The Daily Valet. - 5/11/20, Face Mask Buying Guide
✔️ Buying Guide: The Best Face Masks
Masks are now a vital part of everyday life. And a lot of you have reached out asking which ones are worth the money. So we rounded up the best looking and most comfortable options around to help steer you in the right direction. We’ve also got all the information you need about washing and wearing it properly.
Cory Ohlendorf , Editor ⋯ @coryohlendorf
Buying Guide
A Gentleman’s Guide to Face Masks
Which ones to buy, plus how to wear and wash them
Masks will be part of our daily lives for the foreseeable future. Portions of 30 states now require residents to cover their faces when they visit essential businesses or use public transportation.
Now the question becomes, what kind of mask do you actually want to wear on your face? Do you want ear loops or straps that tie? Do you want a pocket for a filter or just want it to look cool? Why not get one you actually want to wear on your face? And more importantly, which ones do the best job?
Dr. Scott Segal, chairman of anesthesiology at Wake Forest Baptist Health, who recently conducted a study of the efficacy of different materials used for homemade masks, says that you want thick, tightly woven cotton. Want to make sure a mask is effective? Dr. Segal suggests a light test: If you can see light passing through the material, when you hold it up to a bright light or the sun, it's less likely to be a good filter.
To help you out, we've rounded up the best ones still in stock—for now. Take your pick and be safe out there.
The Best Masks to Buy Right Now
Adjustable protective mask, $10 by Vida
Bandana paisley mask, $25 by Profound
Pleated plaid mask, $18 by Kevan Hall
Dark denim mask, $6 by Sixty Nine
↑ Made from moisture-wicking and abrasion-resistant technical fabric
Traditional mask, $16 by Mystery Ranch
Salvaged hemp mask, $20 (for three) by United by Blue
Double-layer cotton mask, $36 (for three) by Coal
↑ Sewn with a polypropylene meltblown filter
Printed cotton mask, $28 (for five) by Sanctuary
↑ Comfortable stretch cotton fits securely without feeling too snug
Stealth mask, $30 by rag & bone
Triple-layered woven cloth mask, $15 by DIOP
Soft jersey cotton mask, $12 (for three) by New Republic
Washable chambray mask, $12 by Stock Mfg.
Two-tone nylon mask, $12.50 by American Trench
Breathable Surfstretch mask, $19.95 by Birdwell
↑ Made from antimicrobial scuba fabric that's light and breathable
Antimicrobial stretch mask, $16 by Jack Henry
↑ With built-in pocket for additional filter
Cotton folded mask, $19 by Rendall Co.
Cotton camo mask, $20 by Ball and Buck
↑ Customize it with your own message
Stretch cotton mask, $19 by Apolis
French Terry mask, $30 (for three) by Los Angeles Apparel
Vintage bandana mask, $25 by Lotuff
↑ Can be worn on its own or as a cover to extend an N95 mask
Mark 1 mask, $30 by Goodfight
Mask 101
How to Wear It ProperlyIf you wear your face mask incorrectly, it's useless. According to Oscar Health, you should never pull it up or down while you're outside. “Don't wear it below your nose or expose your chin. Do make sure your face mask comes all the way up, close to the bridge of your nose, and that it fits snugly around your face, without any gaps.” Don't touch the fabric part of the mask. Remember, that's filtering the germs, and you don't want to spread whatever germs it has trapped. Instead, use the ear loops or ties to secure your mask and to remove it.
How to Clean Your MaskAccording to the CDC, your fabric masks should be “washed routinely.” Most experts advise washing them daily or at least weekly in a machine or a sink, just using regular laundry soap. Toss it in the dryer or let it air dry. And while it's not necessary, you can also go over it with a hot iron to ensure any germs that might remain are killed.
Stay safe out there.
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