similar to these Demetech ones. However, I feel like the Demetech ones get a better seal around my face (mostly due to the foam insert on the nose bridge). Compared to earloop-style KF94 masks: The KF94 masks just don't have a strong seal like these Demetech ones do (or even the KN95s). They're super comfortable, but if "filtering the air that you are breathing" is your goal for a particulate mask, then KF94s just don't cut it, IMO. Compared to 3M molded cup style headband N95 masks: The gold standard of N95 masks! I've found I prefer the fold style over the molded cup style, because it's far more comfortable but I still feel like I'm getting a good seal. The 3M ones really grind into your face, which on the one hand is good (they get a great seal also), but also is a bit on the uncomfortable side. Also, this is entirely superficial, but I much prefer the aesthetic of the fold style masks over the cup style. Also 3M masks are I believe still made in China, for what that's worth. Overall, if you want to support US mask manufacturing, and you want masks that give you an optimal blend of comfort and sealing-to-your-face, I highly recommend this one.

These are much more comfortable than the ones with behind-the-ear loops.

We have been getting these excellent masks for over 4 years. I recently got more to stock up for coming year and found my new ones expire in 8 months. So check dates to be sure they meet needs.

I wore this mask for 11 hours on a flight from Switzerland to the U.S. It fits very well, tight around the edges and chin. And you can see it move in a little when you inhale indicating that air is going through the mask not around it. I found it listed as NIOSH approved on the FDA website. It's reasonably priced at a little over $2 per mask. I didn't have any straps break after wearing them during a 3 week trip to Europe. I'm going to keep using these now I'm home, they're great!

It's a good mask. The price is steep. First time purchase was closer to $40 --- now it is up to $71/box of 20 masks. It's the same box of masks..... Maybe, the demand is less, so the price is inflated ??