Face masks are essential accessories to have during this pandemic. With the evolving nature of Covid-19, it’s also important for us to be aware of the types of masks we use. For maximum protection, we should ideally wear surgical & reusable masks with strong filtration capabilities. This includes masks with at least 95% Bacterial Filtration Efficiency (BFE) and those made of at least two layers of fabric with a filter insert.
No worries if you’re feeling lost – we’ve compiled a list of masks and where to get them to help you out.
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If you’re always on the go and need enough masks on hand, IUIGA 3-Ply Surgical Masks are a staple to have at home. These disposable masks are water-resistant and have >99% BFE, offering protection against bacteria, viruses, and other airborne particles. In case you’re wondering, BFE measures how effectively a mask filters bacteria-containing droplets. The higher the percentage, the better your mask’s filtration capacity is.
Not to mention, they’re also suitable for sensitive skin. So, if you ain’t got time to wash reusable masks all the time, just whip out one of these from the box and you’re good to go.
Price: $26.90 for 50 pieces
Get IUIGA 3-Ply Surgical Masks
Keeping in line with their minimalist aesthetic, Muji has rolled out their 100% organic cotton reusable 3 Layer Mask. This mask lasts up to 30 washes, so if there’s one way you can be more eco-friendly, it’s by investing in reusable goods like this.
It even comes with a nose clip for a better fit which is great because it guarantees you won’t have a mask slip while out in public.
Price: $9.90 for 2 masks
The Under Armour SPORTSMASK is for the fitspos amongst us. Let’s be real, exercising with a face mask can get pretty suffocating. However, for our own safety, we often don’t have a choice when it comes to doing activities indoors such as gymming or bouldering.
With three layers of breathable and antimicrobial material, a water-resistant shell to repel droplets and built-in sun protection to boot, those working out can *literally* heave a sigh of relief whenever they have to mask on while exercising.
Price: $29
Get the UA SPORTSMASK
Uniqlo’s AIRism fabric is known for its cooling effect, so if you’re a fan of this, you might like Uniqlo’s AIRism Washable Face Mask too.
This reusable mask comes with three layers: a breathable mesh, a non-woven filter and an additional layer to block 90% of UV rays – good news because you can save on putting on sunscreen on half of your face.
While its BFE reduces from 99% to 95% after repeated washes, masks with 95% BFE are still highly recommended by the government so nothing to worry about there.
Price: $14.90 for three pieces
Get Uniqlo’s AIRism Washable Face Mask
The DERMACOOL 3-Ply Sports Mask is another reusable accessory that’ll allow you to exercise without feeling like you can’t breathe. It makes use of nanotechnology on polyester which supposedly enhances its durability – lasting between 3-4 months or up to 100 washes. You’ll be able to clock in those indoor mask-on workouts easily while being environmentally friendly too.
At the same time, the mask is equipped with anti-bacterial properties which makes it safe for sensitive skin, even going as far as to calm eczema.
Price: $17.90
Get the DERMACOOL 3-Ply Sports Mask
If you’ve seen vending machines dispensing surgical masks in your local shopping mall, chances are you’ve seen these masks made by gaming tech firm Razer. When the pandemic first started, the Razer 3-Ply Surgical Mask was one of the first few masks recommended by Singapore’s government – they were even given to residents free of charge in vending machines.
Needless to say, it comes as no surprise that this mask is equipped with good filtration efficiency. Avid gamers, this mask is one to add to your shopping list if you’re gunning to show Razer some love and support.
Price: $27 for 30 pieces
Get Razer 3-Ply Surgical Masks
Sometimes, it’s worth paying a little more to get something that’ll last longer. If you’re looking for a face mask that’ll still be effective even after 100 washes, then 1929’s Reusable 3-Ply Anti-Microbial Face Mask is worth investing in.
The $25 mask comes with Benzalkonium Chloride – a.k.a. the chemical used in hand sanitisers – and is meant to repel water and kill germs while maintaining a minimum level of comfort.
So, if you don’t fancy spending money replacing masks regularly, this one might just be up your alley.
Price: $25
Get 1929’s Reusable 3-Ply Anti-Microbial Face Mask
With face masks being the norm nowadays, they’ve become another way for us to accessorise ourselves via fashion. Between tonnes of colour and design options and big brands releasing their own line of masks, we’re spoiled for choice when it comes to picking our protective gear.
Kaze Origins’ disposable masks boast a BFE of more than 99.9% and are certified “respirator-class” KN95 masks. Who said you can’t be fashionable while staying safe at the same time?
Fun Fact: Many celebs such as Cardi B and Justin Bieber have been seen sporting Kaze Origins respirators in their various fashionable fits.
Price: From $43 for 10 pieces
Get Kaze Disposable Respirator Mask
With Covid-19 still around after two years, a future with no masks seems pretty far away. In the meantime, we can protect ourselves by masking up more efficiently with respirators like the ones suggested above. With a variety of styles, designs and mask types to choose from, we’ll never run out of options to accessorise ourselves safely and fashionably.
Catch yourselves up with our other Covid-19 related articles:
Cover adapted from (L-R): @1929mask , @dermacoolmask
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