When COVID-19 began its reign of terror just a few months ago, the scramble for a face mask was on – all face mask – to be safer and enter businesses without drama. Now, things have changed as the market identified a need that is not going away anytime soon and jumped in to satisfy it. The result is an overabundance of face masks from all kinds of brands, which makes it easy to get overwhelmed by the options.
To help you sort them out, we called up a bunch of samples and started trying them out. We are not scientists or virus experts, but we have strong opinions on masks with all kinds of technical bent. Is it realistic to be reasonably active while wearing such products or do you find yourself struggling with the urge to rip them off all the time? That was the main question asked while cycling around town wearing the following seven offerings. Read, hide, and stay safe there.
Editor’s Note: The understanding of what makes a good face mask continues to evolve, as evidenced by a recent study by Duke that raised questions about the effectiveness of traditional neck warmers to tackle the spread of COVID-19 – and a New York Times follow-up article that raised questions about this study (which, in all fairness, was not intended to be conclusive about the effectiveness of the face mask in the first place): “Overall, tests on cloth masks have shown that two layers are better than one, and that a well-fitting mask with no gap is better. ”Before purchasing a mask, be sure to assess what it actually claims to do and its materials. Follow our mask coverage here.
686 Polygiene ViralOff Archetype Face Mask
- Adjustable elastic shoulder straps and a hypoallergenic merino wool blend interior surface make this the most comfortable mask we’ve tried.
- Polygiene ViralOff finish and four layers of fabric increase levels of protection.
- There is a pocket for a PM 2.5 filter for additional filtration, but you have to buy it separately.
- Lack of internal wiring at the nose (small but notable complaint).
La Sportiva Stratos Mask
- Comes with 30 filters for 99% filtration of bacteria and viruses emitted by the mouth, as required for surgical masks.
- Adjustable elastic straps and 3D-Mesh fabric for more comfort.
- The filter should be installed in a plastic frame and then inserted into the mask, which takes some practice.
- Expensive, and kinda makes you feel like a Storm Trooper (who could be a pro, depending on your Imperial inclination).
Kitsbow face mask (HEPA type)
- Cut and sewn in the shape of a real face for optimal comfort, with an internal nose bridge thread for a secure fit.
- Two layers of cotton protection for intense effort and low threat situations. Place a filter in the pocket for added protection.
- Comes with just two filters and a replacement three-pack costs $ 10.
- The filter is a bit difficult to insert.
Majola printed mask
- Super soft and comfortable polyester with internal wiring to secure firmly to the bridge of the nose.
- Three layers of protection, the middle one being a fleece droplet filter.
- While you shouldn’t have to wash often, Polygiene ViralOff antimicrobial treatment wears off after 20 washes.
- The neck straps are elastic but not adjustable.
Shock Doctor Play Safe Face Mask
- The Quick-Flip design facilitates hydration without removing the mask.
- Super comfortable fit and go, there is a skeleton style.
- This polyester / elastane blend offers two layers of protection … as long as you keep the Quick-Flip flap pulled down on your lips.
- No internal nose thread; the straps are elastic but not adjustable.
For Mi Everyday Gaiter
- This gaiter is made of heavy merino wool, unlike the thin polyester and spandex mask used in Duke’s admittedly inconclusive study.
- The earrings keep it perfectly in place, and it’s easily one of the most comfortable and beard-friendly options we’ve tried.
- It will shine in the fall, but the wool definitely gets a bit warm and tacky on sweltering summer days.
- Although this is a thick protective layer, it is still only one layer.
SMRTFT sports mask
- Super comfortable, with nose wiring for a secure fit.
- Microknit filter cloth blocks 99% of ultra fine dust particles.
- This mask is one size fits all and slips over your head like a sleeve (with holes for your ears), which means it is not particularly adjustable.
- The single layer nylon / poly blend may not provide as much protection as masks with more layers.
This content is created and maintained by a third party, and uploaded to this page to help users provide their email addresses. You may be able to find more information about this and similar content on piano.io
This comments section is created and maintained by a third party, and imported to this page. You may be able to find more information on their website.
