# Wildfire Smoke Protection

Air quality alert active. Wildfire smoke from Canada and Minnesota has put air quality alerts across 11 states, from the Upper Midwest to the Northeast. If you have to be outside, the NWS advises wearing an N95. Wildfire smoke protection Protect your family from wildfire smoke. Wildfire smoke carries PM2.5, fine particles that reach deep into the lungs and bloodstream. A properly fitted N95 or KN95 filters at least 95% of them. Cloth and surgical masks do not. Everything below is in stock and ships fast from our US warehouse. Shop recommended masks ≥95% PM2.5 filtration (N95 & KN95) 11 States under air quality alerts In stock Ships fast from our US warehouse Recommended masks for smoke Our team's picks, in order of protection. Every option filters the PM2.5 in wildfire smoke. Gold standard N95 Respirator NIOSH-approved under TC-84A-7447. The tightest seal and highest assurance for smoke. from $1.99 / mask Shop N95 Best for all-day KN95 3D Pro Premium 3D fit, anti-fogging, adjustable ear loops. Comfortable enough to wear for hours. from $2.49 / mask Shop KN95 3D Pro Everyday KN95 3D The comfortable 3D fit in a range of colors and sizes. A great everyday smoke mask. from $1.99 / mask Shop KN95 3D Best value KN95 (Classic) Individually wrapped, five layers. Stock up for the whole household at the lowest cost per mask. from $1.49 / mask Shop KN95 Masks for kids Children need a mask sized for smaller faces, an adult mask gaps at the edges and loses its seal. Our Kids KN95 comes individually wrapped in sizes for ages 2 through 12. Shop kids' masks Mix & match your colors and sizes Not sure which size fits, or want a different color for each person? The KN95 3D comes in every size and shade, buy exactly the mix your household needs. Build your mix Which mask is right for you? All of these filter smoke particles. The difference is fit, comfort, and certification. Mask Best for Standard Fit N95 Respirator Highest protection, hazardous air NIOSH (TC-84A-7447) Tight seal KN95 3D Pro All-day comfort KN95 3D, adjustable loops KN95 3D Everyday wear KN95 3D, adjustable loops KN95 Classic Best value, bulk KN95 Standard ear loop Kids KN95 Ages 2–12 KN95 Sized for children Wildfire smoke & masks: FAQ Medically reviewed guidance from our health team. Do N95 and KN95 masks actually help with wildfire smoke? Yes. Wildfire smoke's main health hazard is PM2.5, fine particulate matter 2.5 microns or smaller that penetrates deep into the lungs. N95 and KN95 respirators are designed to filter at least 95% of these particles. Cloth masks, bandanas, and standard surgical masks do not seal to the face and offer little PM2.5 protection. N95 or KN95, which should I choose? The N95 is the gold standard: it is NIOSH-approved and forms the tightest seal, so it is the best choice when air quality is hazardous or you have a respiratory condition. KN95 masks offer comparable filtration and are often more comfortable for longer wear, which makes them a strong choice for the general public. Either is far better than no mask or a cloth one. How long does a mask last in smoky conditions? Replace a respirator after roughly 8 to 40 hours of use, sooner in heavy smoke. Change it right away once breathing becomes harder, or if it gets dirty, damp, or the fit loosens. In dense smoke, plan on more frequent changes, which is why many people keep a supply on hand. Should the mask have an exhalation valve? For smoke-only protection, a valve is fine and can make breathing easier. If you also want to reduce the spread of illness to others, choose a mask without a valve, since valves let your unfiltered breath out. Can my kids wear an adult mask? It is not ideal. An adult mask gaps around a child's smaller face and loses its seal, which is where protection comes from. Use a mask sized for children so it fits snugly. Ours are sized for ages 2 through 12. When should we start wearing masks? Follow your local Air Quality Index (AQI). Sensitive groups, children, older adults, and people with heart or lung conditions, should take precautions once the AQI passes about 101. Everyone should limit outdoor exposure and consider a mask as levels climb into the unhealthy range (151+). Check real-time conditions at AirNow.gov, linked below. Check conditions & official guidance Before you head out, check the air where you are. AirNow.gov Real-time Air Quality Index by ZIP code, from the EPA. Check your AQI → CDC: Staying Safe in Smoke Official CDC guidance. It advises a NIOSH-approved respirator when you must go outside. Read CDC guidance → Best Masks for Wildfire Smoke Our medically reviewed guide to choosing and fitting a smoke mask. Read the guide → Shipping Ships fast from the US Orders ship from our US warehouse, with expedited options at checkout for the affected states. Free shipping over $79 Stock up for the household and shipping is on us. Need it now? Choose an expedited method at checkout to get masks to your door in the smoke window. N95 respirators referenced here are NIOSH-approved. KN95 masks meet the KN95 standard and are not NIOSH-approved. This page is general information, not medical advice; follow guidance from your local health authority and AirNow.gov for real-time conditions.