GERSON N95 Pouch Respirator, Made in U.S.A.

The pros:* Incredible breathability* The softest material of just about any N95 mask I've ever tried* Long, flexible nosepiece makes it easy to conform to any face shape (I have a flat-ish face with almost no nose bridge, which makes most KN95s a non-starter)* Excellent fit and seal overall* Duckbill style means the mask doesn't ever collapse or touch your lips* Comes individually sealed, which makes stuffing extras into my satchel convenient and easyThe con, and there's really only one: they're incredibly delicate and finicky. I've seen the reviews about them breaking, and that's because you need to approach them slowly with care and delicacy, like they're a high-strung horse that'll bolt given half a chance. The heat seal on either side is prone to cracking if you force the mask open abruptly or pull on the top or bottom half too hard while adjusting the mask on your face. Pro tip: hold the mask by the edges to the left and right if you need to adjust to avoid putting stress on the heat seal, and gently pre-form the nose piece before pulling the mask over your head.Otherwise, this is my favorite N95 mask. The 3M V-Flex masks are also very good (I've used the 1804 and the universally beloved 9105) and they are much much sturdier--you'll see that there are burly staples holding the seals together where the straps are attached--but the material for those masks have started making my face itch, so I've transitioned over to the Gerson entirely.

I still mask regularly, and I've been on a continuous search for a good KN95 or N95. I was wearing a very popular brand of N95 for most of the pandemic. They didn't ever fail me, but they made my face very sweaty and yet somehow the seal was still not great - I knew this because it always fogged up glasses and sunglasses. KN95 are ok for lower risk settings, but absolutely none of them seal well for me and are usually way too big for my face. These Gerson N95 are the best I've found for me since the start of the pandemic. They don't make my face sweaty but still offer a good seal. This is the first and only mask I've ever put on that did not fog glasses or sunglasses on me even when aggressively exhaling to try to induce it. However, it is true - the straps are weak. Don't count on these masks if you want to re-wear the same one over and over. I have been able to re-use them a few times usually for short bursts, but the straps stretch and do snap quite easily. For me, this is worth it considering the comfort and the seal I get. I'm willing to deal with the straps. I always keep a few extra with me in case the straps break. I think it is trial and error and can be different for everyone, but it's worth at least trying one 5-pack to see how it works for you.

I bought these to be an alternative to the trusty v flex. I wanted a lighter option for summer. I mask in the grocery store and drs, so not a lot of use. 4 out of 5 mask busted between 1 and 3 uses. (They were delivered 18 days ago.) 3 of the straps broke while wearing and yes I was careful with them. It doesn’t matter bc they are flawed. You also cannot return them, which is frustrating considering this is a manufacturing issue.

Better fitting than most other masks due to the cupped shape over the nose and chin. Still has enough breathability to stay comfortable. And since it meets N95 standard it will be adequate for personal hygiene/medical use.Made in the USA. Yeah!!

Fine masks, and honestly the most comfortable ones I've found. I have a very pronounced nose, and with a little work I can get a near-perfect seal. I've used them every day at work (grocery store cashier, so I encounter a LOT of people daily) for over 7 months and haven't gotten sick once.However, the last box I bought arrived already opened. The cardboard is almost comically flimsy, but I was shocked to see the entire seal broken. Additionally, although the masks are individually packaged (a positive) none of them were actually *sealed shut* - they all had holes in the seams of the plastic, potentially exposing them to who knows what. Call me overly cautious, but this makes the entire box of 50 unusable for me.TL;DR Great masks, but the potentially faulty packaging is a major downside.

These are comfortable, properly-rated N95 masks, individually-wrapped in sealed plastic (unlike several other major brands).When not faulty, they have become my preferred mask brand/model.However, a very high percentage (near half) in recent boxes have been faulty - on the right-hand side of the mask, the heat-sealing that holds the corner of the mask and the elastic straps together isn't quite heat-sealed enough. It's ALWAYS the right-hand side, as though there's a factory mis-adjustment on that side of one of the heat-sealing machines.(Oddly, the heat-sealing of the plastic protective pouches also tends to be slightly faulty on the same side.)I've just re-stocked again (these masks, and also a different brand), and we'll see it it's been resolved...

My go to mask since the pandemic. Won't be without them. I take public transportation every day and it makes me feel better about my overall health and safety. I especially like the no fog factor with glasses because the seal is quite good.If you have a really big, bulbous head, you need to stretch out the straps before putting it on. And don't stretch them out from the middle. Stretch them out from the sealed ends attached the mask. Pinch the seal between your fingers and GENTLY stretch out the straps. GENTLY as in not like you're trying to rip them off the mask.