According to Dr. Carl Fichtenbaum, a clinical medicine professor at the University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, wearing a face mask in public is one of the greatest methods to prevent contracting and transmitting diseases including COVID-19, the flu, RSV, and the common cold. It can be difficult to decide which kind to use, though; you can use a respirator like a N95 or KN95, a disposable mask, or a reusable cloth mask.
According to Dr. Sharon Nachman, head of the pediatric infectious diseases division at Stony Brook Children’s Hospital, the best mask is ultimately the one you choose to wear. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the best protection is provided by a respirator. However, she asserts that donning a throwaway mask is preferable to doing nothing at all. Additionally, some people will probably wear them correctly and for longer periods of time since they find them more comfortable, which will lessen the spread of viruses.
I spoke with doctors about the qualities to look for in disposable face masks and compiled a few selections that follow their recommendations to help you shop for the best ones. Experts also discuss the importance of wearing a face mask and when it might be appropriate.
GO Ahead and SkipWhy should I trust NBC Select? What are disposable face masks? How did I choose the best disposable face masks? Which disposable face masks are the best to buy?
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Best overallDemeTECH ASTM Level 3 Face Masks
$undefined$15.99Amazon
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Best individually wrappedCandyCare Disposable Face Masks
$undefined$6.99Amazon
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Most layersEvolvetogether Face Masks
$32.38$35.97Evolvetogether
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What are disposable face masks?
Disposable face masks are single-use, multi-layered face coverings that physically separate the wearer’s mouth and nose from their surroundings. According to Fichtenbaum, they aid in preventing pathogens from entering the air when the wearer breathes, speaks, coughs, or sneezes. Additionally, disposable masks shield the wearer from breathing in big germ particles that might be present in the surrounding air.
Medical-grade (often referred to as surgical masks) and nonmedical-grade disposable face masks are the two varieties available. “The most important thing to know is that a nonmedical-grade face mask is a fine option for the average person, so long as you wear it properly and dispose of it frequently,” Nachman says, explaining the differences in more detail below.
How I picked the best disposable face masks
Experts advise keeping the following things in mind while purchasing disposable face masks.
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Fit
: Disposable masks should fit tightly around your nose, mouth and chin. There shouldn t be any big gaps between your face and the mask. Look for masks with adjustable nose wires, which can help you customize their fit. -
Multiple layers
: The CDC recommends buying disposable face masks made from multiple layers of material. Experts say your mask should be at least two-ply, but three-ply is ideal. Don t buy masks with exhalation valves, according to the CDC. -
Price
: More expensive disposable masks don t guarantee better protection, so don t sweat price point, experts say.
The best disposable face masks to shop
The disposable face masks listed below are all well-reviewed and compliant with professional purchasing advice. Additionally, each mask has a nose wire, is at least two-ply, and lacks exhalation valves—features that the CDC advises checking for. All of the other masks are not medical-grade, but the DemeTech mask is.
DemeTech ASTM Level 3 Face Masks
DemeTECH ASTM Level 3 Face Masks
The only medical-grade option on this list, these three-layer masks come in a pack of fifty. They come in a variety of colors and include an adjustable nose bridge.
PM Performotor Disposable Face Mask
PM Performotor Disposable Face Mask
These face masks have an adjustable nose bridge and three layers of nonwoven fabric. They are available for purchase in quantities of 50 or 100. Additionally, the brand offers individually wrapped choices.
WeCare Disposable Face Mask
WeCare Disposable Face Mask
Disposable face masks from WeCare are individually packed. They include an adjustable nose bridge and are composed of three layers of nonwoven cloth. Packs of fifty masks in a variety of colors and patterns are available for purchase.
CandyCare Disposable Face Masks
CandyCare Disposable Face Masks
The disposable face masks from CandyCare feature an adjustable nose bridge and three layers of cloth. There are twenty-five of them.
Evolvetogether Face Masks
Evolvetogether Face Masks
Evolvetogether’s masks have an adjustable nose bridge and four layers of fabric. Two mask keepers are included with the masks, which you can use to store the face coverings when not in use.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Disposable face masks shield individuals in close proximity to the wearer by preventing airborne germ particles. According to Fichtenbaum, this lessens the possibility that an ill person may infect others. Disposable masks also aid in limiting the wearer’s exposure to bigger airborne particles. According to him, they might also discourage users from touching their lips or nose after coming into contact with a contaminated surface.
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration regulates medical-grade disposable face masks, often known as surgical masks or medical procedure masks. According to Nachman, they must adhere to stringent performance and design standards in order to be classified as medical devices because they are made especially to be worn in healthcare environments. Keep in mind that respirators such as KN95s and N95s, which are governed by the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), are not the same as medical-grade disposable masks.
Disposable, non-medical face maskAccording to Fichtenbaum, they have the same soft appearance as medical-grade disposable face masks, but the FDA does not regulate them. They don’t adhere to any set design or performance standards because they are meant for the general public, not medical professionals. But the majority have two or more layers of defense.
If you don’t wear a face mask properly, it won’t protect you or those around you. To avoid gaps around the edges of the mask, nose, and chin, the CDC advises making sure it fits snugly on your face and completely covers your mouth and nose. Additionally, avoid wearing masks with vents or exhalation valves.
As domask fitters or braces, the CDC states that every mask fits differently and that features like adjustable nose bridges and ear loops help you get the best fit possible. For those who have facial hair, which can make it challenging to get a tight fit, using a brace or fitter is particularly wise.
According to Nachman, disposable face masks should only be worn for a few hours at a time. After wearing one for a while, discard it and put on a new one because they lose their effectiveness over time. According to Nachman, it’s also critical to remember that any mask that becomes soiled or moist from coughing, sneezing, or mouth breathing will not be effective. She advises keeping an additional mask on hand in case you need to replace yours.
According to Fichtenbaum, spending more than 15 to 20 minutes in congested indoor areas usually puts you at the highest risk of becoming ill. Concert venues, supermarkets, businesses, and classrooms are a few examples, as are transit hubs like rail stations and airports. According to him, it’s also a good idea to wear a face mask when riding in a crowded bus, train, or airplane.
“You should stay at home if you have a fever because you are at the highest risk of spreading a virus,” Nachman advises. She advises wearing a mask if you must go out in public after your fever has subsided or if you are only coughing and sneezing. By doing this, you reduce the likelihood that you may infect other people.
If you are more susceptible to illness, you might want to think about donning a face mask. According to Fichtenbaum, this is true for those who are 65 years of age or older, as well as those who have illnesses or take drugs that impair immunity.
Nachman advises bookmarking the CDC’s publicly available COVID-19, flu, and RSV trackers. Entering a zip code allows you to view the prevalence of each illness in your area or among the people you are visiting. According to Nachman, donning a mask is something you should think about doing if optimism is on the rise, particularly in large indoor public areas.
For two reasons, disposable face masks are not as protective as N95 and KN95 respirators.
According to Fichtenbaum, disposable face masks tend to fit looser, creating spaces between the mask and the wearer’s face that allow germs to enter. Conversely, KN95s and N95s create an airtight seal around the wearer’s nose and mouth.
Usually, a loosely woven cloth with big pores is used to make disposable masks. This allows more germs to get through disposable face masks, including very small airborne particles often transmitted by coughs and sneezes, says Fichtenbaum . In contrast, N95 and KN95s are typically made from a tightly woven that has a small pore size. This means less germs get through N95s and KN95s, which effectively filter out very small airborne particles.
That said, some people find wearing N95 and KN95s uncomfortable, making disposable face masks the next best option, says Nachman.
Meet our experts
At NBC Select, we work with experts with specialized knowledge and authority based on relevant training and/or experience. We also ensure that all expert advice and recommendations are made independently and with no undisclosed financial conflicts of interest.
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Dr.
Carl Fichtenbaum
is a professor of clinical medicine at the University of Cincinnati College of Medicine.
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Dr.
Sharon Nachman
is the chief of the division of pediatric infectious diseases at Stony Brook Children s Hospital.
Why trust NBC Select?
I m areporter at NBC Selectwho has written about face masks since 2020, including articles about KN95s, N95s, disposable face masks and kid s face masks. To write this article, I interviewed two doctors about how to shop for disposable face masks and researched face coverings using resources from the CDC and FDA. I also recommended disposable face masks to buy that meet expert guidance.
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