Protect Yourself — Which Disposable Mask is Best for you?

I do three jobs to make a living including real estate photography, substitute teaching and laboring in a warehouse. I’ve been wearing masks almost everyday since late March, and have spent at least a few hundred dollars trying every style from a homemade, single-layer mask to commercial-made KN95 multi-layer masks.

In the beginning, style and fun were front and center to me. I have several novel face coverings that represent my interests including travel, animals and wine, to name a few. However, right now with Covid-19 infections surging, protection is more important than ever.

Recently, I’ve switched to disposable masks made with melt-blown, non-woven material. Fabric masks are woven which creates gaps between the thread resulting in a 25% to 38% filtration rate. Here are qualities to consider when choosing a mask:

Breathability: Can you take deep breath without the mask clinging to your face? Can you wear it several hours without gasping for air?

Fit: Does it keep falling off your nose when you talk? Do your glasses fog up wearing it? Does it comfortably cover your chin and nose without gapping on the sides?

Protection: How well does it filter out small particles? Is the seal around the mask tight or loose?