What to Buy Healthy Home & Appliances The 9 Best COVID-19 Face Masks of 2024, Researched and Reviewed A guide to effective protection and comfort in the evolving pandemic landscape. By Rebecca Carhart Rebecca Carhart Rebecca Carhart is a Senior Ecommerce Reviews Writer covering home, fashion, beauty, and lifestyle products. health's editorial guidelines and Dolly Sengsavang Dolly Sengsavang Dolly Sengsavang is a registered yoga teacher with holistic background when it comes to health and wellness. She is a full time food blogger that focuses on recipes that use whole ingredients that can help heal the body. health's editorial guidelines Updated on August 9, 2023 Medically reviewed by Farah Khan, MD Medically reviewed by Farah Khan, MD Farah Khan, MD, is an allergist/immunologist that treats pediatric and adult patients in her private practice in Northern Virginia. learn more Fact checked by Richard Scherr Fact checked by Richard Scherr Rich Scherr is an updates strategist and fact checker for Dotdash Meredith brands, including Health and Verywell. He is a seasoned financial and technology journalist who served as editor-in-chief of the Potomac Tech Wire for nearly two decades, and is a regular contributor to the sports pages of The Baltimore Sun. He has also been a news editor for America Online and has contributed to the Associated Press and The Washington Post. health's fact checking process In This Article Expand Jump to a Section Our top picks Reviews How We Selected What to Know Your Questions, Answered We independently evaluate all recommended products and services. If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation. Learn more. Health / Kristin Kempa Face masks, including high-filtration N95s and KN95s, proved to be a key component in the fight against the spread of COVID-19 at the beginning of the pandemic. However, with the emergence of new COVID-19 strains and the rise of flu and RSV cases, potentially leading to a tripledemic, health officials are now once again urging the renewed use of face masks. The World Health Organization (WHO) updated its list of circulating COVID-19 variants on July 19th, 2023, to include the emerging EG.5, referred to as "Eris," now the dominant strain in the United States and Britain. Its capability to elude antibodies and enhance cell entry has contributed to its widespread rise. Should you or someone in your family notice symptoms, remember to test yourself and prioritize mask-wearing when isolation isn't doable. According to the CDC’s recent guidance, masks should be worn when there is a high level of COVID in your community. And people at higher risk of getting sick (such as the elderly, people with certain medical conditions, or pregnant individuals) should consider wearing masks regardless of the level of COVID in their community. Monica Gandhi, MD, MPH, Director of UCSF-Bay Area Center for AIDS Research (CFAR), recommends N95, KN95, KF94, FFP2, or double-masking while indoors to block respiratory pathogens. According to Dr. Gandhi, masks work on an individual level as long as the individual is properly wearing the face mask. Experts and the CDC recommend wearing a mask that covers your mouth and nose while fitting under your chin. The mask must be snug on your face while allowing you to breathe easily. Julie Chen, MD, an integrative medicine physician who is board-certified in internal medicine, says these masks are made from "multiple layers of material that block 95 percent of 0.3 micron particles. Coronavirus is even smaller, at 0.1 microns, but are typically bound to something larger (like droplets), so it's purported to be 95 percent protective." With all the different masks to choose from, many factors come into play when choosing a mask, such as when to wear one, the level of protection you want, fit, comfort, and cost-effectiveness. Keep in mind face masks come in all different shapes and sizes. Again, the type of face mask you choose depends on several factors such as level of protection, cost, comfort, and size. During this point of the pandemic, masks such as N95 are more readily available for the general population and are no longer limited to just healthcare professionals. An allergist and immunologist on our Medical Expert Board reviewed this article for medical and scientific accuracy surrounding what to look for in COVID-19 face masks and their effectiveness against the virus. Our Top Picks Best Overall: DemeTECH NIOSH N95 Face Mask at Amazon ($65) Jump to Review Most Comfortable: ApePal 5-Layer Disposable KN95 Safety Face Mask at Amazon (See Price) Jump to Review Best Budget: Boncare KN95 Face Mask at Amazon ($16) Jump to Review Best for Kids: Happy Masks Pro at Happymasks.com (See Price) Jump to Review Best Adjustable: Enro Solid Tech Face Mask at Enro.com ($17) Jump to Review Best for Travel: Kimberly-Clark Professional N95 Pouch Respirator at Amazon ($43) Jump to Review Best Recyclable: VIDA NIOSH and FDA Approved N95 Mask at Shopvida.com (See Price) Jump to Review Best Surgical Masks: MagiCare Medical Grade Disposable Face Masks at Amazon ($13) Jump to Review Best for Glasses: 3M 9205+ Aura Particulate N95 Respirator at Amazon ($13) Jump to Review Best Overall DemeTECH NIOSH N95 Face Mask Amazon View On Amazon $65 View On Demetech.us $75 View On Bonafidemasks.com Why We Like It It filters out more than 98 percent of airborne particles and is made in the United States. It’s Worth Noting This mask may not be a great option for people with small faces. The DemeTECH NIOSH N95 respirator face mask has been highly rated as a protective N95 mask that can be worn daily with comfort and ease. The mask has five layers with 2 filtration layers that filter more than 98 percent of all airborne particles. The mask features double-welded head straps with an adjustable nose piece to provide a strong fit and seal against the wearer’s face. Product Details: Type of mask: N95Reusable: NoSize of pack: 20 pack Most Comfortable ApePal 5-Layer Disposable KN95 Safety Face Mask Amazon View On Amazon Why We Like It This KN95 mask is lightweight and comfortable, plus it comes in multiple colors. It’s Worth Noting Newer masks may run larger than previous batches. With its wide elastic ear loops and five-layer protection, this mask provides a comfortable fit that allows you to breathe easily during prolonged wear. The lightweight mask can be adjusted to fit different face shapes and sizes properly. The wide elastic ear loops provide comfort and do not irritate behind the ears when wearing the mask for a long period. Product Details: Type of mask: KN95Reusable: NoSize of pack: 10 pack Best Budget Boncare KN95 Face Mask Amazon View On Amazon $16 Why We Like It The shape naturally conforms to the wearer’s face to allow for comfortable talking and facial movement. It’s Worth Noting These masks are on the smaller side, so they may not be a good choice for people with large faces. Each mask features five layers for ample protection. The outer layers are made with a non-woven material that is soft against the skin, while the three inner layers are made from hot air cotton and melt-blown fabric. They work together to block out more than 95 percent of particles. The foldable mask features a triangular design that fits snugly on the face but still leaves plenty of breathing room around the nose and mouth. Product Details: Type of mask: Disposable maskReusable: NoSize of pack: 30 Best for Kids Happy Masks Pro Happy Masks View On Happymasks.com Why We Like It These fun, colorful masks feature a unique “parrot design” that makes them comfortable for kids to wear. It’s Worth Noting The masks are reusable but need to be hand-washed between uses. With its unique “parrot-beak” design, the mask leaves space for your nose and mouth to easily breathe while still protecting you with its five layers of protection. Happy Masks come in different sizes however the adjustable nose wire and ear straps help ensure a perfect fit for various face shapes. Happy Masks are a hit with children because they come in a variety of colors and designs. And the adjustable nose wire and ear straps help avoid irritation on kids’ sensitive skin. Parents will love that the mask has a 95 percent filtration rate and can be reused up to 50 times. Product Details: Type of mask: N99Reusable: YesSize of pack: 1 mask Best Adjustable Enro Solid Tech Face Mask Enro View On Enro.com $17 Why We Like It The mask comes in six different sizes with adjustable nose and ear loops. It’s Worth Noting Sizes may run larger than the measurements indicated on the website. The Enro Solid Tech Face Mask gives a customized fit for each wearer. The masks come in six different sizes that range from XXS to XL. They also include an adjustable nose bridge and adjustable ear loops. This face mask can also be washed up to 100 times in the washing machine, which makes it one of the most sustainable face masks. Enro masks feature a 99% virus, bacteria, and particle filtration efficiency rate. The ultra-lightweight mask also provides comfort that helps wearers breathe easier, even while running and exercising. Product Details: Type of mask: Cloth maskReusable: YesSize of pack: 1 mask Best for Travel Kimberly-Clark Professional N95 Pouch Respirator Amazon View On Amazon $43 Why We Like It The unique design makes the mask comfortable to wear for long periods of time (like on a flight). It’s Worth Noting It might not be suitable for smaller faces. The softer pouch style of this NIOSH-approved N95 mask provides a lighter and more comfortable wear than the traditional cup-shaped N95 masks, which makes it great for traveling, The design of the mask makes it easier to breathe while still forming a seal around the nose and mouth to help protect the wearer. The mask also features headbands that go over the head versus around the ears to add more comfort for long-term wear. Many shoppers have noted how well the mask can be molded to properly fit their faces. Product Details: Type of mask: N95Reusable: NoSize of pack: 50 pack Best Recyclable VIDA NIOSH and FDA Approved N95 Mask Vida View On Shopvida.com Why We Like It These masks can be sent back to the company when you’re done using them and the company will recycle them. It’s Worth Noting VIDA masks are non-washable and should be replaced on a daily basis. VIDA’s N95 masks are NIOSH- and FDA-approved and are environmentally friendly. The N95 respirator mask provides a 95 percent+ filtration rate against solid and liquid aerosols. It has four protective layers, two headbands, and an adjustable nose bridge wire. The masks come in three different sizes: regular, kids XS, and kids, alongside a family pack option where both kids and regular sizes can be purchased together. VIDA has a sustainability program to help ensure the masks get properly recycled. They provide customers with a shipping label so used masks can be sent back to their facility. Product Details: Type of mask: N95Reusable: NoSize of pack: Varies from 10 to 1,000 pack Best Surgical Masks MagiCare Medical Grade Disposable Face Masks Amazon View On Amazon $13 Why We Like It These disposable surgical masks are made in the United States. It’s Worth Noting The masks are not individually wrapped, so they may be hard to carry as spares when out and about. This disposable face mask has a three-layer protection made of soft breathable material. The soft inner lining is designed for comfort and to keep your face cool and moisture free. The strong but pliable nose wire allows this mask to contour to the face for a snug fit. The ear loop of this mask is made of a highly stretchable soft material that is latex-free. The strong ear loop won’t break as easily as other disposable face masks. Product Details: Type of mask: Disposable surgical maskReusable: NoSize of pack: 50 pack Best for Glasses 3M 9205+ Aura Particulate N95 Respirator Amazon View On Amazon $13 View On Walmart $21 View On Home Depot $21 Why We Like It The 3M Aura Particulate Respirator 9205+ N95 is especially appreciated by glasses wearers for its secure fit that minimizes fogging. It’s Worth Noting Some users have noted that it may feel a bit snug on the face and the staples and strong smell can potentially cause discomfort during prolonged wear. The 3M Aura Particulate Respirator 9205+ N95 is another NIOSH-approved respiratory solution, particularly beneficial for individuals who wear glasses. Its thoughtful 3 part design with an adjustable nose clip minimizes fogging on glasses, ensuring clear vision during use while the straps securely fasten around the back of your head, alleviating discomfort around the ears. Offering N95-level protection, Its efficient filtration capabilities safeguards against airborne particles and enhance your respiratory defense while maintaining comfort. Its contoured top section contributes to stability during conversation or daily activities, making it a practical choice for various environments. Whether you're in bustling settings or tackling everyday activities, the 3M Aura Particulate Respirator 9205+ N95 is tailored to provide reliable protection without compromising your visual clarity or overall comfort. Product Details: Type of mask: N95Reusable: YesSize of pack: 20 pack How We Selected To determine the best face masks for COVID-19 protection, we asked experts for their recommendations and why. The experts we spoke with included: Julie Chen, MD, an integrative medicine physician who is board-certified in internal medicine Monica Gandhi, MD, MPH, Director of UCSF-Bay Area Center for AIDS Research (CFAR) We took the experts' recommendations into consideration alongside the recommendations of the CDC when picking each face mask listed. While reviewing the various face masks on the market, we took into account whether the mask is NIOSH- and FDA-approved, the level of protection, the cost-effectiveness, the comfort, and the ease of use and breathing. We offer a range of different types of face masks that fit various budgets and various levels of protection. What to Know About Face Masks High-filtration N95 masks approved by the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) are still the gold standard as they provide more robust protection (95% filtration rate against small and large particles). Since they sell out quickly and can be hard to come by, many people have turned to the Chinese equivalent, KN95 masks, instead. If you don’t have an N95 or KN95 mask, a surgical mask is the next best option. Surgical masks can protect you from large viral droplets, but they don’t filter out the smallest particles. Surgical masks also don’t fit as snugly as N95 or KN95 masks, so their protection is not as strong. When purchasing face masks, it’s also important to consider the size, shape, and whether it has an ear loop or nose wire to help you get the most secure fit. How Much to Expect to Pay for N95 Face Mask The cost of N95 face masks can vary depending on where the masks are purchased, the quality of the masks, and if it’s being purchased as a singular mask or a pack of masks. Our best overall mask DemeTECH NIOSH N95 Respirator Face Mask comes in a pack of 20 for $65, while our budget choice Boncare KN95 Face Mask costs $13 for a pack of 30. Your Questions, Answered What is a Medical-Grade Face Mask and When Do We Need to Use Them? Medical-grade face masks are loose-fitting, disposable masks that create a physical barrier between the mouth and nose of the wearer and potential contaminants in the immediate environment. They can be worn on a day-to-day basis in any environment. How effective are N95 face masks against COVID-19? N95 face masks are recommended by experts and the CDC for protection against COVID-19. With a 95 percent filtration rate, N95 masks reduce the wearer's exposure to particles including small particle aerosols and large droplets. A well-fitted N95 face mask will help reduce the transmission of the virus. Was this page helpful? Thanks for your feedback! Tell us why! Other Submit