Whilst the global vaccination effort is well underway, we still have a long way to go until we can drop the safety measures to stop the spread of the virus. Alongside social distancing & handwashing, one of the main methods used to slow the Coronavirus transmission has been to wear masks or face coverings indoors.
In their most simple form, Masks are pieces of cloth or fabric attached to a string that you wear on your face. The basic premise is to stop particles and air droplets that could carry disease microbes from leaving your mouth and transmitting over the air. Of course, most basic masks won’t stop you from getting infected by a non-mask wearer, but they’ll help catch the virus in the fabric if you have the Coronavirus.
In most countries now, there exists some form of mask mandate, and at the start of the pandemic, stock shortages meant it was tough to get your hands on a surgical mask, let alone an N95 mask, but now in 2024, suppliers have been able to meet demand a little better. As a result, there are hundreds of options for masks available on Amazon – and that’s why we’ve put together this list of the Best Masks for Covid-19 for you to choose from on Amazon for 2024.
1. ZNTAPS Face Mask (Black) Pack of 50
Pros:
- Pack of 50
- Really affordable
- Black
Cons:
- Not reusable
- Less effective than N95 masks
First up is this surgical-style disposable mask from ZTANPS. These masks were all the craze in the early pandemic period, with the signature surgical baby blue populating our streets and public health illustrations. Now, it’s about that sleek and stylish black.
Featuring three layers of protective filtration, which includes non-woven fabric outside and a melt-blown safety filter in the middle of the mask. For comfort, the inside of the mask is lined with a soft non-woven fabric, which feels great on the skin for long periods of time.
Customers note that the straps stretch is perfect: tight enough not to have to pull it up all the time and loose enough to breathe. Reviewers also love how professional and stylish they look. If you’re wearing a suit on a business trip, the last thing you’d want to be wearing is an ugly blue mask – pop on this black surgical style mask and look the part whilst keeping you and the public safe.
These are fully disposable, but the fabric nature of this mask doesn’t make this the most recyclable mask. The hard truth is that most surgical masks are on their way to a landfill. Furthermore, these masks aren’t washable, so once you’ve worn them for a day, it’s got to go straight in the bin. Perhaps a reusable and washable fabric mask might suit you better if you’re environmentally conscious.
Priced at $6.99 for a pack of 50, these masks are fantastic value. Honestly, they’re an absolute steal: we don’t know how they’re making money on these things. If you want stylish disposable masks, ZTAMPS has got you covered.
2. BS Badger Smith Air Mesh Max Face Mask Unisex Washable with Adjustable Ear Loops
Pros:
- Reusable
- Stylish
- Comfortable
Cons:
- A bit pricey
Next up from fashion brand Badger Smith, we have these elegant and stylish washable and reusable mesh unisex face masks. For added safety and comfort, this mask is constructed from four strong layers, including:
- Outer filtration layer
- Two layers of melt-blown for added viral resistance
- The soft and comfortable inner layer
That second melt-blown layer makes this mask a lot safer than thin disposables, making it much harder for virus particles to get or out. The plush mesh design is lightweight, flexible, and easy to fold. They are reusable and washable; wash on a gentle cycle and lay flat to dry.
A lot of these reusable fabric masks fail due to the lack of nose support. This isn’t the case with this mask from Badger Smith. You can easily secure your mask in place with the convenient adjustable nose clip, which helps reduce the risk of exposure.
The adjustable soft elastic ear loops allow you to adjust the ear loops as per your comfort – eliminating the problem of having face masks that are too tight or too loose. The mask is contoured to fit your face and provide maximum comfort and ultimate protection.
Comes in four different shades, first a standard black, second a smart navy blue. Also available in grey color, and finally, a khaki green mask completes the mix. The masks are perfect for glasses wearers as with a little adjusting, you should be able to reduce significantly the problem of glasses fogging while wearing this mask.
Priced at for a pack of 3, these aren’t the cheapest face masks around. But, if you want a stylish, comfortable and functional face mask, you can go wrong with the Badger Smith Air Mesh Max face mask.
3. ZISUN Summer Model KN95 Face Masks 50 Pcs
Pros:
- Lightweight
- KN95
Cons:
- Not reusable
Next up on this list is a KN95 mask. KN95 is rated to capture 95% of 0.3-micron particles. To be certified as a KN95 mask, the Chinese government requires the manufacturer to run a special mask fit test on real humans with ≤ 8% leakage – dramatically reducing virus transmission.
This mask consists of two layers of non-woven fabric and two layers of melt-blown to improve safety. The soft and elastic ear loops help eliminate the pressure on the ears. The adjustable nose clip design can perfectly fit the mask on your face. These are much easier to handle than US-style N95, which must be tied around the back of your head.
These KN95 face masks are very high quality, fit the face very well, and are much more comfortable and breathable than many other high-performance masks. In addition, they’re all individually packaged, so they are perfect to be provided to employees, friends, or family members without the risk of contamination.
Each mask can be folded, making them extremely useful to transport around. In addition, these masks are light and airy: designed for use in the summer, and they’re not smashing your face too much.
Priced at for a pack of 50, this product is one of the most affordable KN95 offerings on Amazon – perfect for anyone looking to stay safe on a budget.
4. FANGTIAN N95 NOIS Certified Respirators
Pros:
- Highly effective
- Breathable
- Round the back of head fit
Cons:
- Pricey
- Not reusable
Another standard for high-performance masks is the N95 certification. This is dictated by the US Centre for Disease Control (CDC) and, alongside KN95, is rated to block 95% of microbes.
Instead of fitting around the ear, these masks extend around your head to improve safety, fit, and even comfort. In addition, facial protection helps prevent leaks from all sides of your face.
The enhanced flexible nose pad provides a snug fit and reduces the likelihood of your glasses steaming up using the mask. In addition, the elongated nose provides a little extra room for breathing and reduces claustrophobia – although it does make you look sort of like a duck!
The fabric is soft on the skin with a foam nose pad to eliminate the chance of skin irritation. The flexibility of the fabric allows for a nice tightness to all faces, no matter the face size or shape. The material is soft and comfortable to wear for a long period of time. It’s foldable, easier to store when not in use, and carries in the pocket.
The biggest plus for this product, though, is its bespoke and unambiguous CDC approval: making it safe to use even in medical environments. To top it all off, these masks are compatible with various protective eyewear and hearing protection.
Priced at $12.05, these are a little bit more pricey than most other disposable masks. But, the CDC has tested a lot of the Chinese-approved KN95 masks and found them to be less effective than American-approved N95s. ISo, if you’re looking for maximum protection against viral infection, this mask is a fantastic choice.
Conclusion
And there we go, four great picks for masks to keep you, your family, and your colleagues safe in the outside world. We’re seriously impressed with the ZNTAPS black face mask’s affordability, and we think it looks fantastic.
If you need a little more protection, the FANGTIAN N95 Mask is perfect for critical situations like medical settings or retail.
While masks do significantly reduce virus transmission, masks cannot ever be 100% effective. That’s why it’s important to continue social distancing, wash your hands effectively, and avoid large social gatherings.