Doctors recommend N95 and KN95 masks, which feature multiple layers of disposable material. (Tom Wrobleski/Staten Island Advance) Tom Wrobleski/Staten Island Advance

STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. — Many Americans have built up extensive collections of cloth masks in an effort not to catch or spread coronavirus (COVID-19), but as omicron variant cases surge around the country, doctors are advising the public to find a more reliable face covering.

They recommend N95 and KN95 masks, which feature multiple layers of disposable material. The surgical-style respirator masks are preferred by medical professionals and do a better job of filtering particles away from your face.

These masks fit better and filter particles better than cloth masks, two of Staten Island’s top doctors told the Advance/SILive.com.

“N95 masks really protect better than other masks,’’ said Dr. Brian McMahon, chairman of pediatrics at Richmond University Medical Center. “It’s the best protection that we have now.’’

Since N95 masks are the preferred mask of medical professionals and are in high-demand in hospital settings, another strong choice is the KN95, the mask Dr. Eric Cioe-Pena said he chose for his family and recommends to his friends.

“They’re pretty tight-fitting,’’ said Cioe-Pena, director of global health at Staten Island University Hospital.

Though N95 and KN95 masks are hard to come by in stores these days, we found a few available online, if you’re willing to wait a few days for delivery.

Here’s a look at five of the tops masks we found available online:

The multi-layer N95 maks by FangTian are certified and preferred by medical professionals.

1. FangTian N95 Certified Particulate Respirator Mask: Made of melt-blown, non-woven fabric, the FangTian mask is adjustable and is designed for easy breathing. The adjustable nose clip helps in obtaining a good seal and the latex fabric is comfortable. We found them in a pack of 40 on Amazon.com for $62.99. They’re also available in a pack of 20 for $36.99.

Miuphro makes KN95 masks in several colors, or in white.

2. We found colorful N95 masks, made by Miuphro, available in a pack of 25 for $49.74. The masks are disposable and made of five layers that block 95% of particles and provide comfort with high-filter efficiency. The masks are foldable, and fit the human face tightly, for the best protection. These KN95 face masks use skin-friendly non-woven fabric, which cause no irritation to skin. The high elastic ear loops and adjustable nose clip ensure a comfortable fit. They’re available on Amazon.com.

The NIOSH-approved BNX masks by AccuMed are comprised of five layers.

3. The AccuMed BNX N95 NIOSH Particulate Respirator Protective Face Mask is made in the United States. A 10-Pack of white masks sells for $21.99 on Amazon.com. Manufactured by BNX, the AccuMed masks are certified for protection against 95% of non-oil based particles 0.3 microns or larger. The five-layer filtration system is extremely breathable and is latex-free. Get the mask in just over a week on Amazon.com.

ChiSip's folding protective KN95 mask is available in several colors.Courtesy of ChiSip

4. The ChiSip KN95 Face Mask has a five-ply cup for dust safety and breathable protection. It fits men and women and is available in six colors or multi-color packs. The 3D shape of the KN95 mask is designed according to the human face shape to ensure tightness and safety. On Amazon.com, you can get them in a 20 pack for $39.99 or in a 60-pack set for $65.99.

Hotodeal's KN95 maks are available on Amazon.com.Courtesy of Hotodeal

5. The Hotodeal KN95 Face Mask comes in five colors. Its five layers are dust-resistant and the filter efficiency of this KN95 mask is over 95%. The KN95 masks are made of two outer non-woven layers, two inner melt-blown filtering layers, and one middle non-woven cotton layer to absorb moisture. They feature a flexible metal nose clip. You can order 20 for $35.99 in white, 20 for $39.99 in purple, or 20 for $36.99 in blue.

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