tft display as face mask brands

The basic rules of using a face covering are fairly straightforward. “You want the mask to go over your nostrils and your mouth in such a way that it doesn’t slip off,” said Robin Patel, past president of the American Society for Microbiology. Even a bandana tied around your head is better than nothing. But if you’re in a situation where you want to maximize the potential protection for others and for yourself, you might as well choose something more substantial (such as N95 and KN95 respirators). 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. Tie on that bandana, and outgoing aerosols get only as far as 3 feet 7 inches on average, the authors found. Wear a well-fitted two-layer quilting-cotton mask, and those droplets, on average, stop short at a mere 2½ inches. What’s more, as we now know, the addition of a non-woven layer enhances that protection even further. You can achieve this by using a mask with a filter incorporated into the design, inserting a filter into the pocket of a mask, or wearing a pleated surgical mask under the cloth one.

Although it’s true that some masks filter much better than others, a mask won’t help if it is constantly slipping down your nose, has large gaps around it, or feels so suffocating that you’re forced to take it off. The masks we link to in this guide have the design details that experts told us they look for when shopping for themselves, and that we found greatly impact fit and comfort. These features include moldable nose-bridge wires, filter pockets or an incorporated filter, and cord stoppers, adjustable headbands, or ties.

For a mask to work to its fullest potential, it has to fit. “When there are large gaps for the droplets to come out, it doesn’t matter how good the filter is or how many layers you have,” said Linsey Marr, an aerosol scientist at Virginia Tech. As research at Northeastern University suggests, a mask that conforms closely to the face can enhance performance by as much as 50% over the same mask that doesn’t.

A properly fitting mask extends vertically from the bridge of your nose (just below the eye line) to about an inch under your chin. And it stretches horizontally from cheek to cheek  or, even better, as close to the ears as comfortable. “Ideally, it should cover as much of your nose and mouth as possible,” said Grace Jun, an assistant professor of fashion and disability at Parsons School of Design in New York City.

Study the sizing chart. 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. (Some brands provide face measurements, as opposed to mask measurements.) Note, too, that a pleated mask expands when you adjust it to cover your face. For instance, the height of the Rendall Co. Sentry mask we like is 3 inches pleated and 6½ inches expanded. When in doubt, ask customer service for detailed dimensions. If a mask is too short, it won’t stay put on your nose or chin. If it’s too tall, the edges can block your vision, poke your eyes, or hang too loose around your chin, Jun said. Masks that are too wide can affect how the elastic fasteners fit around your ears or head. If your measurements fall between designated sizes, size up, and adjust the fasteners as needed. Or, better yet, look for another mask.

Don’t fall for “one size fits all.” That one size might not fit you. And among masks that come in multiple size options, not all size designations are created equal. “Even a quarter-inch can make a difference,” Jun said, especially if you have a wider or thinner face, a longer chin, or a higher nose bridge.

A properly fitting mask extends vertically from the bridge of the nose (just below the eye line) to about an inch under the chin. And it stretches horizontally from cheek to cheek or, even better, as close to the ears as comfortable.

Look for a nose-bridge wire. A mask should gently hug the lines of your cheeks, dip along the sides of your nose, and curve over its bridge. A moldable wire helps a mask do that. Without that close fit, droplets can sneak in and out along the sides of your nose.

Consider the mask’s shape. Cone silhouettes are likely to curve to the cheeks better than a plain piece of cloth that lies flat or a rectangular mask with pleats. 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 by individual; only one person took part in the study). “The fit was already good,” said study co-author Loretta Fernandez, an associate professor of civil and environmental engineering at Northeastern. Cone-shape masks have vertical seams that allow the fabric to “tent up,” giving it some height, like a bra cup. Depending on the placement of the straps, cone-shaped masks can fit quite nicely on the cheeks.

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. (He chose this pleated CDC-suggested pattern for his custom small-batch masks.) Compared with less generously cut cone masks, pleated masks may also feel more comfortable to some people because they allow for space between the fabric and your cheeks. (Read further for tips on improving the seal.)

Check for adjustable fasteners. A too-snug fit, one that leaves marks on your skin, may tempt you to take the mask off. For a secure fit, adjust any back-of-the-head elastic bands by either tying a knot or placing the band atop a ponytail. (Adjustments to the top band are especially crucial for helping the mask fit snugly around your cheeks.) Elastic ear loops with cord stops allow for a customizable fit. If you consistently find headband and ear-loop fasteners to be too tight, or if they get in the way of hearing aids or glasses, consider ties (as on the Rendall Co. mask we like); the drawback is that ties tend to loosen more easily over the course of a day.

Examine the fastener texture. Headbands with ridges can grip hair better without sliding, especially if your hair is straight, Kaye said. Ear loops made with elastic cords hang more easily on less-rigid ears but may make your ears feel sore after a few hours, especially if they’re too tight.

Just the idea of something obstructing your nose and mouth can be distressing—hence the appeal of lightweight, single-layer masks made of more-breathable fabric. 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.

Protecting others is relatively easy: Almost any cloth can halt the larger-than-5-micron globules shooting from your mouth when you’re talking loudly, singing, coughing, or sneezing. But it’s snagging the 1-micron-or-smaller particles—which can come from you and others breathing and talking at regular volume—that’s tough.

In fall 2020, the CDC stated 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. The agency noted that timing matters too: You’re more vulnerable to infection the longer you share air space with an infected person. 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.)

In February 2021, ASTM International (formerly the American Society for Testing and Materials) approved a new standard for barrier face coverings in terms of filtration and breathability, as well as fit. 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. However, because ASTM International doesn’t certify or validate a product as meeting these criteria—it simply created them—it’s up to manufacturers to follow through and government agencies to mandate the standard. Some mask makers may decide to attain these specifications; some may not. Those that do would be able to state clearly on their packaging specific breathability and filtration values that can help shoppers make an informed decision (assuming the labeling is truthful).

As CDC/NIOSH health communication specialist Nura Sadeghpour explained in December 2020, “products that don’t meet the standard may still have some utility, but won’t be able to claim that they meet the ASTM requirements, which provide a baseline for performance.”

In the meantime, many unknowns remain, 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. What’s more, no mask is guaranteed to provide complete protection. If you’re struggling to leave a mask on, play around with different materials. “You need to balance comfort and risk,” said Virginia Tech aerosol scientist Linsey Marr. To that end, consider the features below.

Tight weaves: Your mask is like a chain-link fence. “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. As the aforementioned April 2020 study suggests, thread count (the number of vertical and horizontal threads in a square inch) matters. With droplets smaller than 0.3 micron at low flow (similar to what happens with breathing), a two-ply, 80-thread-count quilting cotton exhibited far less filtration efficiency than a two-ply, 600-thread-count pillowcase-like material. 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. 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). When the mask arrives, hold it up to the light. “The more visible openings you see in the fabric structure, the less effective the material may be at filtering particles,” Ormond said. To bolster a mask made with loosely woven fabric, add more layers in the filter pocket so as to block more of the light coming through (but not so much that the mask feels suffocating). Alternatively, you can wear a mask made with non-woven materials underneath a cloth mask.

Multiple layers: According to a June 2020 meta review, multilayer masks are more protective than single-layer masks, and specifically “12–16-layer cotton masks” are associated with protection. (Insert laugh-cry emoji.) A more realistic goal, experts say, is to aim for a minimum of two layers: a somewhat water-resistant outer layer and a comfortable inner layer. (As noted below, an incorporated high-filtration-efficiency filter is even better or, at the very least, a pocket for adding one yourself in higher-risk situations.) “The mask is like an obstacle course for the virus to get through. Each layer can make a difference,” said Amy Price, a senior research scientist at Stanford’s Anesthesia Informatics and Media Lab.

Filter pocket or incorporated filter: The most potentially protective cloth masks have a high-filtration-efficiency filter incorporated between the inner and outer fabric layers (as you’ll find in our top picks, the Enro Tech Mask and the Happy Masks Pro). But if these masks don’t 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. Of course, you can also leave the pocket empty—wearing the mask as is (in low-risk situations) or strapped over a surgical-style mask (in higher-risk ones).

A filter or surgical mask’s non-woven materials consist of fibers spun into a random web that is then heated to form a sheet. Slipped in between two or more fabric layers (either placed in a pocket or sewn in), the non-woven material complicates the existing maze a virus needs to get through before it can reach your nose and mouth; this creates “a tortuous pathway,” said Mark Losego, an associate professor in the School of Materials Science and Engineering at Georgia Tech.

View any specific filtration claims with a healthy dose of skepticism—some of the masks we tested in the lab fell shy of their claims. Washing a filter-incorporated mask weakens the filter over time, too, as our experiment with the Enro and Happy Masks Pro proved. If you’re stuffing a mask pocket, try to find a filter that covers the entire expanse of the mask and stays put. Otherwise, you’re not taking advantage of the filter’s fullest potential—droplets tend to sneak through portions of a mask with the least resistance.

If your cloth mask fits great but doesn’t contain a filter or pocket, that’s okay too. You can simply strap it over a high-filtration-efficiency surgical-style mask to boost the filtration.

Generous cut: This is the rare feature that enhances both breathability and filtration. By “generous,” we don’t mean a mask that’s too big for you. It should be a well-fitting mask that’s intentionally designed with a larger surface area so that it stands “taller” on your face (for more space between the fabric and your nose), wider on your face (with each side stretching closer to each ear), or ideally both. 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. A simply cut flat mask creates the opposite situation: It sits close to your nose and mouth, so you have less filtered air to breathe in at any given time.

At this point, mask mandates and other COVID-19 mitigation policies in the United States are more or less nonexistent.But as cases continue to rise in Europe (a good predictor of what’s to come in the U.S.) and Northeastern states, it’s clear that the pandemic is still ongoing. According to Dr. Bruce Y. Lee, professor of health policy and management at the CUNY Graduate School of Public Health, no significant scientific organization has declared the pandemic over. “Things are getting better, but we’re definitely not out of the pandemic yet. We’re in a transition period,” he says. Dr. Ravina Kullar, an infectious-diseases specialist, epidemiologist, and spokesperson for theInfectious Diseases Society of America, agrees, adding that the emergence of new variants like BQ.1 and XBB, which she says are capable of substantial immune evasion— as well as a surge in other respiratory viruses including RSV and influenza — makes mask-wearing and other infection-prevention strategies critical in many situations.

While masks are most effective at the community level, the health experts we spoke to stress that one-way masking is still an important tool in lowering your personalrisk of infection. “Even if you are the only person wearing a mask or a respirator, you will still have protection that is pretty good,” says Michael Chang, an M.D. and assistant professor of pediatrics with McGovern Medical School at UTHealth, Houston, adding that indoor public spaces with poor ventilation pose the greatest risk. And though more than half of the U.S. population is technically “fully vaccinated” against COVID-19,Lee says that less than 10 percent of the population has gotten the bivalent booster shot. “That’s way below the levels that we would want at this stage,” he says, noting that immunity from previous vaccines will have waned by now and the bivalent booster gives you the best protection against all new variants.In light of all this, every health official we talked to recommends choosing disposable masks that offer high filtration, suchasKN95, KF94, and N95 masks, over less effective reusable fabric masks.

The very best disposable face masks are N95 masks, approved by the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), as they filter out 95 percent of airborne particles. They’re especially good for high-risk occasions, like spending a long period of time in a crowded enclosed space. Imported KN95 masks, the Chinese-made equivalent to the N95, are also a popular disposable option. Yi Cui, a professor of materials science and engineering at Stanford University who co-authored a study on the efficiency of various mask materials, says the certification processes for KN95 and N95 masks are “nearly identical.” The main difference is their shape and the fact that many of the KN95 masks on the market today are unfortunately counterfeit. Most of the rest of what you’ll see on the market are KF94 masks, the South Korean equivalent of an N95 mask, and pleated disposable masks. Kullar says the “94” indicates a 94 percent filtration efficacy. Though that might make it sound like they’re less effective than KN95 or N95 masks, which are purported to have 95 percent filtration efficacy, the truth is more complicated. Because there hasn’t been any official head-to-head testing between the two, the deciding factor on which one is better at protecting you comes down to which one fits your particular face better.

To help you find the very best disposable masks for both kids and adults, we asked Parikh, Chang, Lee, Cui, Kullar, and three other mask and infectious-disease experts to weigh in what makes a good disposable mask. Based on their advice, we ordered a bunch of masks to test on our own, wearing them on the subway, into the New York Magazine office, to school, and even during lengthy doctor visits and acupuncture appointments.

While it’s very hard to tell an authentic mask from a pretty good fake, some masks are more prone to counterfeiting than others. A good way to know whether you are getting legitimate KF94s is by checking that they are indeed made in South Korea. And a good way to vet an N95 mask is to check for NIOSH approval and other labels that ensure they’ve been tested to meet specific standards. Those labels are ASTM F3502, Workplace Performance, Workplace Performance Plus, and the code “TC-84A” followed by four more digits. Where things get sticky is with KN95 masks. Chang says that at this point, he suspects most KN95s are fakes since “there is no regulatory agency that ensures a manufacturer actually meets the KN95 standard.” As a general rule of thumb, both Chang and Aaron Collins, a mechanical engineer with a background in aerosol science who has spent the pandemic testing hundreds of masks he purchased online, agree that the best way to avoid fakes is to buy exclusively from reputable sources. “Don’t buy random brands from Amazon or eBay,” Collins says. “My recommendation is ProjectN95, BeHealthyUSA, KollecteUSA, or, if using Amazon, verify that you are purchasing from the brand’s ‘official’ store.”

Otherwise, check for labeling that says the mask is made from at least two layers of nonwoven polypropylene plus a melt-blown inner-filter layer. The random arrangement of fibers in nonwoven materials does a better job at filtering tiny particles, like bacteria and viruses, than traditional woven fabrics like cotton. And ideally, they should be independently tested by a third party to ensure proper filtration. In addition, legitimate masks should come in tamper-evident packaging and should be marked with an expiration date. The same applies to surgical masks, though, Collins says he would skip them if you have access to N95’s, KN95’s, or KF94’s because the standards for surgical masks “are much looser, and the quality of them is all over the place.”

Counterfeit masks aside, the best masks are the ones that fit your face the best, and features that improve the fit of a mask such as adjustable earloops and a flexible nose wire can also improve its filtration efficiency. This is particularly true for children who range in size, even across age groups. To ensure you are getting the most protection out of your mask, Kullar says it should fit snugly, covering your nose and mouth, and should fit tightly below your chin. Any gaps around the edges will allow potential viral droplets to enter or escape. You may have to try a few before finding your perfect fit, but if you end up buying a pack of masks that are too big, Dr. Stacy De-Lin, a family medicine specialist in New York City, says you can tie knots in the ear loops or twist them once before putting them on to ensure a tighter fit. (If you’re no good at knots, there are lots of strapsand accessories you can buy online to adjust the fit.)

In addition to fitting well, Chang says masks need to be comfortable. “A mask doesn’t do any good if it’s at your desk or in a backpack rather than being worn,” he says. It also won’t work as well if it is hard to breathe through. You want a mask with some resistance to catch tiny airborne particles, but not so much resistance that it forces the air to find another way in or out — usually around the sides. Lastly, if you are buying masks for children, know that they will have strong opinions about which masks they want to wear. The factors that drive those opinions can involve colors, patterns, how the ear loops feel on the backs of their ears,or how soft the interior is against their face. If there is a high-quality mask that they willingly put on for a plane ride or school trip, that mask is probably the best. Dr. Sten Vermund, a pediatrician, infectious-disease epidemiologist, and dean of the Yale School of Public Health, says that making mask use fun and gamelike will increase the chances of children cooperating, especially younger children.

Oftentimes the highest-filtration masks with the most recommendations (from Collins and other experts) are the same ones that sell out first, especially as case rates begin to rise. So to make sure you have one to wear when you need it, we’re prioritizing masks that are consistently in stock since an out-of-stock mask can’t help protect you or your family.

Early on in the pandemic, N95 masks were in tragically short supply. So public health experts discouraged non-health-care workers from buying them. But now, they are readily available to the general public and many American companies have started making NIOSH-approved N95’s in soft foldable shapes that are much more comfortable than the stiff cup styles. This one from Protective Health Gearis made in Patterson, New Jersey. Local manufacturing reduces any potential supply chain disruptions and ensures that each mask undergoes the strictest quality checks.

What we think: ThoughI definitely prefer ear loops to head straps (the latter really mess up my hair), this is the most comfortable N95 I have ever worn. Each mask comes individually wrapped and features the NIOSH label, the brand’s logo, the TC-84A label, and even the mask’s specific lot number. Because it is a bifold style mask, it fits and feels similar to a KN95. But in addition to a soft inner layer and nose wire, it also features foam nose padding to further seal any gaps and prevent air from escaping or getting in. This and the overall size and shape create a very tight seal all the way around so it feels like it was custom made for my face. When I breathe in the sides collapse slightly, but not so much that it’s annoying. And best of all, this mask does not move one bit while I am talking, singing, or even shouting. As for the head straps, they are soft and stretchy but don’t feel flimsy. They also don’t put so much pressure on my head as to give me a headache. It’s what I would reach for if I were a doctor or if I was going to an indoor concert at the height of a spike in infections.

Powecom KN95 masks were on the FDA’s list of approved face masks for health-care professionals back when that list was necessary. Like other KN95 masks, this one claims to filter out 95 percent of small particles. Indeed, Collins has tested the kid-size Powecom masks and found that they have a filtration efficiency of 97.3 percent. In September of 2020, I bought them for my husband, Jacob Cohen, to wear while teaching in person. He teaches fourth grade in Brooklyn and has tried a lot of KN95’s over the last two years. They (along with some more colorful KN95’s listed below) are by far his favorite masks for work, and he says that, in addition to making him feel safe in the classroom before vaccines were available, they fit more snugly than the other KN95’s he has tried, and they don’t move when he is talking.

What we think:When it comes to KN95 masks especially, De-Lin says the fit is extremely important. “I think the biggest thing that I see with the KN95 masks is they’re often not fitted well. It’s supposed to collapse along your cheeks when you inhale so that no air can enter in through the sides.” I have worn Powecom KN95 masks on the subway, to the office, at museums, on Metro-North, at the airport, and to countless doctor’s appointments, and they remain my go-to masks. They are soft on the skin and create a tight seal all the way around from the nose bridge to under the chin. They meet De-Lin’s fit requirement, collapsing around the cheeks when you breathe. When worn with my glasses, they fog less than other masks I have tried.

KF94 masks are a great option for people who have trouble finding a good KN95 fit or, like Chang, worry that most KN95s are counterfeit.They open up a bit like an envelope and sit slightly off the face, giving you more room to talk and breathe. In addition to being manufactured in South Korea and approved by the KFDA, these BOTN KF94 masks are featured on Collins’s public Google doc containing filtration results for the masks he has tested. In his testing, he found them to have a filtration efficiency of 99.2 percent. They are also the only mask Chang recommended by name. Like the LG Airwasher masks favored by Strategist senior vice-president of e-commerce Camilla Cho, BOTN masks come with special adjustable ear loops. Simply pull on the little front loops to adjust the tightness around your ears and cheeks.

What we think:BOTN KF94 masks are made with four layers of electrostatic nonwoven material, including a melt-blown filter layer. Each mask comes individually packaged in a sealed tamperproof sleeve and the brand’s logo is printed on the front of each mask. Right away, I noticed how light the masks are, far lighter than a Powecom KN95 or even other KF94’s I have tried. So while Powecom’s fit my face shape a little better, these are my favorite spring and summer masks. The adjustable ear loops are the easiest I have used throughout the pandemic. It’s not that masks with little plastic sliders on the ear loops are difficult to use, but the double loop system on these masks allows me to adjust the fit in seconds while walking down the street wearing the mask. And once adjusted, the mask fits me well and creates a tight seal all the way around the edge. The inner layer is comfortable against my skin, but I would describe it as smooth rather than soft, another reason why I think this is a great warm-weather mask.

Like the Protective Health Gear N95s, these Kimberly-Clark N95 masks are NIOSH-approved and softer than traditional cup-shaped N95s, making them less likely to dig into your cheeks. They come recommended by Intelligencer editor Chas Danner, who has unusually high standards since he has spent the pandemic writing about COVID-19 and masks. He says this is the mask he wore to wait in line for hours to get a PCR test during the first Omicron wave. This beak-shaped style of the mask has also become popular with restaurant workers because of how comfortable it is for long periods of time. When he tested these masks, Collins found that they filter out 97 percent of airborne particles.

What we think:Danner says that despite looking “totally ridiculous,” the Kimberly-Clark mask is super-secure. “I got them for travel, originally, but have now used them as my best mask for long periods indoors in public, like seeing a play. They don’t feel as reusable as others I’ve worn, but the head straps are really comfortable, and I’ve gotten such a good seal on them, I’ve had condensation pool inside the mask. I felt like I was in Dune,” he says.

These KN95 masks, available in a wide variety of colors and patterns, have quickly become some of my favorites for higher-risk situations. You can get them in neon hues with contrasting ear loops, desert neutrals, pretty pastels, and even this marbled-paper pattern inspired by the well-known Matches Fashion retail boxes. Because they come in so many colors, they are super-easy to match to any outfit, making the brand popular among a large swath of celebrities — including Justin and Hailey Bieber, Dua Lipa, Cardi B, and Offset. In addition to looking nice, Kaze masks are made of five layers of nonwoven material — including a melt-blown filter layer. They have been tested by Nelson Labs and certified by the Swiss lab SGS. The ear loops are adjustable, and a foam nose pad helps create a tight but comfortable seal. The brand makes kid-size masks and KF94-style adult masks as well.

What we think:In my experience, Kaze KN95 masks are comparable to Powecom masks in softness and breathability. The fit feels a tiny bit more snug around the edges — perhaps because of the foam nose pad — than that of the Powecom KN95s. Considering how much more expensive these are, I wouldn’t say they’re the best choice if you plan to wear them on a daily basis, but they are a nice “special occasion” option for more fashionable settings.

Depending on the infection and hospital occupancy rates where you live, you might be feeling like it’s safe enough to wear a less constricting (and therefore somewhat less effective) surgical-style mask. Unfortunately, since most people now use at-home COVID tests and the United States doesn’t have a cohesive surveillance strategy, you should assume that any kind of official case-rate statistics undercount the true number of cases by up to three times, according to Lee. While this type of mask tends to gap and leak at the sides, any mask is better than no mask at all. But since not all surgical-style masks are created equal, if you’re planning on wearing one, we highly recommend this one from Evolve Together. Not only is it stylish, having been spotted in solid black and white on more celebrities than we can count, but it’s also made from high-quality materials and independently tested and certified medical-grade type IIR by SGS, a world leader in consumer product testing.After looking them up online, De-Lin says, “These do look like they are medical quality, given the material, so I think people could feel comfortable wearing them, and it would be protective.” Each mask is made using twonon-woven water-resistant outer layers, one meltblown filter, and one non-woven moisture-absorbing inner layer. Plus, they come in tamper-evident and biodegradable packaging. Evolve Together also makes a KF94-shaped mask with KN95 level protectionthat Collins found to have a filtration efficiency of 98.64 percent.

Of the many surgical-style disposable masks I have tried, these have the softest inner layer and the lightest most comfortable feel. They are the masks I wore all the time (especially in hot weather) until the Delta, Omicron, and subsequent variants made me switch to better filtering KN95s and KF94s. They are also a favorite of formerStrategist associate director of audience growth Stephanie Downes, who, as an immunocompromised person, has to be very careful about the masks she wears.

The only difference between these and the adult Powecom masks is the smaller sizing (about 15 percent smaller, to be exact.) Collins included them on his widely circulated Google spreadsheet of face masks for kids, showing them to have a 97.3 percent filtration efficiency. He says the sizing is best for children ages 7 through 12, depending on face size.

Of the “bifold” masks we tested, these ones fit the best, even on our younger test subjects — namely, Strategist senior editor Jen Trolio’s 4-year-old and 7-year-old daughters. Though the smallest, youngest kids may still get a better fit with an envelope-style KF94 mask, we noticed that the Powecom KN95s were a bit softer and more pliable than other KN95-level masks we tested, meaning they conformed to kids’ cheeks better than stiffer options. Additionally, the nose wire was flexible enough to get a decent bend around smaller, shallower noses (we’ve found that if the nose wire on a bifold mask is too stiff, it’s difficult to get rid of the center crease it has from being packed flat for shipping, and the mask is especially prone to tenting up and leaving an air gap on kids, as well as adults with smaller noses). The main drawback of this mask, at least from a kid’s perspective, is that it only comes in white, but it offers a decent fit for this style of mask, even without adjustable ear loops.

The overall trifold-envelope style of KF94 masks offered the best fit on our kid testers by far. Because of the three different panels, the masks cover the nose and wrap under the chin while still sitting a bit away from their mouths, giving them space to talk and lick their lips without touching the mask. If you’ve witnessed the (honestly very gross) sight of a kid licking or sucking in and chewing the inside of their mask, lessening its efficacy, you already know how important this extra space is. Getting the absolute best fit out of a kid-size KF94, however, can still be a little bit tricky.

During our testing, we noticed a few universal challenges of fitting KF94s to different sized faces, which means you may need to try a few to find the best ones for your particular kid(s): First, if the strip of material above the nose wire is too wide, it can hit too high between the eyes, pushing down the entire mask and making it difficult to get the wire in the right place. This was especially true on our 4-year-old test subject. And second, many KF94’s have a slight processing smell right out of the package, and our sharp-nosed testers were quick to comment on it every time; while we didn’t find any KF94 masks that have no odor at all, we did find that any scent tended to dissipate thoroughly enough that we could usually convince the kiddos to stick it out. But if you are purchasing masks for an especially sensory-sensitive youngling, be ready. These KF94 masks from Korean company BK Healthcare (sold by Vida) are made from four layers of non-woven Polypropylene, including a melt-blown filter layer and a soft inner lining. They are labeled made in Korea and available in four colors and two kids’ sizes, plus, they come wrapped in tamper-evident single mask sleeves.

We tested and liked several options but gave a slight edge to these because they come in a few different colors, the nose piece fit our younger testers well, and the tamperproof, individually wrapped packaging, while not especially eco-friendly, is really handy (and though we haven’t tried it, Vida does offer mask recycling if you take advantage of the included prepaid mailing label to return used masks back to the company).

Finding high-quality masks small enough to fit children under 5 years old can be a real challenge — especially since they sell out so fast. But these KF94 masks are usually available and come recommended by Collins via his kids’ mask Google spreadsheet. He found them to have a filtration efficiency of 99.3 percent. They are made with four layers of non-woven material.

What we think: When I found out that Strategist writer Lauren Ro buys these masks for her 3-year-old son, I asked her for more details. She heard about them through a parent at her son’s preschool, who sourced a bunch of different KF94 masks directly from a Korean importer and tried them all on her 2.5-year-old. According to the friend, this mask was the clear winner and luckily was available on Amazon. “The XXS masks are perfectly suited for 2- to 3-year-olds, and they actually stay on my son’s face. He doesn’t seem to mind them as much as other masks and keeps them on instead of constantly pulling them down under his nose and chin. He’s worn them on cross-country flights, all day at school, even outside, without complaining about them,” Ro says.

If you can’t get your child to wear KN95 masks or KF94 masks, you might consider trying Evolve Together’s kids’ pleated masks alone or under a cloth mask for extra protection — double-masking can improve the fit and therefore the efficiency of surgical-style masks. These masks are made using the same process as the brand’s adult masks: with medical-grade materials in an FDA-registered factory. The only difference is the size (they’re also great for adults with smaller faces) — and they come in multiple colors with adorable sticker packs including unicorns, stars, astronauts, and hearts that may further entice kids to mask up.

What we think:While there’s no denying that this style of mask tends to leave gaps along the sides, there’s also no denying that color choices and stickers can go a long way when it comes to convincing resistant kids to wear a mask (just note that not all colors are always in stock). Because of the way they fit, these masks are more well-suited for less-risky circumstances, but our 4-year-old and 7-year-old test subjects were able to wear them comfortably without complaint. (One of them did comment on how they smelled right out of the packaging, and we did notice a slight papery odor, but it did dissipate over time.) In terms of the vertical measurement, these masks fit both girls fine, if a little big on the 4-year-old, but the pleats actually help with that, and because the material is flexible and soft, it doesn’t hit her in the neck the way the too-big Vida KN95s we tested did. The ear loops aren’t adjustable, but they can be knotted easily enough, which can also help close gaps at the cheeks to achieve a better overall fit.

The Strategistis designed to surface the most useful, expert recommendations for things to buy across the vast e-commerce landscape. Some of our latest conquests include the bestacne treatments,rolling luggage,pillows for side sleepers,natural anxiety remedies, andbath towels. We update links when possible, but note that deals can expire and all prices are subject to change.

Wholesale Trader of a wide range of products which include Tft Color Pulse Oximeter, N95 face mask 5 ply headloop, Fingertip Pulse Oximeter Led Display, Face Mask 5 Ply Printed And Washable, Colour Tft Touch Screen Handheld Pulse Oximeter and 3 Ply Ultrasonic Face Mask With Nosepin.

The researchers began working on this project before mask-wearing became common during the Covid-19 pandemic. Their original intention was to use sensors embedded in masks to measure the effectiveness of mask-wearing in areas with high levels of air pollution. However, once the pandemic started, they realized that such a sensor could have more widespread applications.

With so many different kinds of masks available during the pandemic, the researchers thought this kind of sensor could be useful to help individuals find the best-fitting mask for them. Currently, the only way to measure mask fit is to use a machine called a mask fit tester, which evaluates the mask fit by comparing air particle concentrations inside and outside of the face mask. However, this type of machine is only available in specialized facilities such as hospitals, which use them to evaluate mask fit for health care workers.

The MIT team wanted to create a more user-friendly, portable device to measure mask fit. Dagdeviren’s lab, the Conformable Decoders group, specializes in developing flexible, stretchable electronics that can be worn on the skin or incorporated into textiles to detect signals from the body.

“In this project, we wanted to monitor both biological and environmental conditions simultaneously, such as breathing pattern, skin temperature, human activities, temperature and humidity inside the face mask, and the position of the mask, including whether people are wearing it properly or not,” Kim says. “We also wanted to check the fit quality.”

To integrate their sensors into face masks, the researchers created a device that they call a conformable multimodal sensor face mask (cMaSK). Sensors that measure a variety of parameters are embedded in a flexible polymer frame that can be reversibly attached to the inside of any mask, around the edges.

To measure fit, the cMaSK has 17 sensors around the edge of the mask that measure capacitance, which can be used to determine whether the mask is touching the skin at each of those locations.

The cMaSK interface also has sensors that measure temperature, humidity, and air pressure, which can detect activities such as speaking and coughing. An accelerometer within the device can reveal if the wearer is moving around. All of the sensors are embedded into a biocompatible polymer called polyimide, which is used in medical implants such as stents.

The researchers tested the cMaSK interface in a group of five men and five women. All of the subjects wore surgical masks, and the researchers monitored the readings from the sensors as the participants performed a variety of activities, such as speaking, walking, and running. They also tested the sensors in a variety of temperature conditions.

Using data obtained by the capacitance sensors, the researchers created a machine-learning algorithm to calculate mask fit quality for each subject in the study. These measurements revealed that mask fit was significantly worse for women than men, due to differences in face shape and size. However, the fit for women could be improved slightly by wearing smaller surgical masks. The researchers also found that mask fit quality was low for one of the male subjects who had a beard, which created gaps between the mask and the skin.

To verify their results, the researchers also collaborated with MIT’s Environment, Health, and Safety Office on the design and evaluation of the fit, and found that the fit results for each study participant were very similar to what they found using the cMaSK.

The researchers hope that their findings will encourage mask manufacturers to design masks that fit a variety of face shapes and sizes, especially women’s faces. Dagdeviren’s lab is planning to work on mass production and large-scale deployment of the cMaSK interface.

“We hope to think about ways to design masks and come up with the best fit for individuals,” Dagdeviren says. “We have different sizes for shoes, and you can even customize your shoes. So why can’t you customize and design your mask, for your own health and for societal benefit?”

“Our technology can really help to quantify the social costs of these environmental hazards, and also to measure the benefits of any kind of policy intervention,” Zheng says.

The research was funded by the MIT Media Lab Consortium, the 3M Non-Tenured Faculty Award, and the MIT International Science and Technology Initiative (MISTI) Global Fund.

Do you wear a face mask or don"t you? Currently, the US Centers for Disease Control (CDC) offers guidance that if you live in a community with medium or high levels of Covid-19, you should continue to wear a well-fitting mask or respirator. Many people now live in an area with low levels of Covid-19 (you can check local levels here). However, you can wear a mask whenever you want, wherever you want. The CDC recommends that you wear them on indoor transportation, and local authorities can require mask wearing too.

A good face mask is a critical tool in helping slow the spread of Covid-19. We"ve been outfitting our kids and adapting our practices as new, science-based recommendations emerge. These are some of the masks, and masking practices, that I and other WIRED staff members are using. Keep a mask on, but remember to stay at home when possible, increase ventilation in indoor spaces, get tested regularly, and maintain at least a six-foot distance from others in public (preferably outdoors).

The materials-testing organization ASTM International also recently published the first-ever manufacturing standards on what constitutes a good face covering. Based on these guidelines, the National Institute for Occupational Safety & Health now recommends that if you"re going into the office, you use a mask that meets the ASTM"s minimum Workplace Performance Guidelines.

New guidance and standards mean that it"s now very hard for me to recommend the cloth face coverings that we recommended earlier in the pandemic. It will take time for every mask manufacturer to get their products tested. In the meantime, make sure your mask follows the recommended guidelines from the CDC, fits well, and is clean. A good reusable mask should completely cover your nose and mouth, use at least two fabric layers, and be washable. When I receive a mask, I first use the light and candle test—can I see light through the weave? Can I blow a candle out while wearing it? The mask"s weave should be tight enough to prevent you doing either of those things. Then I wear them while grocery shopping or walking my dog.

We"ve included some tips on mask care and choosing the best kind of mask straps at the end of this list. Be sure to check out our guide to the Best N95, KF94, and KN95 Face Masks, the Best Face Masks for Kids and How to Prevent and Treat Mascne.

Updated August 2022: We updated our guidance to add information about current masking regulations and where to find free masks, and removed picks that are no longer in stock.

With concerns about what experts are calling the “tripledemic” — the simultaneous circulation of Covid-19, the flu and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) — many people are currently restocking their supply of face masks as medical experts urge wearing face coverings in some settings. And though face masks were in short supply at the beginning of the pandemic, shoppers now have many options to choose from, like reusable cloth masks, disposable masks, respirators and even gaiters.

The most important thing to keep in mind, experts said, is that any mask is better than no mask at all. But according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, respirators — among them N95 and KN95 face masks — offer more protection than cloth masks, though they stopped short of directly recommending one mask over another. (Most people use “mask” and “respirator” interchangeably, but when the CDC and medical professionals say “respirator,” they specifically mean specialized, fitted face coverings like N95s, KN95s and KF94s.)

In its guide to masks and respirators, the CDC further prioritized respirators above masks — with emphasis on a proper fit — and specified that they’re better than cloth products.Highest level of protection: Well-fitting respirators approved by the National Institute for Occupational Safety & Health (NIOSH), including N95s

Despite respirators offering the most protection, some people don’t find this type of disposable face covering comfortable, like kids or those with smaller faces, for example. And since the CDC says that “it is most important to wear a well-fitted mask or respirator correctly that is comfortable for you and that provides good protection,” you may opt for another disposable mask option instead, like a medical-grade or nonmedical-grade disposable mask.

If you’re trying to decide which type of disposable mask is right for you, we talked to experts about the differences between each option, who should wear them and how to shop for them. We focused on medical-grade and nonmedical-grade options — you can learn more about KN95 and N95 respirators in our respective guides. We also highlighted disposable masks for kids and adults based on guidance from our experts, the CDC and the FDA.How to shop for disposable face masks

Beyond the CDC’s guidance, experts we spoke to said you can also look for masks that have an inner lining with moisture-wicking and antibacterial properties. They mentioned that you shouldn"t sweat price points too much, as more expensive disposable masks don’t guarantee better protection.

Dr. Jay Woody, chief medical officer of Intuitive Health and a co-founder of Legacy ER & Urgent Care, noted it’s important to remember that “while all surgical masks are considered face masks, not all face masks are considered surgical face masks.” When you’re shopping, check the label on the box to differentiate between medical-grade and nonmedical-grade to ensure you’re grabbing the right one for your needs.What are medical-grade disposable masks?

Medical-grade disposable face masks are regulated by the FDA and must meet strict criteria in order to be considered medical devices. Medical-grade face masks are also referred to as surgical masks or medical procedure masks, according to the CDC. They are not the same thing as N95 respirators, which are regulated by the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health.

The FDA notes that the edges of surgical masks “are not designed to form a seal around the nose and mouth.” The masks filter out large particles — which are bigger than very small particles in the air that may be transmitted by coughs or sneezes — and protect the wearer’s nose and mouth from contact with splashes or sprays that might contain germs, said Jeannie Kenkare, DO, chief medical officer and co-founder of Northeast-based PhysicianOne Urgent Care.

Experts we consulted didn’t specifically recommend medical-grade disposable face masks for the general public except for those in a high-risk category, which the World Health Organization defines as those over 60 or with underlying health conditions such as chronic respiratory disease, cancer or obesity. And unlike at the beginning of the pandemic, medical-grade disposable face masks are more readily available, so if you’re interested in purchasing them, you can find them at many retailers and pharmacies.Best medical-grade disposable face masks to buy

The FDA does not maintain a list of surgical mask suppliers. However, Linsey Marr, a professor of civil and environmental engineering at Virginia Tech, said to look for products that say they are ASTM Level 1, 2 or 3 on the package.

If you’re looking to purchase a medical-grade disposable mask, Marr said the difference among ASTM Levels 1, 2 and 3 “is probably not significant for everyday use, where fit is more important.” In other words, she said, a leaky surgical mask — one that fits your face poorly and has gaps along the sides and top — is not effective.

Since we don"t test masks ourselves, we rely on expert guidance and our previous reporting about how to shop for masks. The CDC recommends anyone shopping for masks look for multiple layers and adjustable nose wires, and experts told us to ensure masks can be made to fit tightly against the face. The following highly rated face masks list features that align with our research.

Built with three layers of fabric, these surgical masks have an adjustable nose bridge and ear loops. They come in a box of 50 masks, and are also available in children’s sizes.What are nonmedical-grade disposable face masks?

Nonmedical-grade disposable face masks look like surgical masks but are not regulated by the FDA, as they are not intended for use in medical settings, Kenkare said. She noted that “they come in many varieties and [are] of varying quality of fit and filtration.”

These disposable masks typically come in two- or three-layer builds. They’re a fine option for the public if they’re available in your area, said Dr. Ellen Turner, an infectious-diseases physician and adjunct professor at Drexel University College of Medicine in Philadelphia.Best nonmedical-grade disposable face masks to buy

The CDC recommends masks with multiple layers and adjustable nose wires, and experts told us to ensure that masks can be made to fit tightly against the face. The following highly rated face masks — some of which appear in our previous coverage — list features that align with our research.

You can purchase CandyCare’s disposable face masks in packs of 25 to 2,000. They’re built with three layers of fabric, an adjustable nose bridge and ear loops.

Available in packs of seven or 30, Evolvetogether’s disposable face masks are available in colors like Tokyo (gray), Amazonia (green) and Milan (black). They’re designed with three layers of fabric, an adjustable nose bridge and ear loops. The masks come with two mask keepers, which you can use to store masks when you’re not wearing them. The masks’ packaging is made from biodegradable and recyclable materials, according to Evolvetogether.

These face masks come in black, blue and white. You can purchase them in packs of 50 to 1,000. They’re designed with three layers of nonwoven fabric, an adjustable nose bridge and ear loops.

MASKC’s disposable face masks offer three layers of fabric, an adjustable nose bridge and ear loops. The masks come in a pack of 10 and are also available in variety packs.

These face masks are constructed from three layers of nonwoven fabric and have an adjustable nose bridge and elastic ear loops. You can purchase them in sets of 50 or 100, as well as colors like black and pink. The masks also come in patterns and individually wrapped options.

WeCare’s disposable face masks come individually wrapped. They’re made from three layers of nonwoven fabric and have an adjustable nose bridge. You can purchase packs of 50 masks in colors and prints like black, red and jaguar.

WellBefore’s disposable face masks can be purchased with ear loops, adjustable ear loops or an adjustable head strap. They’re made from three layers of fabric and have an adjustable nose strip. The masks are available in blue, black, burgundy and Forest Green. You can order as few as 10 masks to over 1,000. Masks come individually wrapped.How disposable masks work

Like reusable cloth face masks, disposable face masks protect those around the wearer by blocking virus particles from entering the air, thus decreasing the chance that someone infected with Covid will spread the virus, explained Dr. Carl Fichtenbaum, a professor of clinical medicine at the University of Cincinnati College of Medicine. To some extent, they also help shield what the wearer breathes in. And the masks can prevent wearers from touching a contaminated surface and then touching their eyes, mouth or nose, said Woody.

Because nonmedical-grade disposable masks are not regulated by the FDA, there is no uniform design standard they follow, but most have at least two layers. Medical-grade masks, however, are regulated by the FDA and adhere to specific standards. The outer layer is typically water-repellent to protect against large droplets, the middle layer usually has an antibacterial filter and the inner layer is designed to absorb moisture from the breath and minimize skin irritation, explained Dr. Manisha Singal, a board-certified internal medicine physician and chief medical officer of Bridgepoint Hospital in Washington, D.C, where she serves as a critical care physician.How to wear a disposable mask

No face mask will protect you or the people around you unless you wear it correctly. The CDC recommends making sure it completely covers your mouth and nose and fits tightly against your face to prevent gaps around the sides of the mask, nose and chin. You also should not wear any mask with exhalation valves or vents, according to the CDC.

All masks fit differently, and features like adjustable ear loops and an adjustable nose bridge help you improve the fit of your mask, as domask fitters or braces, according to the CDC. Using a fitter or brace is especially a good idea for people with facial hair, which can make it difficult to achieve a tight fit.

Another way to improve the fit of certain face masks is to double-mask, or wear a disposable mask underneath a reusable cloth mask. It’s important to note that the CDC advises against double-masking while wearing respirators, and you should not wear two disposable masks.Are disposable masks reusable?

What medical-grade face masks, nonmedical-grade face masks and respirators all have in common is that they’re designed to be single-use face coverings. That doesn’t actually mean you have to toss your mask after a single use, however. Depending on the mask and how long you wear it for, it can be worn multiple times if you remove and store it properly. Replace the disposable face mask if it becomes wet or visibly dirty. And as with all masks, be sure to properly remove them from your face: Take it off by the straps and wash your hands immediately afterward.Why wear a face mask? Do face masks protect others against Covid or just the wearers?

To recommend when Americans should wear face masks, the CDC determines an area’s Covid-19 Community Level risk on a scale of low, medium or high. To do so, it analyzes how many Covid-related hospital beds are in use, hospital admissions and the total number of new Covid cases in that area. Each Covid-19 Community Level corresponds to a masking recommendation — suggested precautions increase alongside the level. To determine your area’s Covid-19 Community Level, use the CDC"s Covid-19 county check.

The CDC’s order requiring masks on public transportation and at transportation hubs is no longer in effect, and many airlines no longer have mask mandate. However, the CDC said it “continues to recommend that people wear masks in indoor public transportation settings,” despite being unable to enforce any rules. Before you use a specific public transportation system in your area, be sure to double-check its mask requirements as they can change at any time.

Experts have repeatedly stressed that masks help reduce the risk of viral transmission. One 2021 CDC study found that, between two properly masked or double-masked people, the risk of one giving the other a virus was cut by over 95 percent. Masking up also protects other people, as demonstrated in numerous studies like these gathered by the CDC.Meet our experts

At Select, we work with experts who have specialized knowledge and authority based on relevant training and/or experience. We also take steps to ensure that all expert advice and recommendations are made independently and with no undisclosed financial conflicts of interestDr. Jay Woody is the chief medical officer of Intuitive Health and a co-founder of Legacy ER & Urgent Care.

Catch up on Select’s in-depth coverage of personal finance, tech and tools, wellness and more, and follow us on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter to stay up to date.

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This Benefit x Birchbox collaboration gets you £80 worth of product for £28 By You Magazine - August 27, 2020 Benefit is just one of those brands that is timeless, and its products always manage to maintain relevance and stay at bestseller status. While it has a fairly accessible price point, it’s still not the most affordable make-up brand out there, meaning we’re always on the look out for ways to score a bargain. Luckily, the Benefit x Birchbox set will help you do just that. Birchbox has partnered with Benefit to create a brilliant little kit for an important cause. 100 per cent of the profits made from the product will be donated to two charities close to the brand’s hearts: Refuge and Look Good Feel Better. This in itself is pretty amazing, and worth grabbing one for yourself, and that’s before you even hear how little the set will cost you in the first place. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Birchbox UK (@birchboxuk) The Benefit box contains an impressive

five of the brand’s best-sellers, two in full size: Roller Lash Mascara, High Brow Glow, Precisely My Brow (Shade 3), Hoola, Browvo!, and Porefessional Original. Now usually, buying these all separately would set you back an eye-watering £80.28, but together in this set, you can pick them up for either £23.80 (for VIP Birchbox members) or £28 for non-VIPs. This means that whether you’re a Birchbox member or not, you will be saving over £50 by picking up these products together. Pretty amazing, right? As mentioned, the profits raised will be split 50:50 down the line between the two causes the brands have picked. Refuge is a charity that aids victims of domestic abuse, while Look Good Feel Better is a support network for visible side effects of cancer. Both are incredibly important causes, so buying one of these kits is a great way to do your bit. Benefit x Birchbox Limited Edition, £28, Birchbox Lou Bennett, Marketing Director of Benefit Cosmetics UK & Ireland said of the joint venture: ‘At Benefit, one of the most important things to us as the UK’s No1 makeup brand is the continual support and empowerment of women.’ ‘We strive to do this all year long, working with not just our very dear charity partners Refuge and Look Good Feel Better, but also working in partnership with wonderful partners such as Birchbox.’ ‘We’re thrilled that Birchbox could join us in our efforts to support and empower women at every opportunity.’ The box goes on sale from today, 27th August 2020.

Who is Kiran Jethwa Renowned chef is all set to host and judge Chefs vs Wild Season 1 × Follow Us Create Notifications New User posted their first comment this is comment text Link Approve Reject & ban Delete Log in Manage your profile Editing Story Queue

Muskan Sharma Modified 25 Sep 2022 Follow Us Comment Share Chefs vs. Wilds host (Image via Instagram/chefkiranjethwa) Hulu"s Chefs vs. Wild season 1 is set to premiere on September 26. The culinary industry will see a show that combines cooking and wilderness. The show will be hosted by renowned chef and adventurer Kiran Jeth