Who would have thought that in just a few short months, we’d all develop such fervent opinions on face-covering? If you’re having trouble deciding which type of mask is right for you or looking for an affordable option that works, we’ve done the research for you.
Our top 10 face masks for virus protection
- eBay Anti air pollution Face Mask — Best price
- Gorman Plain Face Masks — Best reusable mask
- The Friendly Mask Shop Disposable Face Masks — Best surgical masks
- ASOS Oakley fitted light cloth face-covering in black — Best for sports
- ASP Medical KN95 Face Mask — Best KN95 mask
- SParms SP Reusable Face Mask — Best Technology
- Aussie Pharma Direct AMD P2 (N95 Standard) NANO-TECH Particulate Respirator — Best N95 Mask
- BambooMasks Face Masks BAM l’original — Best 3Ply mask
- Amazon ABG Accessories 3-Pack Reusable Fabric Face Mask — Best design options
- Labuschewski Adult Unisex Non-Surgical Mask — Best for ear comfort
eBay Anti air pollution Face Mask — Best price
If you’re looking for an affordable option that also offers a fair degree of protection against COVID 19, then this mask from eBay might be right for you. This 2ply mask has a pocket for a removable filter and a silicone valve. Besides protecting you from droplets in the air, this face-covering also filters pollution and allergens.
Pros
- 2ply 100% cotton face mask with a pocket for a removable filter
- Machine washable and reusable
- Adjustable ear loops
- Affordable price
- Filters droplets, pollution, and pollen
Cons
- Comes with only one carbon face mask filter
- The valve could potentially restrict your breathing
Gorman Plain Face Masks — Best reusable mask
If you value practicality, you’ll love these face-coverings. These masks are made from highly breathable cotton fabric. So, you’ll be able to wash your mask without worrying about compromising its effectivity. When you buy the Gorman Plain face masks, you’ll get eight single-use filters. When you run out, you can easily repurchase filters on the Gormain online store.
Pros
- Five 2ply 100% cotton cloth face-coverings which blocks harmful particles in the air
- Works with Single-use Nano MeltBlown Filters, which is the same material used in N95 face masks
- Includes 40 filters
- Adjustable ear loops
- Machine washable
- Lightweight and breathable
Cons
- Filters need to be repurchased
The Friendly Mask Shop Disposable Face Masks — Best surgical mask
These disposable face-coverings should keep you protected during the pandemic. They offer high levels of filtration and absorb any moisture that you exhale. Additionally, the masks are designed for comfort — they have elasticated ear loops and a nose bridge that you can adjust.
Pros
- 3-ply single-use disposable face masks
- Filters more than 99% of particles in the air
- Comes in a pack of 50
- Plastic nose bridge
- Elastic ear loops
Cons
- Disposable masks create a lot of waste
- Not as cost-effective as a reusable mask
ASOS Oakley fitted light cloth face-covering in black — Best for sports
This Mask from ASOS will keep you protected as you take part in all of the sporting activities you love. The Oakley fitted face mask has a slightly larger design that makes it easier for you to breathe while you exercise. It has wrap-around straps that help you get the best fit without any gaps. It also features a reflective tab to keep you visible when jogging at night or early morning.
Pros
- 95% polyester, 5% spandex fabric, which ensures breathability while filtering harmful agents
- Four-way stretch that moves with you as you exercise.
- Sweat-wicking O Hydrolix technology that draws the sweat away from your skin
- Reflective tab to keep you visible
- Wrap-around straps that help get the best seal and keeps any harmful droplets away from your face
Cons
- Experts recommend at least two layers of cloth for effective face masks. Unfortunately, this face-covering only consists of a single layer.
- This mask is more expensive than other face-coverings that offer a higher level of protection.
- Not machine washable
ASP Medical KN95 Face Mask — Best KN95 face mask
ASP Medical’s lab-tested KN95 face-coverings offer a fair degree of protection against COVID 19. These face-coverings filter up to 95% of airborne particles. They also absorb any moisture that you exhale while wearing the mask.
Pros
- Filters up to 95% of airborne particles
- Provides dust and pollen protection
- Fluid resistant
- Elastic ear loops for a more comfortable fit
- Nose clip for a smooth fit
Cons
- Single-use item
- Very expensive compared to other disposable face-coverings
SParms SP Reusable Face Mask — Best Technology
Not a fan of disposable masks, but you still want maximum safety from the Coronavirus? This face-covering ensures that all contaminants are blocked thanks to a blend of polyester, polyurethane, and nanosilver yarn. To top it off, it also offers UPF 50+ sun protection.
Pros
- 2ply face cover, which helps to absorb exhaled moisture and blocks any droplets from being inhaled
- Polyester 94%, polyurethane 6% with nanosilver yarn weaved into the fabric prevents particles from reaching your face
- Reusable and hand washable
- UPF 50+ sun protection, which is ideal for individuals who spend a lot of time outdoors
- Available in multiple sizes from 2XS to XL
Cons
- Not machine washable
- Needs to be replaced after 30 washes
- Ear loops are not adjustable
Aussie Pharma Direct AMD P2 (N95 Standard) NANO-TECH Particulate Respirator — Best N95 Mask
Take the stress out of going out in public with this N95 face cover. Consists of four layers of breathable nano-filters, blocking 99.6% of particles in the air. Its three-panel design ensures a tight fit and minimises gaps.
Pros
- 4ply Disposable Mask that absorbs and blocks any COVID 19 droplets that may be in the air
- Nanofibre filters which are a dense fabric that keeps particles separated from the interior layer of the mask
- 50 individually packaged face masks
- Light and breathable design
- Elastic ear loops will keep you comfortable
Cons
- Single-use face covers create a significant amount of medical waste
BambooMasks Face Masks BAM l’original — Best for all-day use
These 3ply face-coverings are comfortable and highly breathable. The outer layers are made from a soft natural fibre cloth that makes it easy to keep your mask on all day. It also contains an inner polyester layer, which helps filter viral droplets and blocks any exhaled fluids.
Pros
- 3ply face-covering, which is the WHO’s recommended number of layers for optimal protection against COVID 19
- Exterior: 60% Viscose bamboo, 40% cotton that is cool and breathable
- Inner: 100% polyester fabric to block any moisture from being inhaled
- Adjustable elastic ear loops
- Machine washable
Cons
- These masks are more expensive than other reusable options that offer the same level of protection
Amazon ABG Accessories 3-Pack Reusable Fabric Face Mask — Best design options
If you like matching your mask to your outfit, then you’ll love the variety of face-covering available from AGB. These 2ply reusable face masks are available in a wide variety of colours and patterns. It also has adjustable ear loops, which stretch to fit your face and reduce gaps.
Pros
- 100% Poly Microfibre exterior, which is a dense and durable fabric that helps to reflect any contaminants
- 100% cotton interior to keep you cool and comfortable
- Three different design options in a pack so you can plan coordinating outfits
- Hand washable and reusable
- Elastic ear loops that ensure a tight yet comfortable fit
Cons
- You won’t be able to use any replaceable filters with this face-covering
- Not machine washable
Labuschewski Adult Unisex Non-Surgical Mask — Best for ear comfort
There’s nothing worse than ear strain after wearing your mask all day. The Labuschewski mask comes with adjustable polyester coated rubber elastic attached to the mask’s sides for optimum comfort. You have the option to tie the elastic around your head or your ears, depending on what you find most comfortable.
Pros
- 3ply Mask which filters out harmful pathogens but keeps it breathable
- Fully adjustable ear loops to get the most comfortable fit
- Machine washable
- A dart at the nose bridge helps to prevent your breath from escaping and fogging up your glasses
- Curved chin guard keeps your mask in place when talking
Cons
- This 3ply mask does not offer as much protection as a reusable face-covering with a pocket for a removable filter
Tip for choosing the best face mask
Material
- Disposable: The best disposable masks are generally made of polypropylene, polyethylene, polystyrene, polyester, or polycarbonate.
- Reusable: Good fabric options for reusable face covers include 100% cotton, viscose, bamboo, polycotton blends, Polyester, or Polypropylene.
Breathability
When wearing a mask all day, it is crucial to look for a face-covering that does not restrict breathing. Opt for face-coverings that are made of a breathable fabric. You could also invest in a face-covering with a built-in respirator valve, which helps regulate airflow.
Protection
- Disposable: Before buying a disposable mask, ensure that your mask has been lab-tested to provide a minimum of 95% protection against airborne pathogens.
- Reusable: Generally, 3ply face masks offer the best protection against any viral contaminants. Or, you could opt for a 2ply cover that has a pocket for a removable filter.
Technology
- Disposable: Look for disposable face-covering with water-resistant technology built into the mask. You may also want to look for masks with particular allergen blocking filters included in the mask’s structure.
- Reusable: Some masks have built-in technology like droplet blocking membranes, nanosilver fibres or special filters made from nano metals or activated charcoal.
Cleaning
When wearing a mask every day, it may be a good idea to look for something easy to maintain. So, you’ll want to look for face-coverings that are machine washable.
Cost
Covid19 masks are available from as little as $8.00 for a single mask, or you could pay up to $40.00 for a specialised face-covering. You should note that with masks, you get what you pay for. Generally, more expensive masks provide you with more protection against the Coronavirus.
Fit
- Disposable: Generally, disposable masks come in one size fits all options. But, you’ll also be able to find disposable masks with sizes that range from Small to Large.
- Reusable: Before buying a reusable cover, it might be a good idea to measure your face to ensure you get the best fit. You’ll need to measure from ear to ear, over the bridge of your nose. After that, measure from under your chin up to the bridge of your nose.
Styles
You’ll be able to find a wide variety of face masks, each with a slightly different style. The most popular are pleated masks, 3-panel masks, or two-panel masks that have the seam running over the bridge of your nose down to your chin.
Additional features
Adjustable ear loops, nose clips that prevent glasses from fogging up, pockets for filters, built-in membranes, or nanofibres.
Compare our top picks for face-covering
| Product | Price per mask | Useability | Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| eBay Anti air pollution Face mask | $8.49 | Reusable |
|
| Gorman Plain Face Masks | $10.00 | Reusable |
|
| The Friendly Mask Shop Disposable Face Masks | $34.95 for a box of 50 | Single-use |
|
| ASOS Oakley fitted light cloth face-covering in black | $30.00 | Reusable |
|
| ASP Medical KN95 Face Mask | $7.95 for two | Single-use |
|
| SParms SP Reusable Face Mask – Best Technology | $14.95 | Reusable – Needs to be replaced after 30 washes |
|
| Aussie Pharma Direct AMD P2 (N95 Standard) NANO-TECH Particulate Respirator | $149.00 for a box of 50 | Single-use |
|
| BambooMasks Face Masks BAM l’original | $48.00 for 4 | Reusable |
|
| Amazon ABG Accessories 3-Pack Reusable Fabric Face Mask | $19.37 for 3 | Reusable |
|
| Labuschewski Adult Unisex Non-Surgical Mask – Best for ear comfort | $33.00 for 3 | Reusable |
|
Take note: These prices are for September 2020
Conclusion
When choosing a face-covering, you’ll want to look for one that has at least two layers and a tight weave to block any viral contaminants. However, the best option for you depends on your unique needs and personal preference.
Frequently asked questions and answers
Are face masks reusable?
Disposable, surgical, and KN95 face masks are single-use items. Cloth face masks can typically be reused multiple times.What’s the difference between n95 and kn95?
N95 face-coverings is the Chinese standard for masks, while KN95 face masks are the American standard. They are quite similar, with both filtering out at least 95% of particles in the air. The most significant difference is that N95 masks are tested to have less than 8% of inward leakage while KN95 face masks are not tested to this standard.Which face masks are the best for glass wearers?
Avoid foggy glasses by opting for a face mask that has a wire across the nose bridge. This helps to create a tight seal, so no air escapes and steams up your glasses. If you’re not a fan of the nose wire, look for masks with darts at the nose bridge or face-coverings with a three-panel design.What’s the best face mask for exercising?
This depends on personal preference, but there are a few things you can take into consideration when choosing an exercise face-covering. Look for a larger size so that you have more room to breathe. You might also want to consider something that draws your sweat away from your skin. Finally, masks that attach behind your head instead of behind your ears are more likely to maintain a comfortable fit.Where can you buy surgical face masks?
Generally, surgical face masks can be bought at your local pharmacy or purchased one online.How long can you wear a surgical face mask?
Although you’ll need to wear a new disposable surgical mask daily, there are a few additional guidelines. Replace your surgical face mask if:- It gets wet or dirty,
- You touch the inside of your mask,
- You eat or drink anything.
How to use a surgical face mask correctly?
- Clean your hands.
- Use the earloops to pull the face-covering over your ears.
- Make sure the mask comes up to the bridge of your nose and under your chin.
- It should cover your mouth and nose. Tighten the loops to ensure a tight fit.
- Try not to touch your face or mask
- Wash or sanitize your hands before removing the mask.
- Use the ear loops to pull the face-covering off.
- Use a sanitizer or antibacterial soap to clean your hands after handling the used face-covering.
