And where do you get N95s that filter outgoing air effectively? Besides, even these N95s are leagues better than the Chinese mass-produced KN95 junk you see on something like Amazon.
Edit: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/your-health/free-masks.html
Here the CDC lists brands and models of masks that are effective in protecting yourself and others. As you say, the 8511 just happens to be one with an exhalation valve. I do remember the CDC explicitly saying exhalation valves were a no-go during the pandemic, so I don't think anyone looking for N95s for COVID protection would buy masks with valves anyway. There are other options available from hardware stores.

[–] SkepticElliptic@beehaw.org 3 points 1 year ago

I had a box of 3m n95 without valve at the start of the pandemic. Felt a little weird masking up before everyone else was for our pregnancy appointments at the hospital. Had to argue with my wife just to wear the damn things since a hospital was the most likely place to get infected and nobody knew how it might affect pregnant women and babies yet.

Kid was born into a pandemic and mass protesting going on. Of course by the time we went in for the birth they had increased their covid protocols and we weren't allowed to leave our little hospital room and I wasn't allowed to come back if I left. We spent 5 days in that cramped room.

[–] Duamerthrax@lemmy.ml 1 points 1 year ago (1 children)

I don’t think anyone looking for N95s for COVID protection would buy masks with valves anyway.

I remember seeing some people wearing the vented ones. One news anchor that was interviewing people going to the beach was wearing a vented mask asking people if they thought it was safe. I hate people.

[–] EremesZorn@beehaw.org 1 points 1 year ago

Then they're not properly educated, they have no better option, or in the case of the news anchor, they're a parasite feeding on fear.