As many restaurants, salons and schools have reopened across the country, face masks have become the norm and many brands have created their own options. Since the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention first advised Americans to wear face coverings, whenever and wherever it’s hard to maintain social distancing, it has released updated information about the types of face masks people should wear — and which ones to avoid. The CDC now also recommends double masking, as a new study showed it can substantially reduce the risk of exposure to coronavirus particles.
Keep up with our 2020 election coverage.
Related
Which face masks are best?
The CDC recommends wearing cloth face coverings in public spaces, including on public conveyances such as planes or trains, and says that N95 and surgical masks should be reserved for healthcare workers. Face masks should meet the following criteria:
- Masks must fit snugly (but comfortably) against your face
- Masks must be secured with ties or ear loops
- Masks must include multiple layers of fabric
- Masks must allow for breathing without restriction
- Masks must be washable without damage or shape change
Related
Reusable cloth masks are sold by many brands these days (and counting) like Crayola and Athleta, as well as at retailers like Amazon and Etsy. To help you navigate through the plethora of masks to choose from, we've extensively covered them from ones that ship fast to options to wear for various occasions. If you’re considering replacing your face mask given the CDC’s new guidance or looking for a new one regardless, we’ve compiled the most purchased face masks we’ve covered, in addition to filters and face shields to use alongside them.
Most purchased face masks, shields and filters
1. Adidas Face Covers (sold out, in stock "soon”)
These dual-layered polyester face masks are made from 40-percent recycled materials. The machine-washable masks come in two sizes – extra small/small and medium/large – and are sold in packs of three so you always have a backup. If you're looking especially for a mask to wear while working out, consider the Under Armour Sportsmask.
2. Anthropologie Sanctuary Reusable Face Mask
Anthropologie’s face masks have an adjustable metal nose bridge that can conform to your face. They come in packs of five and each mask boasts a different design, from cheetah print to floral patterns. The masks are made from lightweight cotton muslin, have elastic ear loops and are machine-washable.
Related
3. Athleta Made to Move Face Mask
These lightweight face masks were designed to be worn while exercising and feature a mesh pocket to insert a filter. The masks have soft elastic ear loops, as well as an interchangeable heap strap that you can position at the nape of your neck and the crown of your head. You can also wrap the head strap around a ponytail, which helps hold the mask in place during high-impact activities. Masks are sold in sets of three, and come in two color combinations: Oceanic Teal/Becca Blue/Serendipity and Agate Purple/Canyon Red/Flora. Athleta also has face mask accessories that can be worn with your existing mask.
4. Buck Mason Anti-microbial Face Mask
The inner layer of Back Mason’s face masks is treated with an anti-microbial coating. The masks are machine-washable, and the antimicrobial coating lasts up to 30 washes. They’re sold in packs of five, or you can buy them in a bulk pack of 250. For each mask sold, Buck Mason will donate one to those in need.
Related
5. Casetify Reusable Cloth Face Mask
Casetify’s face masks are made from breathable cotton and have elastic ear straps. They come with two filters you can insert into the built-in pocket, too. The masks come in four colors – Black, White, Pink and Blue – and can be purchased singularly, in packs of 3 and 10, or in bulk. For each mask sold, Casetify will donate one to a health care worker in need.
6. Crayola’s SchoolMaskPack Kids Face Masks
These kid-friendly masks by Crayola are reusable and come in packs of five. They feature adjustable ear straps that are color-coded to encourage kids to make a habit of wearing them each weekday. They also come in a variety of designs including cartoon faces and rainbow colors.
Related
7. Disney Cloth Face Masks
Disney is offering reusable masks in sets of four. They come in dozens of designs, including ones inspired from Star Wars, Pixar and Marvel. The company is also donating one million face masks to families in vulnerable areas across the country, and has donated an additional $1 million in profits to MedShare, a nonprofit supporting healthcare workers.
8. Etsy Kids Face Mask
Anna Davies, a research facilitator who previously worked in the Infectious Diseases department at the University of Cambridge, previously told NBC News Shopping that getting a child-friendly mask probably increases compliance with wearing one. These masks feature designs like cats, mustaches, dogs and princesses, which add a touch of fun while still being protective. Masks are made from two layers of cotton and are machine-washable.
Related
9. Hedley & Bennett Wake Up and Fight Mask
Hedley & Bennett designed these face masks with the help of medical professionals, and recently improved them by adding reinforced stitching and a flexible metal nose insert. The masks have a pocket where you can insert a filter and are made from cotton fabric. These masks must be hand-washed. They are sold singularly, as well as in packs of three or 20. Masks come in a variety of colors, from Grey Chambray to Red Oxford.
10. Kinglight Activated Carbon Filter
Inserting a filter should increase a face masks’ effectiveness in catching particles, Nidhy Varghese, MD, a pediatric pulmonologist in Texas, previously told NBC News Shopping. These Kinglight activated carbon filters are made from cotton and non-woven material. They come in packs of 10 and include five layers to filter out emissions and other particulates in the air.
Related
11. Maxboost Fabric Face Mask
These machine-washable masks from Maxboost feature a sleek black design and are one-size-fits-most. They come in packs of three and include two layers of fabric. Additionally, they are equipped with adjustable earloops and a nose bridge wire to prevent it from slipping.
12. Muryobao Safety Face Shield
While face shields are best worn over face masks as a second layer of protection, rather than on their own, NBC News Shopping readers seem to like this option. They are made of transparent, recyclable plastic and can protect your face from spray, splatter and dust. They cover your entire face, and feature a soft sponge material that sits on the headband for added comfort. The shield’s elastic band can be easily adjusted to fit different size heads, too. Shields can be washed with water or disinfectant, and they come in packs of two.
Related
13. Ouba Face Mask Filters
These filters can be inserted into cloth face masks for extra protection. They’re made from five layers of activated carbon, non-woven and melt-blown filter cloth, which are designed to filter out about 99 percent of particles like pollen, smoke, dust, chemicals, particles and fumes. This pack comes with 20 filters, plenty to use with your collection of face masks.
14. Outdoor Voices Face Masks 5 Pack
NBC News Shopping visitors also seem to enjoy the athletic brand's masks, made with their signature Textured Compression material. They come in sets of five and Outdoor Voices is donating 100 percent of proceeds generated from mask sales to Direct Relief, a nonprofit providing personal protective equipment and essential medical items to health workers.
15. Reebok Face Covers
These machine-washable masks come in packs of three. They have a tight fit that conforms to the face, as well as stretchy ear loops. The masks are made from two layers of recycled polyester, making them soft and breathable. Reebok’s face masks come in size medium/large.
Related
More shopping guides and recommendations
- How to best sanitize your phone and other tech
- How to do your makeup while wearing a face mask
- What to know before buying Apple Watch Series 6
- 11 best vacuums in 2020
Find the latest from NBC News Shopping guides and recommendations. Download the NBC News app for full coverage of the coronavirus outbreak.
