Wearing a face mask when you’re in a public setting is one of the best ways to avoid getting and spreading illnesses like Covid-19, the flu, RSV and the common cold, says Dr. Carl Fichtenbaum, a professor of clinical medicine at the University of Cincinnati College of Medicine. But choosing which type to use might seem tricky — you could go with a reusable cloth mask, a disposable mask or a respirator, like a N95 or KN95.
Ultimately, “the best mask is the one you’re going to wear,” says Dr. Sharon Nachman, chief of the division of pediatric infectious diseases at Stony Brook Children’s Hospital. Ideally that’s a respirator, which offers the highest level of protection, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. But wearing a disposable mask is better than wearing no mask at all, she says. And since some people find them more comfortable, they’ll likely wear them properly and for longer periods of time, thus reducing viral transmission.
To help you shop for the best disposable face masks, I talked to doctors about what features to look for and rounded up a handful of options that align with their guidance. Experts also explain when you might want to wear a face mask and why doing so is important.
SKIP AHEAD What are disposable face masks? | How I picked the best disposable face masks | The best disposable face masks to shop | Why trust NBC Select?
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What are disposable face masks?
Disposable face masks are multi-layered, single-use face coverings that create a physical barrier between the wearer’s nose and mouth and their environment. They help block germs from entering the air when the wearer speaks, breathes, coughs or sneezes, says Fichtenbaum. Disposable masks also help prevent the wearer from inhaling large germ particles that may be in the air around them.
Medical-grade (often called surgical masks) and nonmedical-grade are the two types of disposable face masks. I’ll break down the differences in more detail below, but the most important thing to know is that a nonmedical-grade face mask is a fine option for the average person, so long as you wear it properly and dispose of it frequently, says Nachman.
How I picked the best disposable face masks
While shopping for disposable face masks, experts recommend considering the following factors.
- Fit: Disposable masks should fit tightly around your nose, mouth and chin. There shouldn’t be any big gaps between your face and the mask. Look for masks with adjustable nose wires, which can help you customize their fit.
- Multiple layers: The CDC recommends buying disposable face masks made from multiple layers of material. Experts say your mask should be at least two-ply, but three-ply is ideal. Don’t buy masks with exhalation valves, according to the CDC.
- Price: More expensive disposable masks don’t guarantee better protection, so don’t sweat price point, experts say.
The best disposable face masks to shop
All of the disposable face masks below are highly rated and align with expert shopping guidance. They also have features the CDC recommends looking for — each mask is at least two-ply, has a nose wire and does not have exhalation valves. The mask from DemeTech is medical-grade, while all others are nonmedical-grade.
DemeTech ASTM Level 3 Face Masks
You can buy these three-layer masks, the only medical-grade option on this list, in a pack of 50. They have an adjustable nose bridge and come in various colors.
PM Performotor Disposable Face Mask
These face masks have three layers of nonwoven fabric and an adjustable nose bridge. You can purchase them in sets of 50 or 100. The brand also sells individually wrapped options.
WeCare Disposable Face Mask
WeCare’s disposable face masks come individually wrapped. They’re made from three layers of nonwoven fabric and have an adjustable nose bridge. You can purchase packs of 50 masks in various colors and patterns.
CandyCare Disposable Face Masks
CandyCare’s disposable face masks have three layers of fabric and an adjustable nose bridge. They come in a pack of 25.
Evolvetogether Face Masks
Evolvetogether’s masks have four layers of fabric and an adjustable nose bridge. The masks come with two mask keepers, which you can use to store the face coverings when you’re not wearing them.
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Meet our experts
At NBC Select, we work with experts with specialized knowledge and authority based on relevant training and/or experience. We also ensure that all expert advice and recommendations are made independently and with no undisclosed financial conflicts of interest.
- Dr. Carl Fichtenbaum is a professor of clinical medicine at the University of Cincinnati College of Medicine.
- Dr. Sharon Nachman is the chief of the division of pediatric infectious diseases at Stony Brook Children’s Hospital.
Why trust NBC Select?
I’m a reporter at NBC Select who has written about face masks since 2020, including articles about KN95s, N95s, disposable face masks and kid’s face masks. To write this article, I interviewed two doctors about how to shop for disposable face masks and researched face coverings using resources from the CDC and FDA. I also recommended disposable face masks to buy that meet expert guidance.
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