Did you wear a mask in public prior to covid if not being sick in general is that important to you?
I didn't wear masks in public prior to covid-19, but I had a stash of N95's already because I had an outdoor project in 2017 that took weeks and wildfires were raging not far from me. They came in handy in 2020. I bought more then but the prices quadrupled or more. They've come back down now. 3M's, the best I know of.
Years before the pandemic I used to see a lady who always walked around town masked. She was very noticeable that way. I assume she needed to for some reason. How times have changed!