Rochester shoppers preparing for predicted wildfire smoke this weekend can find N95 respirators at several local retailers, but prices and pack sizes vary widely. The Environmental Protection Agency recommends using an N95 to protect the lungs from wildfire smoke, and area stores have been stocking different brands and pack configurations ahead of the forecasted haze.
Where stores in Rochester have N95s and what they cost
News Block checked multiple stores across the city and nearby suburbs. Availability and price differed by location:
- Home Depot (Irondequoit): masks ranging from a 3-pack listed as low as $6, though the store on-site had 2-packs for $8 in stock.
- Walmart (Hudson Avenue): 2-pack for just over $8 and 3-pack for $10, though the Hudson Avenue location appeared to be running low.
- Lowe’s (Greece): selection of masks with the cheapest observed option a 2-pack for $10.
- Amazon (online): 3-packs priced at just under $10.
- CVS: 3-packs for just over $11; the CVS website showed in-stock locations including Mt. Hope Avenue (Rochester), Brockport and Penn Yan.
- Walgreens: a 7-pack for $20, which represents the lowest per-mask cost among the options checked and was listed as in stock at several area stores on the chain’s site.
| Store | Pack size | Price | Approx. unit price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Home Depot (Irondequoit) | 2-pack (available) | $8 | $4.00 |
| Walmart (Hudson Ave) | 2-pack / 3-pack | $8+ / $10 | $4.00 / $3.33 |
| Lowe’s (Greece) | 2-pack | $10 | $5.00 |
| Amazon (online) | 3-pack | just under $10 | ≈$3.33 |
| CVS (Mt. Hope Ave, Brockport, Penn Yan) | 3-pack | just over $11 | ≈$3.67 |
| Walgreens (area stores) | 7-pack | $20 | ≈$2.86 |
The EPA recommends an N95 to protect your lungs from wildfire smoke.
Tips for Rochester shoppers
Local shoppers should note a few practical points observed while checking stores:
- Stock levels can vary even between nearby locations; call ahead if you need a large quantity.
- Walmart displayed masks in the home-improvement aisle at the Hudson Avenue store rather than the health section — check different parts of the store if you don’t see them on a shelf.
- Buying larger multipacks (for example, the Walgreens 7-pack listed at $20) can reduce the per-mask cost; compare pack sizes before purchasing.
For residents with specific health concerns, the EPA guidance that N95 respirators are recommended for wildfire smoke remains the baseline public-health advice. If you rely on masks for medical reasons, consider checking pharmacy stock updates online or by phone in the morning when stores restock.
Rochester area officials have urged residents to be prepared when smoke is forecasted; having an appropriate mask on hand and understanding local availability can help people protect themselves during a weekend affected by wildfire haze.
