Author Spotlight
Kelly Murphy
I’m more than happy to wear a mask to help prevent the spread of COVID-19. But knowing that I have to wear a mask everywhere I go — whether it be the nail salon or CVS minute clinic — why not make sure I’m wearing the most effective one on the market?
After browsing through USA Today’s ranking of the most effective face masks, I tested out three different types of masks to determine which ones are worth adding to your cart as soon as they’re restocked and which ones are almost equivalent to wearing no face covering at all.
KN95
KN95 masks are widely considered the most protective masks you can get your hands on. In a study performed by Duke University comparing 14 types of face masks and coverings, the fewest number of droplets got through these medical grade masks. That being said, KN95s can be some of the most difficult masks for civilians to get a hold of as they’re reserved for healthcare professionals and first responders. If you happen to find one, you’ll appreciate their bendable metal nose piece, sturdy build and foldability for storing.
Surgical
Walking into Hen House with my mom, every corner I turn I see someone sporting a bright blue surgical mask. In Duke’s study, surgical masks ranked second in terms of protectiveness. But compared to other masks I’ve tried, the loose fit above my nose had me constantly touching my face to push it up. The last thing you want to be doing during a pandemic is touching your face, so this mask comes with its caveats. Even the squeezable plastic nosepiece returns to its original shape by the time you grab the last item on your grocery list. This mask’s loose-fitting design made me unlikely to reach for it again.
Athleta
Of all the masks I tried out, Athleta’s was easily the most comfortable. They’re made out of a soft, breathable material and a slider on the ear straps makes them easy to adjust. They’re sold in a five-pack with assorted neutral colors priced at $6 per mask. Really, the only downside to these comfy masks is that they aren’t FDA approved. According to the Athleta website, the masks make no claims of antimicrobial protection, antiviral protection, particulate filtration or infection prevention/reduction. That being said, these cozy masks have still found their way into a permanent spot in my car.
After putting three types of face masks to the test, I can confidently say that my top picks were the Athleta and KN95 masks. Even though the Athleta masks may be non-medical, they provide a nice balance between comfort and breathability. But — if you can find one — the protection KN95 masks provide against all sorts of contaminants make them hard to beat. Now I use my KN95 for any activities I’d consider high-risk like grabbing lunch at Chick-Fil-A or going to the movies. As for the surgical mask, you might want to opt for a mask with a more secure design. But then again, any of the masks on this list are better than no mask at all.
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