The Athleta mask strikes a nice balance between providing protection and breathability. Start with the features below—keeping in mind that no mask is guaranteed to provide complete protection. The basic tenets of a face covering are fairly straightforward. When you cough without a mask on, aerosols fly out of your mouth as far as about 8 feet on average, according to a June 2020 study. There are a lot of reasons to hate pollution, but what it does … Mandatory masks in German cities: no relevant impact. “Because the shield is highly reusable, they’re valuable for health-care workers who need to keep their N95 clean for longer,” said Ron Shaffer, former chief of research for the National Personal Protective Technology Laboratory at the CDC’s National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH). But after a tester took it out on a run, the fabric, along with the filter, became completely and uncomfortably drenched. Conversely, the easier it is to breathe through a mask, the less potentially protective it is. Masks are typically non-refundable; to ensure a reasonable fit, note a mask’s 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. Any given mask may very well work for your particular facial features, circumstances, and preferences. Gap’s Adult Contour Mask and the Athleta Made to Move Mask feel nice and come in cute designs. Adjustable ear loops and bendy nose-bridge wire should allow most wearers to create a good seal without stifling their breath. But it’s snagging the 1-micron-or-smaller droplets—which can come from you or others breathing and talking at regular volume—that’s tough. The masks we recommend here are those we believe to have the most thoughtful and sturdy designs, as well as models that should comfortably fit most faces. The nose-bridge wires also didn’t mold well. This is because ear loops can become uncomfortable after a while. We’ll continue to take notes as we slog through supermarket runs, workouts, and (for some of us) daily commutes and eight-hour workdays. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Wear a well-fitted two-layer quilting cotton mask, and those droplets, on average, stop short at a mere 2½ inches. Also, due to the thickness of the fabric, it can be hard to breathe in high heat and humidity, making it is a better mask for cooler temperatures. That’s probably why the Northeastern University researchers have found that nylon-stocking seals often make less of a performance difference when layered over cone-shaped masks than when layered over masks of other shapes (though exactly how much of a difference may vary for different people; only one person took part in the study). A reader complained of mangled elastics, though we haven’t experienced that problem yet—to be safe, air dry your masks instead of machine drying them. Stuffing a filter into the pocket’s opening (a slit cut vertically, top to bottom, at one side) can be frustrating. The company also makes an ear loop version, which we haven’t tried. “The more thread in a given area, the more solid the barrier, the harder it is to get through,” explained North Carolina State University textile scientist Bryan Ormond. We also consulted Wirecutter’s staff writer for fitness, who wore our top picks out on runs. Why we like it: The Banana Republic Face Mask, sold in a three-pack, was among the first to check off all our boxes, offering a pliable nose wire that holds its shape, adjustable ear loops, and a filter pocket. Filter pocket: Some masks, including those we like best, include at least two layers of cloth and a pocket that allows you to bolster your mask with an additional layer or two of your choice, whether it’s another piece of cloth or a sheet of nonwoven material. She says, “It’s nowhere near as cute as the picture. And a not-yet-peer-reviewed preprint issued in October 2020 by researchers at the CDC’s National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health reported that shields blocked only 2% of aerosols emitted by a cough simulator—worse than a drugstore-variety three-ply cloth face mask (which blocked 51%) and a single-layer polyester neck gaiter (47%). The mask you might choose to wear for a trip to the grocery store, for example, isn’t necessarily the same type you’d reach for when exercising. Among masks that come in multiple size options, not all size designations are created equal. Read one writer’s full review. But people rarely, if ever, do. We tried the Figs Fionx Protective Face Mask only in size M/L because the S/M size was sold out at the time; the larger size turned out to be quite large (we confirmed that it could fit over an N95 respirator) albeit pleasingly soft, and the ear-loop elastics were relatively thick and difficult to adjust by knotting. It features comfortable elastic … Neck gaiters, such as those from Buff, gained sudden notoriety in early August 2020 when headlines declared that wearing them was worse than wearing no mask at all. Stash a spare or two in your tote or car. Unfortunately, both masks were too big for my face, but Reviewed Editor Alicia Cypress purchased both versions and loved them. The best feature of this respirator is that it is NIOSH … Here at Reviewed, we are big fans of Tom Bihn. Photo: Sarah Kobos. Specifically, spending more than a cumulative 15 minutes over the course of 24 hours with an infected person constitutes “close contact.” (Independent experts have disputed the rationale behind both the 6-feet-of-distance and 15-cumulative-minutes-of-exposure guidelines, stating that even though the new guidelines are an improvement, droplets can infect others well over 6 feet away, depending on the ventilation, and this can happen in fewer than 15 total minutes.). Our favorite grab-and-go mask, it slips on and off effortlessly and works best for short-term wear if you’re prone to overheating beneath the dense layers of fabric. We love that these masks have three layers of soft cotton material that makes them comfortable to wear, and easy to breathe in. With ear-loop cord stoppers and a filter pocket, there’s room for adjustment. If you love Summersalt swimsuits just as much as we do, you’ll love the look of their masks. The Best Face Masks Review 2020. Burt's Bees Restoring Antioxidant Mask. EVERMARKET Anti-dust Black Mouth Mask. 1,030 global ratings. After many hours spent researching, testing, and wearing multiple masks, we found our favorite face coverings. Stanford’s Amy Price, who co-authored a June 2020 paper on the filtration efficiency of household materials, said that the polypropylene crafting material Oly-Fun can increase particle filtration efficiency by 10% to 20% per layer. You can read more about my thoughts on the popular Under Armour mask here. These features include moldable nose-bridge wires; cord stoppers, adjustable headbands, or ties; and filter pockets. This significantly lengthens the long-term wearability of the mask.”, Adjustable nose wire: Yes Ear loops or ties: Adjustable ear loops Filter: No Different sizes: One size How to wash: Machine wash and lay flat to dry. This way “you have more air coming through the cloth, and that air is filtered, as opposed to air sneaking in from the sides,” said Supratik Guha, a professor at the University of Chicago Pritzker School of Molecular Engineering, who co-authored the April 2020 study on mask materials. The separately sold filters don’t span the entire mask’s shape exactly, so they don’t optimize the filter’s potential for protection. This 1,000 pack of KN95 face masks offers four layers of high-density filtration including two meltbown layers to protect you from non-oily particulates. Unfortunately, few mask makers provide thread-count information online, and you’re left with taking their word for how “sturdy” or “tightly woven” the materials they’re using are. The masks in this review have all been thoroughly tested, but because of supply issues or brand retail policies, not all are in stock or available to purchase online. Adjustable nose wire: Yes Ear loops or ties: Ear loops Filter: No Different sizes: XS/S, S/M, M/L, L/XL, XL/XXL How to wash: Hand wash or machine wash and dry flat. We use standardized and scientific testing methods to scrutinize every product and provide you with objectively accurate results. Here’s what to do: If a pleated mask gapes around your cheeks: This problem is common—most people don’t have rectangular faces. A small review by the University of Oxford claimed that face masks are effective, but it was based on studies about SARS-1 and in health care settings, not in community settings. According to their website, this mask is made for stepping out or jogging and offers performance features like fast-drying, breathability, and UV protection. Each has a pocket for a filter (two included). Masks with see-through panels (such as these masks) may help with lip reading. (He chose this pleated CDC-suggested pattern for his custom small-batch masks.) Flaws but not dealbreakers: One panelist reported that the disc-shaped bead toggles felt uncomfortable against their ears, though most of us weren’t bothered by them. 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, Mark Losego, PhD, associate professor in the School of Materials Science and Engineering at Georgia Tech, phone interview, July 3, 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, Raina MacIntyre, PhD, head of the Biosecurity Program, Kirby Institute, University of New South Wales, and principal research fellow at Australia’s National Health and Medical Research Council, Zoom interview, June 28, 2020, Teresa Oranges, MD, PhD, dermatologist at Anna Meyer Children’s 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, 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 Children’s Hospital Medical Center and assistant professor of pediatrics at University of Cincinnati, email interview, June 22, 2020, 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. The all-cotton fabric is tightly woven yet breathable, and the mask comes with a pocket for a filter (none included) as well as a nose-bridge wire that holds its shape. A fabric face covering for use when going out in public. However, masks with pleats provide more leeway for higher nose bridges, said Michael Kaye, who teaches draping and sewing as an adjunct professor at New York’s Fashion Institute of Technology. For an up-close view of how cloth-mask fibers catch droplets of various sizes, check out this New York Times rendering. The masks that we dismissed outright at the time included models from many popular brands, such as Target’s Adult Fabric Face Mask (no nose-bridge wire), Everlane’s 100% Human Face Mask (no filter pocket or nose-bridge wire), and the beloved, inexpensive Old Navy pleated masks (no filter pocket or nose-bridge wire), as well as Madewell’s Face Mask (no filter pocket, no wire, not machine washable) and the early versions of pleated masks from Gap and Athleta (no filter pocket or nose-bridge wire). He says, “I think the best bit is that for the nose piece, instead of sewing in a piece of metal for you to bend that you can't replace should it break, they use twist ties. The fit of this mask also wasn’t ideal, as it left gaps around my nose and cheeks. Some synthetic fabrics, such as polyester or nylon, can impair the skin barrier and incite inflammation, said dermatologist Teresa Oranges of the University of Pisa’s wound research unit, who has written on the topic. There are still many unknowns, including how much of the virus a person must inhale to cause an infection, said Sarah Brooks, director of the Center for Atmospheric Chemistry and the Environment at Texas A&M University. In October 2020, the CDC published new guidance, recognizing that “COVID-19 can sometimes be spread by airborne transmission,” and that it’s possible to be infected in a poorly ventilated indoor space by a person more than 6 feet away or even shortly after an infected person has left the room. As the CDC suggests, you can wash your mask with the rest of your clothing. Flaws but not dealbreakers: As with the Kitsbow and Graf Lantz masks, the filter-pocket opening is very small (about 3 inches), and slipping in the filter requires both dexterity and patience. The similarly cozy BeatBasic mask—an “Amazon’s Choice” offering with more than 12,000 reviews at this writing—lacked a filter pocket, and its ear loops failed to offer sufficient elasticity. This occurs with the help of electrical charging—rubbing it with a rubber glove—which makes that viral obstacle course even more challenging, at least for 24 hours, unless conditions are extremely humid, Price said. The coronavirus is easily broken down with soap and water whether it’s on your hands or a mask. Why Does it Matter? Why we like it: We normally avoid the fussiness of ties, but according to all but one of our panelists, Rendall’s design makes those on the Sentry mask arguably easy to fasten and adjust. Either way, make sure the mask is completely dry before you wear it again. The Outdoor Research Face Mask Kit we tried was too big for small faces, even with the ear-loop toggles (a smaller size will be introduced soon, though). Take note, though, that these work only with generously cut masks, which maintain a good seal even as the central portion is propped up. Remember, though, that heat accelerates breakdown, particularly with elastics, said Michael Kaye of FIT. This way, if the one you’re wearing gets dirty or wet, you’ll have another handy. Elastic ear loops with cord stops (like those on the Banana Republic and Herschel Supply Co. masks we like) allow for a customizable fit. If the mask doesn’t seal around your nose bridge: You can upgrade wire-free cloth masks by sewing in your own aluminum strips. For a secure fit, adjust any back-of-the-head elastic bands by either tying a knot or placing it atop a ponytail. In contrast to the brand’s Everyday Non Medical Masks, the Made to Move Mask is a lighter, exercise-friendly mask made to … While we love that the masks come in different sizes, the fit might not be perfect for everyone. The face covering is relatively simple and does not have an adjustable nose wire or a pocket for a filter. Photo: Sarah Kobos, The Kitsbow Face Mask in buff (left) and Providence grey (right). If you don’t have a machine, or if the mask manufacturer advises otherwise, hand washing the mask is okay, too. Include a mix of fasteners. I tested masks over the course of four weeks, wearing each one for a minimum of two hours. If you consistently break out in a rash or acne when you wear a cloth face mask, look to the layer of the mask that lies closest to your face. Out of all the masks we tested, this one has the thickest material and the most snug fit, making it one of the best cloth masks in terms of protection. ), The Proper Cloth Everyday Mask in (clockwise from top left) light blue, blue pattern, light blue, and grey melange. This also felt somewhat suffocating. If you can buy more than one mask type, consider choosing one with a top layer treated in such a way as to prevent droplets from soaking in. Best face mask for 2021. Shopping for a cloth face mask is an exercise in compromises. Adjustable nose wire: Yes Ear loops or ties: Ear loops Filter: No Different sizes: S/M, M/L How to wash: Machine wash and dry. Wirecutter is reader-supported. Unfortunately, thick and tight material and a snug fit make it more difficult to breathe. It also does not have an adjustable nose wire or ear loops. If you use one, make sure the filter covers the entire expanse of the mask and that it stays put. The Graf Lantz Zenbu Face Mask in (clockwise from top left) tomato, cloud, black, and olive. Not to mention, a few of our editors are self-proclaimed “Tom Bihn nerds” (they own the masks now, of course). Our staff writer for fitness, who took the mask on runs, appreciated the way it tented up over the nose but didn’t find it particularly moisture-wicking (in fact, it felt clammy at times). 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. (Read on for tips on improving the seal.). Early in the pandemic, health officials considered these tiny aerosol droplets to be less worrisome. Video: Sarah Kobos, Stretchy fabrics allow some masks to fit a larger range of face sizes. (The Banana Republic, Herschel Supply Co., and solid-color Kitsbow masks we like all have some level of water resistance. Take it off immediately without touching the face piece and put on a new one.”. Depending on the placement of the straps, cone-shaped masks can fit quite nicely on the cheeks. Adjustable nose wire: No Ear loops or ties: Ties Filter: No Different sizes: One size How to wash: Machine wash and dry. (Adjustments to the top band are especially crucial for helping the mask fit snugly around your cheeks.) “A wet mask becomes an incubator. Care instructions: hand wash, lay flat to dry, Adjustable nose wire: Yes Ear loops or ties: Ear loops Filter: Built-in filter Different sizes: One size How to wash: Hand wash only. It’s easy to default and pick a mask based on a fun pattern or color, but you may end up with a mask that offers minimal protection or does not fit your face comfortably. As with regular cloth face masks, the key is to create multiple layers and a good seal. That's why WIRED writer Louryn Strampe loves this glitter face mask from the Mighty Company. Video: Sarah Kobos, A wire at the top of some masks molds all around your nose to form a tighter seal. One panelist who describes herself as having a smaller face reported that it “fits perfectly.” The synthetic shell means it’s a tad more water resistant than our all-cotton picks. I also examined the fabric to see if it was substantial or flimsy, and I looked at the overall sewing construction of the mask. After seven months of consistently wearing masks, my favorite is actually the first mask I ever bought — the Outdoor Research Face Mask Kit. Face masks cover the nose and mouth, but are generally loose-fitting, and don’t seal completely. At the beginning of the pandemic, sewing enthusiasts started making their own face masks at home, with some creating mass amounts to donate or sell to those in need. Currently, we’re evaluating (or awaiting deliveries of) the Lo & Sons All Day Comfort Face Mask, the new cotton-polyester Banana Republic Face Mask with headbands, and the polyester-spandex Banana Republic Flyweight Face Mask with ear loops. Athleta Made to Move Mask. I recently read some rave reviews about Everlane's face masks — and I noticed that Angelina Jolie has been sporting one — so I decided to give it … It does come with its own filter, though, which can help make up for the weaker material. The nose-bridge wire keeps its shape, the chin coverage is better than most, and the cinched sides of this mask allow the fabric to tent up higher off the face, providing more breathing room. Guidance on face mask use for the coronavirus may be shifting because, in large part, we can’t always tell who is ill and who isn't. That being said, masks have become a part of my everyday life when grocery shopping, running or walking outside, and participating in other socially-distant activities, so I know just how important it is to have a good one. Any mask is better than no mask to help slow the spread of the coronavirus, and now that everyone and their grandparents are selling cloth face masks, you have options. The plaids are much lighter and more breathable. Sam's Take Care masks are so big, they cover her entire face. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends people wear cloth face masks to help slow the spread of the virus, and in many places, doing so is either advised or required. We have not had a chance to try the new masks, but as the design and fabric appears to be identical, the updated adjustable ear loops may help with any fit issues. It fit well on my face despite not having extra adjustments and has three layers of fabric which will offer more protection. Darts on the sides of this pre-shrunk, two-ply cotton-twill mask lend a tailored look. Why we like it: The wide Baggu mask with ear loops not only provides more coverage, but its unique design tents up to allow for some air circulation between your nose and the mask. If the mask is too big: If its ear loops are thin enough, tie knots near the ends or add an appropriately sized cord-lock toggle. As with any personal protective equipment, cloth face masks “are the last line of defense in the hierarchy of controls,” said Ormond, the textile engineer at North Carolina State University. Wash your mask according to the label. The biggest issue: While all the other fabric masks we tested are reusable and can withstand multiple washes, these masks come with instructions to dispose of them after a few uses, which at $28 for a 5-pack is a pretty expensive disposable mask. (Of course, you can also leave it empty.). We’ve found that the plaid version without the filter works nicely for a walk in an uncrowded park or a bike trip. When in doubt, ask customer service for detailed dimensions. It's harder to see people smile or to make them smile yourself. All rights reserved. To test the quality of the face masks, I washed them according to their care instructions and looked for any post-cleaning damage. Each mask includes a machine-washable filter. It should fit the curves of your face without gaping, and it consists of special material that filters out at least 95% of airborne matter the size of 0.3 micron. The best a non-medical mask can do is align closely to the curves of your face, cover your nose and mouth, and feel comfortable enough that you won’t fuss with it as you go about your day. Always wash a new mask before wearing it for the first time. The 3-pack of masks I ordered fit my face perfectly, but our Shopping Director, Sam, ordered the same 3-pack and received completely different sizes, although they claim to only sell and make one size. Vistaprint, a custom print company, is making and selling masks. This all-cotton, two-layer mask feels like a denim shirt. Key selling points: Pleated design for … Even though the mask has double layers, it’s on the thinner side, making it less protective. Its part-pleat, part-cone design leaves more room between the cloth and your nose compared with most other masks. The adjustable fasteners, also cotton, were gentle on the ears but could be prone to slipping.