5 Top-Rated Clear Face Masks That Allow Others to Read Your Lips While Staying Safe
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention currently recommends everyone (including children over the age of 2) wear a face mask "indoors in public if you are in an area of substantial or high transmission." And yes, this guidance includes those who are vaccinated. There are plenty of fabric face masks and disposable coverings available to purchase but these options can make communication difficult, and sometimes even impossible, for anyone who is deaf or hard of hearing. To help solve this problem, a handful of retailers have created clear face masks that show one's mouth. (Yes, they're still just as effective as regular masks; they're made with a transparent material that still covers the mouth and protects those around you.) Here are four clear face mask options you can order now and have shipped to your home.
Clear Face Mask for Lip Reading
This vinyl option is nearly 100% clear with just a thin trim around it. The mask, which you can buy in bulk, comes in seven colors, with each shade available in two sizes. One buyer gives the covering a 5-star rating and writes, "Everything they said it would be. I work in a hospital and have been wearing this mask around all week. My patients love that they can see my face. I feel human again!"
Buy It: 100% Clear Face Mask (from $13, Etsy)
Anti-Fog Face Mask
Although more expensive than others, this clear face mask is definitely worth it. (And for $3 more, you can upgrade yours with an anti-fog material.) The trim is made of cotton, the middle is made of vinyl, and the seller recommends hand-washing only to keep it in good shape. It comes in 14 different colors and three sizes: two options for adults and one for kids. It's also a best-seller with more than 8,600 sales. One person writes, "I’m a speech pathologist in the schools and this will be perfect for me to use at work! Thank you!!" Another person notes, "As an ASL interpreter, this was the best clear front mask I’ve used so far!"
Buy It: Anti-Fog Clear Mask ($25, Etsy)
Clear Face Mask with Cotton
You won't have to worry about removing this mask and wiping it off throughout the day, as the high-quality material is anti-fog. The comfortable coverings also have adjustable ear loops and nose wire. Each package comes with 10 masks in five colors: black, red, blue, gray, and pink. One pleased purchaser raves that they're "extremely happy with this mask" and adds that it's "true to the description & actually anti-fog!"
Buy It: Cotton Face Covering with Clear Window ($22, Amazon)
Clear Window Face Mask
It doesn't get more customizable than this clear face mask; it's available in dozens of fun prints in three sizes: child, adult, and adult XL. Plus, each covering is machine-washable and has adjustable ear loops and a bendable nose wire. The Etsy Shop Ooh Soo Chic Boutique has a perfect 5-star rating with more than 19,000 sales, with one 50-star reviewer writing that "It fits perfectly and is great quality."
Buy It: Lip Reading Face Mask ($15, Etsy)
Clear Face Mask for Kids and Adults
You and your mini-me can match in these vinyl and cotton face masks that feature an adjustable nose wire. The covering comes in two sizes (adult and child) in three shades: black, floral, and beige. With more than 20,000 sales, the Etsy shop Sachika Boutique has many 5-star ratings, with one buyer writing, "The quality of the masks is exceptional! The shipping was fast, and my package even included complimentary anti-fog spray. So happy with my purchase!"
Buy It: Clear Window Face Mask (from $13, Etsy)
