- The CDC is recommending that all people wear some sort of cloth face covering when in public – whether it be a mask, a scarf, or a bandana.
- Wearing a cloth mask won’t completely protect you from contracting the new coronavirus, but it can reduce your chances of spreading it, whether you’re showing symptoms or not.
- Amazon is a convenient place to find companies making non-medical grade masks. We rounded up some of the most popular options for adults and children.
- This article was medically reviewed by Tania Elliott, MD, who specializes in infectious diseases related to allergies and immunology for internal medicine at NYU Langone Health.
As the novel coronavirus continues to spread, medical-grade surgical masks and N95 respirators are still in extremely high demand. Since those supplies aren’t readily available to the general public and should be reserved for patients and healthcare workers on the frontlines, the CDC recommends that everyone wear cloth masks when leaving the house.
With some states requiring that everyone outside wear face coverings, and certain businesses making them mandatory for entry or service, people are resorting to making or buying cloth masks online, and Amazon has become a popular place to find them.
The CDC has created a list of recommended guidelines for people interested in creating masks at home, but it also serves as a good reference when shopping.
Why is it important to wear a face mask?
Wearing a cloth face mask may not prevent you from contracting the coronavirus or any other virus, but it can decrease the likelihood of spreading germs.
The CDC's guidelines say that "cloth face coverings may prevent the person wearing the mask from spreading respiratory droplets when talking, sneezing, or coughing. If everyone wears a cloth face covering when out in public, such as going to the grocery store, the risk of exposure to SARS-CoV-2 can be reduced for the community."
According to Anthony Fauci, director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Disease, somewhere between 25% and 50% of people infected with the new coronavirus may be asymptomatic or presymptomatic.
Whether you're asymptomatic, pre-symptomatic, or showing mild symptoms that could be brushed off as a common cold, there's still a possibility you've contracted the new coronavirus and can unknowingly spread it to others. For this reason, the CDC recommends that everyone, not just those who show symptoms, wear a face mask outside the home.
Note that cloth face masks are not medical grade and that additions like filters have not been proven to be any safer or more effective.
The CDC recommends that face masks have the following features:
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- A snug fit that sits comfortably against the side of the face
- Ties or ear loops that keep it secure
- Multiple layers of fabric
- Allow for breathing without restriction
- The ability to be laundered and machine dried without damage or change to the shape
It should be noted that there are some people who should not wear masks. According to the CDC, this includes "children under age 2, or anyone who has trouble breathing, is unconscious, incapacitated or otherwise unable to remove the mask without assistance."
To help you find cloth masks for you and your family that adhere to these standards, we've rounded up some of the top-selling options on Amazon. All of the following masks are machine-washable and should be washed immediately after every use. Some have room for filters, the most effective of which are carbon and HEPA.
When shopping, you'll want to be mindful of long delivery times due to high demand and no returns due to the nature of the product. However, some items may be available for fast and free shipping through Amazon Prime.
Although we haven't tested them personally, these options have gotten solid reviews from customers. You can also check out specific categories here to meet your needs:
Shop all face masks on Amazon, or see top-rated options below:
Face mask with filters by HoweNel
Set of 6 masks and 12 filters, $8.49
HoweNel's filtered faces masks are a great deal if you're shopping for a family. The kit comes with 6 masks and 12 filter inserts. Each mask has a built-in respirator, which is good for releasing heat and moisture, and the adjustable straps allow them to fit most face sizes.
Filter insert: Yes
Filter included: Yes
Adjustable nose wire: No
Washable face masks by CLEEYYS
Washable face masks 10-piece, $13.50
Cleeyys offers washable cloth face masks in a variety of colors. You can buy your favorite color in bulk or get the multi-color pack and swap out your masks according to your outfit.
Filter insert: No
Adjustable nose wire: No
Children's seamless face mask by Pitauce
Set of 4 children's face masks and 8 filters, from $9.95
It's important for children to wear a mask that actually fits their face rather than an oversized adult mask. Just like the adult version from Pitauce, these ones feature a respirator and come with multiple filters.
Filter insert: Yes
Filter included: Yes
Adjustable nose wire: No
Buttonsmith cotton face mask
Buttonsmith cotton face mask, $14.99
Made from a stretchy cotton T-shirt material, Buttonsmith's masks are a good choice if your main concern is comfort. The brand offers them in black and white colors, but it's worth noting that the white version is cut slightly smaller to accommodate smaller faces.
Filter insert: No
Adjustable nose wire: No
American Mask Project reusable cloth face mask
American Mask Project reusable cloth face masks 2-pack, $20
American Mask Project's cloth mask features an expandable design to cover your nose and mouth and is machine washable. The interior does feature a filter insert, but you'll need to purchase them separately.
Filter insert: Yes
Filter included: No
Adjustable nose wire: No
Activated carbon mask with respirators and filter by Addbuty
Activated carbon mask with respirators and filter, $21.99 (currently unavailable)
Addbuty's activated carbon mask features almost everything you could want in a non-medical grade mask. It has a pocket for the included filters, an adjustable nose, and respirators to let heat and moisture escape.
Filter insert: Yes
Filter included: Yes
Adjustable nose wire: Yes
Ililily 3-layer cotton face mask
Ililily 3-layer cotton face mask, $6.99
This three-layer cotton face mask from Ililily features a subtle diamond-printed pattern. It has an interior slot for filters, although you'll have to supply your own.
Filter insert: Yes
Filter included: No
Adjustable nose wire: No
Kid's 5-pack face mask set by Crayola
Crayola Kid's Face Mask Set, $29.99
With the possibility of students returning to school in the fall, you'll need to make sure your kids have a clean mask for each day of the week. Crayola's 5-pack face mask set comes with a washable mesh laundry bag so you can keep them all together. You'll find adult-sized masks available for you too.
Filter insert: No
Adjustable nose wire: Yes
Reusable Cotton Face Masks 50-pack by Fruit of the Loom
Reusable Cotton Face Masks 50-pack, $44.99
Fruit of the Loom has always been a top choice for affordable underwear and now they're bringing that same affordability to face masks. At just $44.99 for a pack of 50, these masks come out to less than $1 each. It's a great deal for families or gatherings that fit social distancing guidelines.
Filter insert: No
Adjustable nose wire: No
Here's how to create your own face mask, as recommended by the U.S. Surgeon General:
