17 affordable cloth face masks you can find on Amazon for both adults and children
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The CDC recommends that all people wear a cloth face mask in public to help slow the spread of Covid-19.
Amazon is a convenient place to find companies making non-medical grade masks.
We rounded up some of the most popular options for adults and children.
This article was medically reviewed by Tania Elliott, MD, who specializes in infectious diseases related to allergies and immunology for internal medicine at NYU Langone Health.
As the novel coronavirus continues to spread, medical-grade surgical masks and N95 respirators are still in extremely high demand. Since those supplies aren't readily available to the general public and should be reserved for patients and healthcare workers on the frontlines, the CDC recommends that everyone wear cloth masks when leaving the house.
With some states requiring that everyone outside wear face coverings, and certain businesses making them mandatory for entry or service, people are resorting to making or buying cloth masks online, and Amazon has become a popular place to find them.
The CDC has created a list of recommended guidelines for people interested in creating masks at home, but it also serves as a good reference when shopping.
Why is it important to wear a face mask?
Wearing a cloth face mask may not prevent you from contracting the coronavirus or any other virus, but it can decrease the likelihood of spreading germs.
The CDC's guidelines say that "cloth face coverings may prevent the person wearing the mask from spreading respiratory droplets when talking, sneezing, or coughing. If everyone wears a cloth face covering when out in public, such as going to the grocery store, the risk of exposure to SARS-CoV-2 can be reduced for the community."
Whether you're asymptomatic, pre-symptomatic, or showing mild symptoms that could be brushed off as a common cold, there's still a possibility you've contracted the new coronavirus and can unknowingly spread it to others. For this reason, the CDC recommends that everyone, not just those who show symptoms, wear a face mask outside the home.
Note that cloth face masks are not medical grade and that additions like filters have not been proven to be any safer or more effective. Even if you prefer to wear single-use surgical masks, it's still beneficial to own a cloth mask as well. Not only will it keep your single-use mask from getting contaminated and help it to last longer, but it can also improve the effectiveness. According to Dr. Anthony Fauci, director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, doubling up on face masks is a good idea and "makes common sense."
The CDC recommends that face masks have the following features:
A snug fit that sits comfortably against the side of the face
Ties or ear loops that keep it secure
Multiple layers of fabric
Allow for breathing without restriction
The ability to be laundered and machine dried without damage or change to the shape
It should be noted that there are some people who should not wear masks. According to the CDC, this includes "children under age 2, or anyone who has trouble breathing, is unconscious, incapacitated or otherwise unable to remove the mask without assistance."
To help you find cloth masks for you and your family that adhere to these standards, we've rounded up some of the top-selling options on Amazon. All of the following masks are machine-washable and should be washed immediately after every use. Some have room for filters, the most effective of which are carbon and HEPA.
When shopping, you'll want to be mindful of long delivery times due to high demand and no returns due to the nature of the product. However, some items may be available for fast and free shipping through Amazon Prime.
Although we haven't tested all of them personally, these options have gotten solid reviews from customers. You can also check out specific categories here to meet your needs:
Shop all face masks on Amazon, or see top-rated options below:
Updated on 2/4/2021 by Amir Ismael: Added new masks and note about Dr. Fauci's double mask recommendation.
ISKO Vital Supreme Cloth Face Mask
ISKO Vital Supreme Cloth Face Mask 3-Pack, $18.99
The overall shape and design of the ISKO Vital Supreme mask are nearly identical to a traditional single-use surgical mask. It has elastic ear loops and a metal nose bridge, but unlike surgical masks, it's washable and reusable. It's not the tightest and most form-fitting design, so it's good for people who want a breathable mask with a comfortable fit. The similar shape and design also make it a good choice to wear over a surgical mask if you plan on double masking.
Filter insert: No
Adjustable nose wire: Yes
Under Armour Sportsmask
Under Armour Sportsmask, $20
Designed for athletes, Under Armour's Sportsmask is breathable, secure, anti-microbial, water-resistant, and delivers UPF 50+ sun protection. The available sizes are XS/S, S/M, M/L, L/XL, and XL/XXL. You can follow the size chart and measurement instructions to order the correct mask and get the perfect fit.
Filter insert: No
Adjustable nose wire: Yes
Drop Skip Kids Cloth Face Mask 5-Pack
Drop Skip Kids Cloth Face Mask 5-Pack, $16.99
Designed to fit the faces of kids, Drop Skip's Masks include adjustable ear loops and nose wires for a secure fit. They come in 5-packs and you can choose from bright colors, tie dye, or black and white.
Filter insert: Yes
Filter included: No
Adjustable nose wire: Yes
Mattana Cloth Face Masks 20-Pack
Mattana Cloth Face Masks 20-Pack, $29.90
The Mattana Cloth Face Masks are designed to fit most adults. At just under $2 for each mask, this 20-pack is a great way to save money by buying in bulk.
Filter insert: No
Adjustable nose wire: No
EVanth Cloth Face Mask 2-Pack
EVanth Cloth Face Mask 2-Pack, $13.99
Featuring an adjustable nose bridge, filter replacements, adjustable ear loops, and an extended panel to comfortably cover the chin, the EVanth face masks are an overall solid option. Unisex sizing makes these a good fit for most adults.
Filter insert: Yes
Filter included: No
Adjustable nose wire: Yes
Hope Love Shine Pattern Face Mask 4-Pack
Hope Love Shine Pattern Face Mask 4-Pack, $19.99
With two patterned masks and two solid colors, this bundle from Hope Love Shine is great for people who like to alternate styles.
Filter insert: Yes
Filter included: No
Adjustable nose wire: No
Perry Ellis Reusable Woven Fabric Face Masks
Perry Ellis Reusable Woven Fabric Face Masks 3-Pack, $16.19
Perry Ellis' woven masks are great for pairing with your work clothes. You'll find blue shirting materials, gingham, and polka dot patterns.
Filter insert: No
Adjustable nose wire: No
Quality Durables Washable Face Mask 4-Pack
Quality Durables Washable Face Mask 4-Pack, $10.50
With adjustable straps and two layers of soft rayon material, Quality Durables' face masks will comfortable for most adults.
Filter insert: No
Adjustable nose wire: No
Hope Love Shine Plaid Pattern Face Mask 4-Pack
Hope Love Shine Plaid Pattern Face Mask 4-Pack, $19.99
Plaid and tartan never go out of style, especially during fall and winter. If you're looking for quality masks to match your flannels, this might be the bundle for you.
Filter insert: Yes
Filter included: No
Adjustable nose wire: No
Ililily Cotton Floral Patterned Face Mask
Ililily Cotton Floral Patterned Face Mask, $16.99
Featuring a beautiful floral pattern, a filter insert, and an adjustable nose wire, this Ililily mask is just as fashionable as it is functional.
Filter insert: Yes
Filter included: No
Adjustable nose wire: Yes
Levi's reusable reversible face mask 3-pack
Levi's Re-Usable Reversible Face Mask 3-Pack, $13.56
If you like the look of paisley bandanas, but prefer a traditional-fitting face mask, Levi's reversible masks are a good choice. Although there is no filter insert, they're undeniably stylish.
Filter insert: No
Adjustable nose wire: No
Ililily cotton face mask with nose wire and filter pocket
Ililily Cotton Face Mask with Nose Wire and Filter Pocket, $14.99
With an adjustable nose wire, adjustable ear loops, and a pocket for filters, this mask from Ililily meets almost everyone's needs.
Filter insert: Yes
Filter included: No
Adjustable nose wire: Yes
Buttonsmith cotton face mask
Buttonsmith cotton face mask, $14.99
Made from a stretchy cotton T-shirt material, Buttonsmith's masks are a good choice if your main concern is comfort. The brand offers them in black and white colors, but it's worth noting that the white version is cut slightly smaller to accommodate smaller faces.
Filter insert: No
Adjustable nose wire: No
American Mask Project reusable cloth face mask
American Mask Project reusable cloth face masks 2-pack, $19.54
American Mask Project's cloth mask features an expandable design to cover your nose and mouth and is machine washable. The interior does feature a filter insert, but you'll need to purchase them separately.
Filter insert: Yes
Filter included: No
Adjustable nose wire: No
Kid's 5-pack face mask set by Crayola
Crayola Kid's Face Mask Set, $29.99
With some students returning to school, you'll want to make sure your kids have a clean mask for each day of the week. Crayola's 5-pack face mask set comes with a washable mesh laundry bag so you can keep them all together. You'll find adult-sized masks available for you, too.
Filter insert: No
Adjustable nose wire: Yes
Reusable cotton face masks 50-pack by Fruit of the Loom
Reusable Cotton Face Masks 50-pack, $44.99
Fruit of the Loom has always been a top choice for affordable underwear and now they're bringing that same affordability to face masks. At just $45 for a pack of 50, these masks come out to less than $1 each. It's a great deal for families or gatherings that fit social distancing guidelines.
Filter insert: No
Adjustable nose wire: No
Ililily 3-layer cotton face mask
Ililily 3-layer cotton face mask, $9.99
This three-layer cotton face mask from Ililily features adjustable earloops and an adjustable nose bridge. It also has an interior slot to use the included filters.
Filter insert: Yes
Filter included: Yes
Adjustable nose wire: Yes
Safe+Mate cloth face mask
Safe+Mate Cloth Face Mask 3-Pack, $24.99
Designed by tech accessories brand CaseMate, the Safe+Mate Cloth Mask features a back elastic strap to help relieve tension around the ears and an insert for a filter.
Filter insert: Yes
Filter included: Yes
Adjustable nose wire: No
Adjustable nose strips for masks
Adjustable nose strips for masks 100-Pack, $6.49
If you find a mask with a design you love, but that lacks an adjustable nose wire, these strips are a wonderful way to make your mask more comfortable. With adhesive backs, you can easily attach one of these adjustable metal strips to the front of any cloth mask. Whether you wear glasses and need to eliminate the fog or you simply prefer the way masks fit with a nose wire, you'll want to order these in bulk.
Here's how to create your own face mask, as recommended by the U.S. Surgeon General:
Read the original article on Insider
