Trying to decide which face mask you want to trust to protect you and others isn’t as simple as a quick search on Amazon. After some trial and error, my wife and I have finally determined our favorite mask option for our entire family.
As masks were being mandated in public places during the early months of quarantine, the high demand and priority given to medical workers made it a challenge in itself just to get your hands on some — even if you were willing to pay a premium. Now, with suppliers catching up to the demand, and masks of all types and styles readily available, we are facing another dilemma — deciding which option is right for you. After months of trying out various types of masks to protect us from the spread of the coronavirus — from failed DIY attempts to KN95s to 3-ply surgical masks and everything in between — my wife, two kids, and I have found our favorite. When factoring comfort, fit, affordability, and protection, the Anti-Microbial Reusable Face Mask from Well Before (formerly Honest PPE Supply) has become our go-to because it is the most practical for families.
Comfort and Fit
With baseball caps, if you don’t get your specific head size (my size is 7¼), then you’ll likely need an adjustable hat to fit right. We learned face masks are no different. One of the greatest benefits of these Well Before masks is that they are adjustable. They have rubber rings you can slide through the elastic ear loops until you find your desired tightness. This feature takes the guessing game out of mask-buying. The standard size fits the face of each member of my family, and we’re all different sizes. KN95 and other commonly-distributed masks fit me just fine, but kept slipping off the faces of my 3-year-old and 6-year-old kids. And, when we attempted to DIY their masks, we quickly learned how poor our sewing skills are.
Practical and Affordable
The Anti-Microbial Reusable Face Mask are reusable and washable up to 40 times. We’ve already washed ours a few times and the masks have not lost their shape or fit. We’ve thrown them in the washing machine and hand-washed them. This really comes in handy with the kids who continue to find creative ways to get their clothes and face masks dirty. The masks are already competitively priced at just $8 apiece (additional discounts available for first responders, and non-profit and essential workers), but when you factor in that they are reusable unlike other disposable recommended options, the savings begin to rack up. This is especially true for families like mine where the kids are now needing masks more regularly to attend school and daycare centers.
Protection
Deciding on the level of protection you need is a compromise many of us are trying to determine. In the end, it comes down to the individual’s comfort level. According to the retailer, these face masks has an anti-bacterial rate greater than 99% even after 50 washes. The masks are also anti-spray to protect others from your germs. However, these masks are not FDA approved. If you’re looking for the highest protection available, you may want to consider the Respokare NIOSH N95 Respirator Mask from N95 Mask Co, which promises more protection than the sought-after N95 mask and has a U.S. patent for anti-viral technology.
Here’s an extensive breakdown on mask types, FDA certifications, and where to get them.
