Let’s talk about why you should be wearing N95 masks instead of cloth or surgical masks if you want to protect yourself from harmful particulates released by the Southern California wildfires.

In that case, Jubanyik recommends you consider double masking with a surgical mask and a cloth mask. “Surgical masks (disposable) should fit well; using the bendable nosepiece and tying a knot ...

But the Food and Drug Administration has also approved some KN95 and FFP2 masks made in China and Europe that offer comparable protection. Disposable surgical masks are also made of non-woven fabric.