[Yardstick]

The point is that not all N95 masks have the valve. That’s why it’s described as “optional” in your link. My impression is that most N95s do not have the valve.

Either way it’s a moot point since the vast majority of people are not wearing N95 masks. They’re wearing surgeon masks or homemade bandana type things.

[Svartalfiar]

The point is that not all N95 masks have the valve. That’s why it’s described as “optional” in your link. My impression is that most N95s do not have the valve.

This depends on the sourcing. I would think that most people that bought N95 masks likely got them from Lowe's/HomeDepot/Ace/etc, designed for sawdust and such. I don't think I've ever seen valved ones there.

But like Yardstick said, most people are either wearing the blue/white surgical-style ones that can't seal to the face and are useless, or the "fashionable" cloth ones that have who knows what kind of filtration level. And almost certainly no testing or certification for that.