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The 10 Best Face Masks for COVID-19 Protection and Comfort

Lois Alter MarkJuliana LaBianca

By Lois Alter Mark and Juliana LaBianca

Updated on Oct. 07, 2024

A new variant means it's time for a new mask.

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What you need to know about face masks

As the highly contagious Omicron variant of COVID-19 makes its way through the country, there’s no better time to upgrade your face mask. For the past two years, health experts and the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) have recommended reusable cloth masks for decreasing spread. However, in the face of the Omicron variant, those coverings may not offer sufficient protection. Experts are now urging Americans to wear medical-grade, disposable surgical masks, N95 masks, and KN95 masks.

Because face masks can help prevent you from getting and spreading COVID-19, the CDC currently suggests wearing a mask indoors if you are in an area of substantial or high transmission, regardless of vaccination status. “Mask wearing is one of the easiest and most effective ways to prevent the spread of COVID-19 and stem this public health crisis,” says Denzil Seedial, MD, a board-certified doctor of internal medicine, pulmonary and critical care at PCSI in Florida.

In fact, the Biden administration recently announced that it would be distributing 400 million non-surgical N95 masks to pharmacies and health centers nationwide to give away for free. But, because each person will be limited to three free N95 masks, you’re going to want to stock up on your own.

How to choose the best face mask

Not all face masks offer equal protection—especially when it comes to the Omicron variant. “We need to be wearing at least a three-ply surgical mask,” Leana Wen, MD, an emergency physician and professor of health policy and management, told CNN. “You can wear a cloth mask on top of that, but do not just wear a cloth mask alone.” In crowded places, Dr. Wen suggests a KN95 or N95 mask.

The differences in protection are shocking. A December 2021 study published in the journal Science found that surgical masks were 95 percent effective at filtering out virus particles, while cloth masks were just 37 percent effective. That’s because N95 masks filter up to 95 percent of particles in the air. KN95 masks offer a similarly high degree of protection; however, the CDC warns that around 60 percent of KN95 masks in the U.S. are counterfeit. (Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered with verified options.)

The most important thing to consider when choosing a mask is fit; a face mask will not be effective if it’s worn improperly. Your mask should fit snugly but comfortably over your nose, mouth, and chin. A moldable nosepiece can improve the seal, and sturdy elastic ear loops will securely anchor it. To get a better fit on a surgical mask, knot the ear loops where they meet the mask and tuck the unneeded material under the edges (here’s a video from the CDC with instructions).

Dr. Seedial recommends switching out cloth masks every day and storing them in a paper bag until they can be washed with hot water and dried on high heat. If you’ve gone the respirator route, the CDC recommends wearing your N95 no more than five times per device. The CDC does not recommend reusing disposable surgical masks that are intended to be used once.

Here are some of the best face masks we’ve found to keep you comfortable while keeping you safe. In line with recent recommendations, we suggest pairing each cloth mask with a surgical mask.

Kimberly Clark Professional N95 Pouch Respirator 50 Count via amazon.com

Best N95 mask

Kimberly-Clark Professional N95 Pouch Respirator, 50 Count

$29.45 at Amazon

Consider the N95 the gold standard of face masks. According to USA Today, the masks are made of a polypropylene material that “goes through a process where it’s melted and extruded through small-diameter holes into hundreds of tiny fibers that are tangled together. The fibers are then charged by passing them through a device that produces static electricity.” This charge makes them 10 times better at capturing virus particles. (KN95 and KF94 masks also produce this charge.)

N95 coverings are certified by the National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), a U.S. federal agency. Kimberly-Clark’s set of 50 respirators—and all N95 masks—provides a minimum of 95 percent filtration efficiency of 0.3-micron particles (most respiratory droplets are between 5 and 10 microns). Each mask has a pouch design with a large chamber for comfort and breathability. The elastics go around the head for a secure fit. We recommend purchasing them while you can; N95s are selling out fast.

Flexmon Korea Black Disposable Kf94 Face Masks 20pack via amazon.com

Best KF94 mask

Flexmon Korea Black Disposable KF94 Face Masks, 20 Pack

$16.99 at Amazon

There’s one other electrostatic mask type you should be familiar with in addition to N95 and KN95 masks: the KF94. These masks meet standards specific to South Korea (KF stands for Korean filter) and offer 94 percent filtration efficacy. Flexmon’s set of 20 features elastic ear loops, an adjustable nose clip, and four-ply material. Each mask is individually wrapped so there’s no cross-contamination.

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Demetech 3 Layer Face Mask via amazon.com
Lowest Price in 30 days

Best surgical mask

DemeTECH 3-Layer Face Mask

15.9910% OFF$14.36 at Amazon

Surgical masks are an effective measure against COVID-19, with studies showing they’re up to 95 percent effective at filtering out virus particles. This 50 pack is ideal for leaving by your front door or in your car. The three-ply, FDA-approved mask has elastic ear loops and an adjustable nose bridge. To ensure efficacy, get a snug fit (that might mean tying the face mask tighter or wearing a cloth mask on top). Each mask is made in the U.S.

Sea To Summit Barrier Face Mask via moosejaw.com

Best breathable face mask

Sea to Summit Barrier Face Mask

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This unisex mask is available in three sizes and is thermoformed for a seamless profile that allows you to breathe so comfortably, you may forget you’re wearing it. Made with brushed and quilted 50D polyester stretch-knit fabric, it fits like a second skin. Its quilted, three-layer construction is designed to be ultra-breathable, so you can literally breathe easy.

Children's Sized Powecom Kn95 Sm Respirator Mask Pack Of 10 via bonafidemasks.com

Best face mask for kids

Children’s Sized Powecom KN95-SM Respirator Mask, Pack of 10

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With kids back in classrooms, you’ll want to equip them with a top-tier respirator such as a KN95. This Powecom option is made of hot air cotton, melt-blown fabric, and polypropylene for an electrostatic charge that makes it more effective at filtering viral droplets than other masks. The coverings are 15 percent smaller than adult Powecom sizes and come with an adjustable metal nose piece and latex-free ear loops. Like all certified KN95 masks, they offer 95 percent filtration efficacy.

Outdoor Research Face Cover Kit via outdoorresearch.com

Best face mask if you wear glasses

Outdoor Research Face Cover Kit

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If you wear glasses, you’ve probably had them fog up when you wear a mask, causing a whole different set of issues. This mask—which boasts a Gear of the Year 2021 award from Popular Mechanics—lets you adjust for your unique face size and shape, ears, and glasses, preventing fogginess and allowing you to breathe as though you weren’t wearing a face covering at all. In addition to the roomy design and nose wire for custom fitting, the mask comes with a 3-pack of filters. You can also buy an inexpensive spray to keep your glasses fog-free.

Vida Protective Mask via shopvida.com

Best cotton face mask

Vida Protective Mask

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Vida’s Protective Mask is made of two layers of 100 percent cotton and comes with a medical-grade polypropylene filter. Adjustable straps and a hidden, integrated metal nose piece ensure a snug fit for solid protection and comfort, so you’ll want to buy these for your whole family. Choose from a single mask, a pair, or a five-pack in your choice of warm, classic, or pastel hues.

Airpop Active Yellow Black via airpophealth.com

Best face mask for working out

Airpop Active Yellow Black

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Providing a serious line of defense while allowing for unparalleled breathability, this mask from the award-winning brand Airpop was designed for high-intensity activity. It’s got a patented seal and frame to ensure a tight but comfortable fit, plus replaceable filtration material that helps block 99 percent of harmful particulates. Its superior performance will translate into your own. Pair it with your favorite workout shorts.

Wolford Luxury Silk Mask Unisex via wolfordshop.com

Best silk face mask

Wolford Luxury Silk Mask Unisex

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Wolford is known for its luxury silk tights—and so it’s no surprise the brand’s silk face masks are just as great. This 100 percent lightweight silk covering has adjustable elastic ear loops and a bendable nose wire. The Wolford logo adorns the exterior. However, it’s only a single layer of protection, so you’ll want to pair this stylish choice with a more protective face mask in higher-risk situations.

Lululemon Double Strap Face Mask 3 Pack Ultralu via lululemon.com

Best neck-strap mask

lululemon Double Strap Face Mask 3 Pack Ultralu

Available for $28

Author
Lois Alter Mark
Lois is an award-winning travel, lifestyle, shopping and entertainment writer. Her work has taken her to all seven continents and introduced her to new people, food and—her latest obsession—pickleball! An avid cruiser, she loves to share her joy for travel.
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Lois Alter Mark
Author
Juliana LaBianca
Juliana is a lifestyle writer for RD.com covering home, holidays, fashion and beauty. She is based in New York City and spends most of her time trying new yoga classes and rearranging her tiny apartment.
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Juliana LaBianca