If you are planning to move or travel to China, you should consider buying anti-pollution masks before you depart from your home country. Sure, you can buy masks on-site after arriving, but it’s good to have the masks available from day one. This is especially if you arrive on a day when the air quality is worse.
There are plenty of brands available online that sell masks with different designs, filters, and in different price segments. In this article, we list some of the most popular brands available and explain what makes their masks unique.
You can have a look at the specific models on Amazon.com
Ps. From time to time, masks run out of stock, this is especially the case in events of virus outbreaks. This happened during the coronavirus outbreak in late 2019, for example. If that’s the case, we recommend you contacting the sellers to clarify when new masks will be available.
1. Airinum
Airinum produces high-quality masks that have 3-layer filters and protect you from germs, dust, smoke, allergies, PM 2.5 pollution ash, and more. The filters have a five-layer structure and activated carbon, filtering out harmful dust and odor.
The masks are made of soft cotton fabric and easily absorb sweat and dry quickly. Thanks to the 3-layer filters, you’ll also notice that there are less heat and moisture, making it easier and smoother for you to breath.
Amazon:
- Model: Airinum Urban Air Mask 2.0
- Price: Around USD 69, (1 Masks+ 2 Filters)
2. BASE CAMP Dust Breathing Mask
The BASE CAMP Dust Breathing Mask is one of the most popular in the market that offers good protection from dust and pollution. The mask is made of nylon, is lightweight, cool, and comfortable. Thus, it can be a good option if you use the mask during hot summer days in China.
The mask filters out 99% of chemicals, exhaust, and dust, pollen, smoke, and fumes. It’s a reusable mask that often comes with extra filters. The mask also brings comfort as it’s strapped around your head, rather than just behind your ears. You can use it for a longer time without getting any pain.
The masks come with a modern design and often in dark colors, such as grey and black. But also find the masks in other colors.
Amazon:
- Model: BASE CAMP Dust Breathing Mask
- Price: Around USD 35, 1-pack, 6 extra filters
- Model: BASE CAMP Dust Breathing Mask
- Price: Around USD 40, 2-pack, 6 extra filters
- Model: BASE CAMP Authentic Replacement Parts, Active Carbon N99 Filters
- Price: Around USD 37.96, 12-pack of filters
3. Cambridge Pollution Mask
The Cambridge Pollution Mask is a slightly more expensive option but offers great protection. It comes with a lab-tested British Military Filtration Technology and filters almost 100% of pollution, gases, and bacteria and viruses.
It protects you against harmful gases, odors, all PMs (PM2.5, PM0.3), pollen, smoke, allergens and pathogens. The world’s most trusted reusable anti-pollution mask now with adjustable straps, perfect for travel, especially to China or India.
The mask is suitable for people living in or traveling to areas with high air pollution/smoke levels, such as India or China. It’s also suitable for people who are at risk of respiratory diseases. You’ll find it in five different sizes.
Amazon:
- Model: Sherlock M Pro
- Price: Around USD 109, 1-pack
- Model: 65 Roses S Pro Limited Edition
- Price: Around USD 109, 1-pack
4. FIGHTECH Dust Mask
The FIGHTECH Dust Mask has received numerous positive reviews on Amazon and comes with a modern and sleek design. It has 4 carbon filters and has an ear loop-design that prevents the pollution mask from slipping off.
The mask is also equipped with valves which helps to reduce heat build-up inside the respirator. It can be used to protect you from non-toxic dust, pollen, mold, fumes, common airborne irritants and other non-oil based particles. Besides, it can be used for allergies or if you have the flu.
Amazon:
- Model: Mouth Mask Respirator with 4 Carbon Filters
- Price: Around USD 26.99, 1-pack
- Model: Mouth Mask Respirator with 4 Carbon Filters
- Price: Around USD 35.99, 1-pack
5. 3M
3M is a large American conglomerate and one of the most famous brands producing pollution masks. They have a strong presence in China and elsewhere in Asia. One of their most popular models is the 8511PB1-A-PS Particulate N95 Respirator with Valve, which has received thousands of reviews on Amazon.
The benefit of using a 3M mask with filter compared to a regular surgical mask is that it’s thicker and tighter, giving you better protection from dust, pollution, and bacteria. The mask provides at least 95% filtration efficiency against solid and liquid aerosols that don’t contain oil.
You can find plenty of Amazon sellers having 3M mask, below I’ve included some options.
Amazon:
- Model: 8511PB1-A-PS Particulate N95 Respirator with Valve
- Price: USD 180, 40-pack
- Model: 3M 8511 Respirator, N95, Cool Flow Valve
- Price: USD 63.50, 4-pack
- Model: 3M 8511 Respirator, N95, Cool Flow Valve (2-Pack)
- Price: USD 12.99, 2-pack
6. RZ Mask
RZ Mask is an American brand and one of their most popular products is the M2 mask, which has a mesh construction and tough durability. The masks have an adjustable nose clip and Velcro strap, for comfortable usage. The mask comes with one size and the filters are tested at Nelson Laboratories in the US.
You can choose between plenty of colors such as grey, red, orange, dark blue, and black. Thanks to its mesh construction, the mask is suitable to use in warmer climates, like in Asia. The mask has a filtration rate of 99.9%, making it a good option if you want to be fully protected.
Amazon:
- Model: RZ Mask M2 Mesh Dust/Pollution Mask
- Price: USD 34.95, 1-pack
- Model: RZ Mask Model M1
- Price: USD 24.35, 1-pack
- Model: RZ Mask M2 Mask
- Price: USD 25.75, 1-pack
What is the difference between N95 and N99 masks?
N99 air masks are slightly better and can filter up to 99% of the particulate matter 2.5 (PM 2.5). N95 filters, on the other hand, can filter out 95% of the particulate matter 2.5. Yet, many masks don’t work against oil-based pollutants, which is stated on Amazon and the products websites. If you can afford an N99 mask and want greater protection, you should go for this option.
Does N95 protect against smoke?
Yes, N95 filters can protect your lungs from smoke and ash. Just be sure that the mask is fitted to your face as tightly as possible.
Photo Credits: 
Data Masking by Ian Sane
