Shoppers Say These Face Masks Are So Breathable, ‘It’s Easy to Forget’ You’re Wearing One

Christina Butan
·3 min read

Wearing a face mask has become the new normal during the coronavirus pandemic. While many states have entered a reopening phase, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention still recommends wearing a face covering whether you are going to the grocery store or the park. As you’ve been testing out reusable face masks during this time, you’ve probably come across ones you’ve loved, and ones that didn’t feel so great. If the warmer weather has you searching for a mask that’s more lightweight, you may want to try out Nxtstop’s bamboo masks.

The travel apparel brand launched its kids and adult face masks in April. Made out of a 95 percent bamboo fabric blend, they’re double layered, have a tight knit outer construction, and feature adjustable ear straps and a nose wire. The brand says the masks are anti-wrinkle, odor-resistant, and more durable than cotton when laundering.

Nxtstop’s bamboo masks are so popular, they've already sold out several times on Amazon. If they're currently unavailable (or backordered), you can still order them via the brand's website.

Nxt Stop

Buy It! Nxtstop Bamboo Face Mask, $14; amazon.com or nxstop.com; Nxstop Cotton Face Mask, $10; amazon.com or nxtstop.com

Dr. Purvi Parikh, allergist and immunologist with Allergy & Asthma Network, told PEOPLE that “bamboo material tends to absorb moisture and humidity better due to dry wick properties,” so you can expect a bamboo face mask to be more comfortable and breathable than a cotton mask in the hot and humid weather.

While there haven’t been any major studies done on the filtration effectiveness of a bamboo fabric face mask, bamboo “has shown to be a good breathable alternative” to cotton, according to Parikh. “Ideally, if double layered, tightly knit, and with a good fit, protection should be comparable,” she said.

Amazon shoppers have raved that the Nxtstop bamboo face masks are soft and “much better” than cotton ones.

“They fit like a second skin around the edges without being tight, form around your nose to seal well at the top, have a gusset to make them fit under your chin, and they are stretchy,” one shopper wrote. “It is easy to forget you have it on, it is so comfortable. The soft knit bamboo is very smooth. The ear straps are smooth, thin elastic with an easy slide adjustment. They are very thin and compact for storage.”

Sounds like the Nxtstop Bamboo Face Mask is a must-have for anyone spending a lot of time outdoors this summer. Below, shop more breathable face coverings from brands like Athleta and Case-Mate.