The Best Face Masks For Protection From Smoke, Viruses And More

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Raena Loper Forbes Staff Forbes Vetted Contributor Group Opinions expressed by Forbes Contributors are their own. Jun 12, 2023, 05:02pm EDT | Share to Facebook Share to Twitter Share to Linkedin Although the COVID-19 pandemic has seemingly quieted down, the best face masks are still very much needed and necessary—from polluted air to highly contagious viruses, you never know when you’ll need one. Case in point: In early June, cities like Philadelphia, New York City and Washington, D.

C. woke up to orange skies and polluted air, making it difficult to see and breathe. As the wildfires in Quebec, Canada rage on, surrounding areas become more and more affected with smoke making its way to cities across the United States.

From N95’s to reusable and disposable, here are the best face masks to protect against smoke, smog, . . .

[+] viruses and more. ILLUSTRATION: FORBES / PHOTO: RETAILERS You can never be too safe, so with the air quality still in question it’s a good idea to don a face mask when traveling outdoors. For protection from smoke and debris specifically, it’s best to opt for a mask that doubles as a respirator such as an N95 mask.

But with hundreds of options available, it can be hard to decide which is right for you. From free masks that you can pick up at your local drugstore, to reusable and disposable options, we’ve researched the best face masks you can order now. Best Free Masks: CVS , Walgreens , Target Best Face Masks For Smoke: Evolvetogether KN95 Masks , Hotodeal KN95 Face Masks , 3M 9205+ Aura Particulate N95 Respirator Best Face Masks For Kids: Access Denied Kids Reusable Face Masks Best Face Masks On Amazon: Beat Basic Unisex Face Mask , Doerix Washable Neck Gaiter Face Mask Best Disposable Face Masks: EasyEast Disposable Face Mask , Hygenix 3ply Disposable Face Most Comfortable Face Masks: Weddingstar Washable Cloth Face Masks , Allett Face Mask , KastKing Sol Armis Neck Gaiter Best Reusable Face Masks: Perry Ellis Reusable Pleated Woven Fabric Face Masks, Gildan Reusable Tie-On Triple Layer Mask , Yiiza Cute Heart Face Cover MORE FROM FORBES VETTED The Best Countertop Ice Makers, According To Rigorous Testing By Carey Jones Contributor The Best Dash Cams To Capture Footage In And Around Your Car By Jason R.

Rich Forbes Staff Best Free Face Masks Get Up To Three Free Face Masks At Participating Pharmacies CVS N95 Particulate Respirator Masks Many drugstores nationwide now offer up to three free N95 masks for customers. While this service isn’t offered online, drug stores like CVS, Walgreens and Target still offer free face masks when you visit stores in-person. Before you head out, give your local pharmacy a call to make sure they still have free N95 masks available, as they distribute them on a first-come, first-serve basis.

Best Face Masks For Smoke An Eco-Friendly KN95 Option evolvetogether Evolvetogether KN95 masks Buy From Evolvetogether First made popular during the height of the pandemic, this set of KN95 masks from Evolvetogether offers protection against smoke and air pollution. With a 6-ply double filtration design, you can breathe easy despite the worsening air quality. Available in seven neutral color options from army green to navy blue, these masks are also eco-friendly—each set comes in a biodegradable bag made from plants.

A Popular KN95 With Over 68,000 Reviews Amazon Hotodeal KN95 Face Masks Buy From Amazon If you’re searching for enough KN95 masks for a family or want to keep a plentiful stock on hand, the Hotodeal KN95 face masks come in a set of 40 for under $25. Each mask is made with five protective layers, plus a nose clip to help keep the mask in place and secure. Choose from seven color options, including white, blue and purple.

A Top-Rated N95 Respirator To Help Protect You From Smoke Amazon 3M 9205+ Aura Particulate N95 Respirator Buy From Amazon These masks sold out quickly during the pandemic and it’s not hard to see why—the N95 respirators are one of the best options for protection against airborne viruses. But its design also makes it a great solution for air pollution; this style of mask filters particles from dust, debris, smoke and smog. And for those who wear eyeglasses, the curved, low-profile design and embossed top panel ensures little to no fogging.

Best Face Masks For Kids Fun Designs Perfect For Kiddos Amazon Kids Reusable Face Masks Buy From Amazon Suitable for children ages 2-9, this cotton-spandex blend mask is extra soft and stretchy so it’s comfortable and secure on little faces. The pack of five features cute, kid-friendly patterns, such as a bear face, butterfly and dog tongue. Best Face Masks On Amazon A Washable Cotton Face Mask That’s Reusable Amazon Beat Basic Unisex Face Protection Buy From Amazon These cotton masks are beloved by customers for their comfortable fit that’s secure on adults and children alike.

Favored for the soft feel, breathability and attractive floral pattern, this mask can go in the washer when it’s ready for a cleaning. A Versatile Face Covering That’s Cozy To Wear Amazon Doerix Washable Neck Gaiter Face Mask Buy From Amazon Available in 30 different colors and patterns, this gaiter option is great for outdoor activities, like running, fishing or hiking. Its stretchy elastic fabric fits snugly on all sizes of heads, but it also features an adjustable elastic band around the top for extra security.

Best Disposable Face Masks A Face Mask That You Can Toss At The End Of The Day Amazon EasyEast Disposable Face Mask Buy From Amazon As disposable face masks go, these are well-priced and reliable, earning a stellar 4. 9-star rating with hundreds of reviews. These EasyEast masks are lightweight and breathable, yet feature a triple-layer design that protects your nose and mouth.

A flexible nose band allows for a close fit, while pliant ear loops make for comfortable wear. An Inexpensive Set Of 3-ply Disposable Face Masks Amazon Hygenix Disposable Face Masks Buy From Amazon These Hygenix masks have over 23,000 reviews with a 4. 6-star rating.

Available in a set of 50, each mask has three layers of filters. According to reviews, customers found that the masks “didn’t cause behind-the-ear irritation,” which can occur when wearing masks for long stretches of time. Most Comfortable Face Masks An Adjustable Face Masks With Bright Prints Amazon Weddingstar Cloth Face Masks Buy From Amazon If bold patterns are more your thing, this cotton-rayon face mask from Weddingstar comes in dozens of bold prints, including blue sharks, cacti and oranges (seen above).

A flexible nose band and adjustable ear straps give it an extra secure fit. An Extra-Soft Face Mask With Filters Amazon Allett Face Masks Buy From Amazon In an assortment of subtle colors, these cotton masks feature a polypropylene filter, a flex wire across the top to cinch at the nose and a fitted chin piece to decrease any gapping. A Colorful Neck Gaiter From KastKing Sol Armis Amazon KastKing Sol Armis Neck Gaiter Buy From Amazon Neck gaiters can serve as acceptable face masks, provided they are taut across the bridge of your nose and don’t hang loosely away from your chin.

Thanks to the high stretch of this poly-spandex gaiter, this neck gaiter stays securely in place without restricting your neck. Plus, it serves a dual purpose by protecting your neck from the harsh rays of the sun. MORE FROM FORBES The Best Hand Sanitizers You Can Buy Online Right Now By Korin Miller Best Reusable Face Masks Printed Masks From Perry Ellis Amazon Perry Ellis Reusable Pleated Woven Fabric Face Masks Buy From Amazon Available in a variety of stylish patterns, these cotton masks from clothier Perry Ellis are highly rated among reviewers.

Plenty breathable, these reusable masks also feature adjustable elastic ear bands and a compartment opening for an added filter. Gildan Triple-Layer Masks That Ties On Amazon Gildan Reusable Tie-On Triple Layer Mask Buy From Amazon Priced at just under a dollar per mask, you might mistake this option from Gildan for a disposable mask. However, these face masks are reusable and made with a soft cotton interior layer and a durable polyester shell.

For extra security, simply tighten the straps. If you want a large stock of affordable, machine-washable masks, this option from Gildan is your best bet. Cute Masks With A Simple Design Amazon Yiiza Heart Face Cover Buy From Amazon For those after a more minimalistic design, this mask from Yiza features an all-black outer shell with a little red heart.

Soft and comfortable, these cotton masks can be worn and washed over and over again. Steven John Raena Loper Editorial Standards Print Reprints & Permissions.