Face Masks Are Still A Good Idea. Here Are The Best Ones To Stock Up On.

Cloth, KN95 and more types of masks that can help protect against Covid-19, whether you're traveling or gathering.
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Amazon, MaskC
A MaskC KN95 mask, mulberry silk face mask and a scalloped cotton fiber filter mask.

In anticipation of potential coronavirus surges this winter, the Biden administration is once again offering free COVID tests and making contingency plans to provide personnel and equipment in the event any health systems are overwhelmed.

 

If you want to err on the side of caution or go that extra mile to help protect the immunocompromised people in your life, but your mask stock has been dwindling, take this opportunity to replenish your stash just in time for your holiday dinners, New Year’s parties or winter travel plans.   

 

A lot of masks have hit the market in recent years, many of them meeting the unique wants and needs of individuals, some designed using rigorous NIOSH certification standards and others that were spotted on celebrities. Keep scrolling to shop some of our favorites and those that were well-received by our readers. 

 

HuffPost may receive a share from purchases made via links on this page. Every item is independently selected by the HuffPost Shopping team. Prices and availability are subject to change.

1
Bona Fide Masks
A pack of 10 highly-rated KN95 masks
Powecom’s multi-filtration KN95 face masks (the Chinese equivalent of the U.S. N95 mask) come from Bona Fide Masks, the exclusive distributor of the brand's face coverings in the U.S. and Canada, and have a filtration efficiency of equal to or greater than 95%. They are made with a new melt-blown polypropylene cotton filter layer meant to help improve breathability.
2
A colorful 10-pack of KN95 masks
During the height of the pandemic, celebrities including Hillary Duff and JLo were seen sporting some of MaskC's lineup of colorful and fashionable looking masks. This pack of five-ply KN95s feature earthy shades like clay, rose and tan, which can easily blend with any outfit.
3
A lightweight mask that behaves like cotton
Available in 14 different colors and five sizes, this comfortable and breathable mask may sit tightly to your face, but it won't cause your face to sweat or feel like you're inhaling your mask each time you breathe. A copper-lined ionized quartz yarn inner layer offers 84.6% filtration, according to the manufacturer. Plus, this washable mask features soft comfort loops so it's gentle on the ears and suitable for long periods of wear.
4
A far-sitting mask with replaceable filters
Honeywell's four-way stretch knit mask has a contoured design that stands off the face for enhanced breathability, better functionally and less contact with your skin. This mask can maintain its shape even after multiple washings and uses filters that Honeywell says can block more than 95% of micro-sized particles, including virus and bacteria particles.
5
A pack of 10 triple-layer masks for kids
This pack from MaskC includes 10 comfortable and easy-to-wear three-ply surgical-style masks with soft ear loops made just for kids. They feature an adorable zoo animal print.
6
A pack of five everyday breathable masks
Made from soft and breathable pleated fabric, these non-medical face masks from Athleta were a top pick among our readers in 2020. Great for everyday wear in lower-risk situations, they are machine-washable and have adjustable elastic ear loops.
7
A pack of 50 triple-layered surgical masks
Huffpost previously notedthese U.S.-made masks feature the highest level of filtration for surgical-style masks, a level called ASTM 3. They have a blue outer layer which provides high face coverage against fluids.
8
A 30-pack of true N95 masks with an antibacterial layer
These 4-layer N95 masks were tested and certified by the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health for filtering out at least 95% of airborne particles, according to the NIOSH database. Beyond that, these medium-sized respirator masks contain a patented anti-bacterial and antiviral layer that inactivates contagious particles within minutes for even greater protection. (They also come in large.)
9
Etsy/Vdefence
A reusable cloth mask for people with beards
Vdefence is a small business that specializes in handmade cotton and linen masks designed to accommodate beards and facial hair. Constructed of three layers including a pocket for a filter, these masks can be customizable depending on the fabric you want and the length of your beard and have an elasticized edge that holds the mask close.
10
A water-resistant sports mask
Under Armour's sports mask is a top pick for athletes and everyone else thanks to the structure that sets the mask farther away from the face for more breathability. The shell is also water-resistant, which means it can be worn in the rain.
11
A pack of 10 nano-fiber filter masks
Back in 2021, Meghan Markle was spotted on several different occasions wearing a scalloped-edged face mask with a flat profile, which royal fashion experts quickly identified as this Air Queen Nano Mask. Individually packaged for easy portability, these masks feature a special nano-fiber filter that the company claims offers better filtration.
12
A 100% mulberry silk mask for sensitive skin
Made from 100% mulberry silk, this adjustable and washable face mask is soft and breathable and the material won't pick up or shift any makeup products that you might be wearing. It is also hypoallergenic and suitable for sensitive skin, so if you experience acne or irritation with other masks, this might be a good option. There's an interior pocket to add a filter insert for increased protection.

Before You Go

Face Masks For People With Beards
The Under Armour Sportsmask(01 of06)
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Multiple Facebook users recommended Under Armour's Sportsmask, which is water-resistant and made with cooling fabric. Its snug fit leaves less space where air can get through, making it ideal for beards.

"I’m wearing the Under Armour mask; [it's] soft and comfortable, covers everything and also has a ledge for my glasses to sit so they don’t fog up." — Jake Hamilton
(credit:Amazon)
A five-pack of NIOSH-approved large N95 masks(02 of06)
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When in doubt, look to product reviews to see if others have luck with a mask being suitable for beards. This NIOSH-approved N95 mask which comes in a large size fits the bill. Multiple reviews mention it being a good choice for people with beards and facial hair.

“A friend's brother bought them and said they fit great over his beard.” — Janie Campbell, HuffPost senior editor
(credit:Amazon)
A Diop face mask made specifically for beards(03 of06)
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Available in a variety of African-inspired prints, this mask from Diop includes three layers of 100% cotton and elastic ear straps. The adjustable chin elastic cinches to your beard so it stays in place and keeps it covered. It also has an interior pocket so you can insert your own filter (sold separately).

"These are my favorite and it’s a Black-owned business." — Jean David Michel
(credit:Diop)
An extra-large face mask with toggle strap locks(04 of06)
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The structure of this mask is beard-friendly: It features a contoured nose shape and a looser bottom to allow room for facial hair. The behind-the-head straps have toggle locks so you can adjust the fit to your comfort.

An Amazon reviewer wrote, "I bought this for my son. He has a wide face with a beard. He loves it because it doesn’t sit on his ears it goes around the head..."
(credit:Amazon)
A reusable face mask with extra room for beards(05 of06)
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Great for longer, fuller beards, this multi-design face mask has a built-in nose wire and is made of 100% cotton. It comes in short, medium and long sizes to fit your beard length.

One promising review states, "This is the second one of these masks I have bought, not due to any issues but because of how good it is. I had previously had issues with my beard curling up around the bottom of the mask and looking bad for the rest of the day afterwards, but this mask solves that whilst also looking fantastic."
(credit:Etsy)
A 3-pack of extra large face masks(06 of06)
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Face masks offered in a larger size for wider faces or facial hair are the way to go. This one doesn't have a nose bridge, but it does feature a 3D design to fit the curves of your face.

One promising review on Amazon states, "I've got a sizable beard and I've had a hard time finding masks to fit my big face. These do the job and they are comfortable. I wear them in the gym so I'm not worried about fogging."
(credit:Amazon)

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