The 10 Best Face Masks for COVID-19 Protection and Comfort
Updated: Apr. 10, 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.
via amazon.com
Best N95 mask
Kimberly-Clark Professional N95 Pouch Respirator, 50 Count
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.
