When we tested this mask in the lab, we discovered the filtration efficiency had been reduced to about 30%. Always put your mask on over a clean face. Best clay mask: Cetaphil Derma Control Purifying Clay Mask. Supermarket twist ties can work, too, said Juan Hinestroza, an associate professor of fiber science at Cornell University. Many testers loved the filter-incorporated L.L.Bean Non-Medical Mask, which looked and felt like the filter-incorporated Enro Tech Mask. To add to the confusion, the surgical-style masks you see online and in many stores are probably not professional-grade surgical masks. Each pack comes with a biodegradable storage pouch. Whats more, if youre wearing a two-layer mask, and the person next to you is wearing the same mask, youre each protected by four layers of filtration. But as the World Health Organization explained to us in an email, when the focus is preventing the spread of the coronavirus, such valves are problematic because by design they can let unfiltered air escape. Hana Akselrod, MD, MPH, infectious disease physician and assistant professor of medicine, George Washington University, phone interview, July 1, 2020, Sarah Brooks, PhD, director of the Center for Atmospheric Chemistry and the Environment at Texas A&M University, phone interview, June 19, 2020, Lawrence Chu, MD, director of the Anesthesia Informatics and Media Lab, Stanford University School of Medicine, Zoom interview, June 26, 2020, Loretta Fernandez, PhD, associate professor of civil and environmental engineering at Northeastern University, phone interview, June 19, 2020, Supratik Guha, PhD, professor of molecular engineering at the University of Chicago Pritzker School of Molecular Engineering, phone interview, June 26, 2020, Juan Hinestroza, PhD, associate professor of fiber science and director of The Textiles Nanotechnology Laboratory at the College of Human Ecology of Cornell University, Zoom interview, July 10, 2020, Grace Jun, assistant professor of fashion and disability at The New School, Parsons School of Design, New York City, and CEO of Open Style Lab, phone interview, June 23, 2020, Michael Kaye, adjunct professor at FIT and founder of Michael Kaye Couture, phone interview, June 17, 2020, Carrie Kovarik, MD, associate professor of dermatology at the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania, phone interview, June 29, 2020, Ryan Lively, PhD, associate professor in the School of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering at Georgia Tech, phone interview, July 3, 2020, Christian LOrange, PhD, associate director of the Center for Energy Development and Health, Colorado State University, and assistant professor of research, mechanical engineering, phone interview, January 5, 2021, Mark Losego, PhD, associate professor in the School of Materials Science and Engineering at Georgia Tech, phone interview, July 3, 2020, Raina MacIntyre, PhD, head of the Biosecurity Program, Kirby Institute, University of New South Wales, and principal research fellow at Australias National Health and Medical Research Council, Zoom interview, June 28, 2020, Linsey Marr, PhD, professor of civil and environmental engineering, Virginia Tech, phone interview, June 26, 2020, Robert Mazzeo, PhD, associate professor of integrative physiology, University of Colorado Boulder, phone interview, June 29, 2020, Teresa Oranges, MD, PhD, dermatologist at Anna Meyer Childrens University Hospital in Florence and at the Wound Research Unit at the University of Pisa, Zoom interview, July 13, 2020, Bryan Ormond, PhD, assistant professor of textile engineering, Textile Protection and Comfort Center, Wilson College of Textiles, North Carolina State University, phone interview, June 12, 2020, Robin Patel, MD, professor of individualized medicine and of microbiology at the Mayo Clinic, past president of the American Society for Microbiology, phone interview, July 6, 2020, Amy Price, DPhil, senior research scientist, Anesthesia Informatics and Media Lab, Stanford University School of Medicine, Zoom interview, June 26, 2020, Albert Rizzo, MD, chief medical officer of the American Lung Association, phone interview, June 17, 2020, Nura Sadeghpour, health communications specialist, CDC/NIOSH, email interview, December 23, 2020, Ron Shaffer, PhD, former chief of research at the National Personal Protective Technology Laboratory at the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, phone interview, June 29, 2020, Felicia Scaggs Huang, MD, associate director of infection prevention and control, division of infectious diseases, at Cincinnati Childrens Hospital Medical Center and assistant professor of pediatrics at University of Cincinnati, email interview, June 22, 2020, Shirley Simson, press officer, FDA, email interview, January 15, 2021, Leonardo Trasande, MD, MPP, professor and vice chair of pediatrics and professor of environmental medicine and population health at NYU School of Medicine, author of Sicker Fatter Poorer, phone interview, June 30, 2020, Eric Westman, MD, associate professor of medicine at Duke University School of Medicine, phone interview, August 12, 2020. Among the first cloth masks to be sold in the pandemic, these masks are typically made with polyester, cotton, linen, nylon, or some other fabric combination. This zen beauty is enriched with cucumber extract, mineral-rich seaweed extract . Simson recommends using them only in situations where surgical masks with 510(k) clearance or emergency use authorizations are not available. Why we like it: After getting a design update earlier this year (enhancing chin coverage), the Happy Masks Proa long-time pick in our guide to the best kids masksfinally offered a secure fit for the adults on our panel. Although its true that some masks filter much better than others, a mask wont help if it is constantly slipping down your nose, has large gaps around it, or feels so suffocating that youre forced to take it off. As well explain in more detail below, an extra layer cant hurt (unless the layer makes it so hard to breathe that either the air is forced to go around the mask or you take off the mask). Disposable or reusable: A. So before you buy, make sure your mask at least has multiple layers (read on), preferably with an incorporated filter or a filter pocket (see below). (A bead incorporated into the loops ingeniously prevents the cord stoppers from slipping off.). Healthline Media does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. The Enro Tech is by far the best-fitting and most protective yet breathable mask weve tested. or were exposed to someone with Covid-19, should wear . For longer-term wear, you may want a mask with ties or headbands, which put less pressure on your ears. Long a recommendation in our guide to the best face masks for kids, the Happy Masks Pro is now also an adult pick. Wash your mask according to the label. The easy-to-adjust masks below appeared on our list of favorites before our December 2020 filtration-efficiency and breathability lab tests. The filter-incorporated Inex Gear The Better Mask fit our panelists well, and it felt lighter than many other masks we tried, too. If your measurements fall between designated sizes, size up, and adjust the fasteners as needed. But if you over- or underestimate your size at the time of ordering, as some of our panelists did, its difficult to adjust. Finally, its important to note that even though not all the masks performed well at the smaller particle diameters (aerosol size), all of them did well on the bigger particles (droplet size). The 16-page set of guidelines (you can access the new standard, known as designation F3502, with free registration) details the necessary design and testing considerations required, much of which we discuss in this guide. The company also offers a slightly more expensive version, called the Enro Curv Mask, which tents higher off the face. No mask is guaranteed to provide complete protection. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends masks for the general public. Layers: Each mask has three layers of non-woven polypropylene. $68 at Credo Beauty. The evolvetogether kids KN95 masks fit most children 3 to 8 years old. But we havent tested those versions for filtration efficiency and breathability. Face masks combined with other preventive measures, such as getting vaccinated, frequent hand-washing and physical distancing, can help slow the spread of the virus that causes COVID-19. And avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth during removal, the CDC advises . Our journalists combine independent research with (occasionally) over-the-top testing so you can make quick and confident buying decisions. But if these masks dont suit you, you might try masks that consist of at least two layers of cloth and a pocket that allows you to bolster their protective capabilities with a filter made from non-woven material. You want the mask to go over your nostrils and your mouth in such a way that it doesnt slip off, said Robin Patel, past president of the American Society for Microbiology. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) advises people to reuse an N95 or KN95 face mask a maximum of five times or 40 hours. When you buy through our links, we may earn a commission. But it can have a harmful effect on your face, leading to skin irritations or acne. The Chic Luxe Silk-Satin Face Mask ($8, originally $12) has an antimicrobial lining to help stop the spread of bacteria on the skin. Whether it blocks smaller droplets is a point of controversy. So it enables more filtered air to circulate over your nose and mouth and feels more comfortable. 2023 Wirecutter, Inc., A New York Times Company. Lost in the conversation, however, was the fact that gaiters come in different materials and can be worn in different waysresulting in different degrees of protection against the release of droplets, depending on how the results are measured. A third cloth layer in the Lo & Sons All Day Comfort Face Mask, which attaches with Velcro, can be added or subtracted as needed. 4. N95s and KN95s are available to the public and, if worn consistently and properly, are effective to help prevent the spread of COVID-19. Each layer can make a difference, said Amy Price, a senior research scientist at Stanfords Anesthesia Informatics and Media Lab. Keep your mask (s) clean Oil, nasal mucus, saliva and sweat can get on your face mask wherever it touches your face. For maximum effectiveness, it is important to wear masks properly and ensure they fit correctly. If youre using filters in a mask pocket, have them at the ready too. The Wildhorn Seaview Snorkel Mask takes our top spot for its advanced Flowtech Advanced Air Intake System. Not the most affordable option for a single mask. But its snagging the 1-micron-or-smaller particleswhich can come from you and others breathing and talking at regular volumethats tough. This folding trick (video) was devised for disposable surgical-type masks. While the N99 mask provides more protection, the N95 mask offers more breathability and airflow and is a couple of dollars cheaper than the N99 mask. A statement from Kaiser . Maskne, or face-mask-associated acne, is a reality for many people. Some people might find the straps, which you pull through loops and leave hanging by the ears, weird-looking and prone to slipping. Officially, the company states that its mask can be tumble-dried on low 100 times and still retain its filtration efficiency. Byrdie / Sophia Noulas. They can keep you from seeing clearly. Masks are typically non-refundable; to ensure a reasonable fit, note a masks dimensions, and then measure your face (including the inches added by any facial hair and the height of your nose) with a soft tape measure to confirm that the numbers correspond. Unlike the filter in older versions, the current masks filter extends from edge to edge horizontally, a design that experts say offers more consistent protection across the expanse of the mask. (Microfiber may be more tolerable, though cotton, she said, is the best material in terms of irritation prevention.) The American Academy of Dermatology has additional tips. Our favorite filter-incorporated masks Best balance of fit, comfort, filtration, and breathability: Enro Tech Mask High filtration, generous clearance: Happy Masks Pro A puffed-up. But if your goal is to protect yourself as well as others, a well-fitting mask that balances breathability with filtration efficiency (the percentage of particles that a mask can block) works best, assuming you keep it on. For a secure fit, adjust any back-of-the-head elastic bands by either tying a knot or placing the band atop a ponytail. The lightweight, breathable design of the Powecom KN95 Respirator Face Mask offers five layers of protection. It comes in scores of designs and is machine-washable. As a September 2020 paper from researchers at Northeastern University (PDF) illustrates, a surgical mask sealed to the wearer, with a band cut from a pair of nylon stockings, went from blocking 50% to 75% of small (less than 0.3-micron) particles to blocking 86% to 90%. We havent tested the Happy Mask Ultra for pressure drop values. Adjustable ear loops and three sizes mean that a good seal is realistically achievable for many face types. Pleated masks are designed to accommodate different nose-bridge heights and chin depths. We lab-tested the filtration efficiency of an Enro mask after almost six months of admittedly rough real-life use: worn and machine-washed about 48 times with household laundry on the warm-water setting (so, potentially higher than the 100 degrees Fahrenheit recommended by Enro), and then thrown in a dryer on a 90-minute timed dry cycle (probably hotter than the Enros recommendation to tumble-dry on low). Tight weaves: Your mask is like a chain-link fence. By Zee . Theyre just pleated face masks made from layers of various non-woven materials. We love how it combines high filtration efficiency (filtering out around 94% of 0.5-micron particles) with plenty of room to breathe, thanks to what the makers call a parrot beakshaped silhouette. Tata Harper Superkind Radiance Mask. Ear loops tend to be easy to put on and take off, which is ideal for running impromptu errands and dining outside. But we found the materials too light for our comfort, given that the mask has no pocket to accommodate a non-woven filter. Designed by a company that has long sold disposable medical-style masks for essential workers, the 3M Reusable Daily Face Mask (3-Pack) is a cloth face mask meant for the rest of us. We previously recommended Banana Republics original Face Mask, which the company sold in an economical three-pack. Next, we commissioned an independent lab at Colorado State Universitys Center for Energy Development and Health to test how well the masks might filter droplet- and aerosol-size particles. It depends on not only the frequency at which they are worn and washed but also the humidity levels between your nose and mouth and the mask. Some mask makers may decide to attain these specifications; some may not. No need to use hot water: Heat can shrink some natural fabrics, and it can also hasten wear and tear over time, particularly for synthetic materials. The findings are part, Healthline has strict sourcing guidelines and relies on peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical associations. Take note, though, that these work only with generously cut masks, which maintain a good seal even as the central portion is propped up. Some masks may work well for your particular facial features, circumstances, and preferences. It also has a sewn-in filter layer, which performed fairly well in lab tests we commissioned for filtration efficiency and breathability (filtering 75% of 0.5-micron particles). Include a mix of fasteners. A loose-fitting mask can lead to foggy glasses. But a few, like the Happy Masks Pro, need to be hand-washed. And though chances are good that their high filtration efficiency wont last with prolonged, rigorous wash and wear, theyll still be more protective than all-cloth masks with a similar fit. Generous cut: This is the rare feature that enhances both breathability and filtration. This article was edited by Tracy Vence and Kalee Thompson. However, in our experience, coating our lenses in spit worked just as well to reduce glasses fogging in some cases. The basic rules of using a face covering are fairly straightforward. Although the COVID-19 virus is quite small, the virus typically leaves a persons body contained in liquid droplets, which are much, much larger than the virus itself. Yet it doesnt easily slip when you talk. So we started with the basics: fit and comfort. This face mask . The comfortable design has soft ear loops and an adjustable nose bridge for a secure fit. A mask a day, or two, meets the CDC's recommendations Mask up! The adjustable head straps are made to provide a snug fit thats comfortable enough to wear for long periods. Nevertheless, adding a filter isnt going to hurt, he added. See additional information. Multiple layers: According to a June 2020 meta review, multilayer masks are more protective than single-layer masks, and specifically 1216-layer cotton masks are associated with protection. The Vida NIOSH and FDA Authorized N95 Mask features four protective layers, two headbands, and an adjustable nose bridge. Because double masking can reduce breathability, which may force air around the sides of the mask rather than through it, it isnt a good idea to double up on N95s or KN95s. After all, what good is a highly efficient filter if your kid refuses to wear it? With the ability to help rebalance with a dual mattifying and hydrating action, our Seaweed Balance Sheet Mask is quick, easy, less-messy way to apply a mask, with a sheet pre-prepped to deliver the dreaminess. The tight seal is designed to prevent foggy glasses. Wearing a mask helps keep you and others healthy when it comes to covid-19. Markings are printed on respirators to show that they are genuine. The satiny-surfaced r Face Mask comes with a lightweight removable filter. If the fasteners are too thick, secure a small piece of yarn or string as close to the ends of each loop as appropriate. Learn more. Credit: Courtesy Image. Try a new-to-you mask on at home so that you can evaluate the fit and your comfort before wearing it in public. Whats more, as we now know, the addition of a non-woven layer enhances that protection even further. All of this resulted in a list that we believe includes masks with the most thoughtful and sturdy designs, as well as models that should comfortably fit most faces. NIOSH-Approved Respirators NIOSH approves many types of filtering facepiece respirators. In reality, though, most adult testers didnt feel much of a difference, while a few of the school-aged panelists for our guide to kids masks did.