How to buy face masks, according to medical experts

IN THIS ARTICLE Should you get a face mask? | How to shop for the best face masks | Where to shop face masks giving back to relief efforts

As the U.S. continues to experience surges in coronavirus cases, many states are responding by enforcing state-wide mask mandates. More than half the country now requires all residents — including kids — to wear a mask in public spaces where social distancing is not possible, including while exercising outdoors. Other states, like Florida — which together with Texas and California account for about one-fifth of the world's new coronavirus cases — require people to wear masks only in specific counties. Since April, the CDC has recommended people wear face coverings in public — including homemade cloth face masks. But some governors resisted issuing statewide mask requirements until now. Widespread mask requirements come as New York, New Jersey and Connecticut announced they will quarantine visitors from over a dozen states upon arrival. Some cities, like Chicago, have issued travel advisories for people coming from coronavirus hot spots.

And it doesn’t stop with states and cities. Stores like Walmart, Best Buy and the Kroger grocery chain have also recently enforced “no mask, no entry” rules at locations nationwide. Walmart, the nation's largest retailer, mandated face masks in all its stores beginning on July 20, including Sam’s Club. The retailer will provide complimentary masks for customers who come in without one, or masks can be purchased in the store. Starbucks, CVS and Lowe’s also now require customers to wear masks in stores.

In response to increasing mask mandates, many clothing retailers and brands have turned to creating and selling their take on cloth masks to the public. If you’re looking for places to shop for masks, we consulted experts on how to buy the best face mask for your needs, as well as the features you should be looking for. Some clothing companies are pursuing an additional element of good with their face mask offering, donating to relief funds or donating personal protective equipment to healthcare workers. We’ve rounded up some of those brands using their resources to give back — on this third update of our original list (which we first published on May 8), we've found 3 face masks that meet our criteria.
 

Related Products

Disposable Medical Face Mask

Disposable Medical Mask Material: NonWoven Fabric+Meltblown N

Disposable KN95 Face Mask

Disposable N95 Mask Material: 5 ply Non-woven fabric Color: w

Disposable N95 Face Mask

Disposable KN95 Face Mask Material: Needle punched cotton+Mel