Best Disposable Face Masks 2024: recommended for protection

Face masks are designed to protect against particles and droplets.

N95 masks are considered the best disposable face masks, followed closely by KN95 masks. During the pandemic, there have been shortages of these masks for healthcare workers. Because of this, the CDC has suggested that the general public use other types of masks to protect the supply of N95s. Most disposable masks on the market are 3-ply masks, which look like the blue surgical masks we’re used to seeing.

Different masks offer different levels of protection. Dr. Dharushana Muthulingam, an infectious disease doctor and public health researcher, says that a 3-ply surgical or cloth mask alone can stop the spread of viruses like COVID-19 by about 50%. If you don’t have a N95 mask and are in a high-risk situation, like on public transportation, Dr. Muthulingam recommends that you wear two masks. This can boost the effectiveness to between 70% and 90%, which is closer to how well N95 masks work.

As the pandemic moves into a new phase, mask rules are getting less strict, and fewer people are using disposable masks and cloth face coverings. This is especially true for people who have been vaccinated. But it’s important to remember that face masks are still a very important way to stop viruses like COVID-19 from spreading, and some people may choose to keep wearing them no matter what’s going on in the world. Below we have mentioned the best disposable face masks.

Importance of Disposable Face Masks

You can’t say enough about how important throwaway face masks are, especially when it comes to public health and safety. These masks are very important for stopping the spread of deadly diseases, like COVID-19, which affect the lungs. Face masks that you throw away create a barrier that stops virus- or bacteria-filled respiratory drops from getting into the air and being breathed in by other people.

They protect not only the person wearing them but also the people around them, especially those who are weaker and more likely to get sick. People can help stop the spread of diseases and protect public health by wearing disposable face masks in crowded places, hospitals, and other places where close contact is necessary. When there are cases of contagious diseases, it is responsible and kind for people to use disposable face masks in the right way and consistently. This helps people stay healthier and safer in their communities.

Best Disposable Face Masks Comparison Table

The table below shows a comparison of some of the best disposable face masks on the market. These masks were chosen based on things like how well they filter, how comfortable they are, how well they let air in, and how well they work overall. Please keep in mind that everyone has different tastes, and it is important to choose masks that fit your needs and meet the standards.

MaskTypeCertificationAdjustableSuitable for Kids
BOTN KF94KF94Not specifiedYesYes
Kimberly-Clark Professional N95N95Not specifiedNoNo
Powecom Children’s KN95 Respirator MaskKN95Not specifiedNoYes
BK Healthcare Dokkaebi FDA Listed Kids KF94 MaskKF94FDA ListedNoYes
The Bio for Preschool Kids ‘U&I’ KF94 AdjustableKF94Not specifiedYesYes

BOTN KF94

Best Disposable Face Masks
SpecificationDetails
TypeKF94
SizeAdjustable
Filtration Efficiency≥94%
CertificationFDA Approved
BrandBOTN

People who have trouble finding a good-fitting KN95 or who, like Chang, worry that most KN95s are fakes should try KF94 masks. They open up like an envelope and sit a little off the face, giving you more room to talk and breathe. These BOTN KF94 masks are made in South Korea and have been approved by the KFDA. They are also shown on Collins’s public Google doc with the filtration results for the masks he has tested.

In his tests, he found that they worked as filters 99.2% of the time. They are also the only mask Chang specifically named as a good choice. BOTN masks have adjustable ear loops, just like the LG Airwasher masks that Camilla Cho, the senior vice president of e-commerce at Strategist, likes to wear. To change how tight the mask is around your ears and cheeks, just pull on the small loops on the front. Overall, this is one of the best disposable face masks you can buy right now.

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Pros

  • High filtration efficiency of ≥94%
  • Adjustable size for a comfortable fit
  • FDA approved for safety and reliability
  • Reliable brand reputation

Cons

  • Limited availability

Kimberly-Clark Professional N95 Pouch Respirator (53358), NIOSH-Approved

Best Disposable Face Masks
SpecificationDetails
TypeN95
SizeUniversal
Filtration Efficiency≥95%
CertificationNIOSH Approved
BrandKimberly-Clark Professional

These Kimberly-Clark N95 masks are NIOSH-approved, just like the Protective Health Gear N95 masks. They are also softer than traditional cup-shaped N95 masks, so they are less likely to dig into your cheeks. The editor of the Intelligencer, Chas Danner, who has written a lot about COVID-19 and masks during the pandemic, thinks they are good. Thus, this is one of the best disposable face masks you can buy right now.

He says that he waited in line for hours to get a PCR test while wearing this mask during the first Omicron wave. This mask style with the beak is also popular with people who work in restaurants because it is easy to wear for long periods of time. When Collins tested these masks, he found that they stopped 97 percent of the particles in the air.

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Pros

  • High filtration efficiency of ≥95%
  • Universal size for a wide range of users
  • NIOSH approved for excellent performance
  • Trusted brand in the professional industry

Cons

  • Higher price compared to other options

Powecom Children’s KN95 Respirator Mask

Best Disposable Face Masks
SpecificationDetails
TypeKN95
SizeChildren
Filtration Efficiency≥95%
CertificationFDA Approved
BrandPowecom

The only difference between these and the Powecom masks for adults is that these are about 15% smaller. Collins put them on a widely shared Google spreadsheet of face masks for kids, where he showed that they were 97.3 percent effective at filtering out air. He says that the best fit is for kids between the ages of 7 and 12, depending on the size of their faces.

These “bifold” masks fit the best, even on our youngest test subjects, Jen Trolio’s 4-year-old and 7-year-old daughters. Even though an envelope-style KF94 mask may still fit the smallest and youngest kids better, we found that the Powecom KN95 masks were a bit softer and more flexible than other KN95 masks we tested. This meant that they fit better on kids’ cheeks than stiffer options. Still, this is one of the best disposable face masks you can buy right now.

Also, the nose wire was flexible enough to get a good bend around smaller, shallower noses we have found that if the nose wire on a bifold mask is too stiff, it’s hard to get rid of the center crease it has from being packed flat for shipping, and the mask is especially likely to tent up and leave an air gap on kids and adults with smaller noses. The main problem with this mask, at least from a child’s point of view, is that it only comes in white.

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Pros

  • Specifically designed for children
  • High filtration efficiency of ≥95%
  • FDA approved for safety
  • Comfortable fit for young users

Cons

  • May not fit well on children with larger faces

BK Healthcare Dokkaebi FDA Listed Kids KF94 Mask

Best Disposable Face Masks
SpecificationDetails
TypeKF94
SizeKids
Filtration Efficiency≥94%
CertificationFDA Approved
BrandBK Healthcare Dokkaebi

The KF94 masks, which are folded like an envelope, fit our kid testers the best by a long shot. Because the masks have three different panels, they cover the nose and wrap under the chin while still sitting a bit away from their mouths. This gives them room to talk and lick their lips without touching the mask. You already know how important this extra space is if you’ve ever seen a kid licking or sucking in and chewing the inside of their mask, which makes it less effective. Still, it can be a little tricky to get the best fit out of a kid’s size KF94.

During our testing, we noticed that KF94s don’t always fit well on different-sized faces. This means that you might have to try a few to find the best ones for your kids: First, if the strip of material above the nose wire is too wide, it can hit too high between the eyes, pulling the whole mask down and making it hard to get the wire in the right place. This was especially true for our test subject who was 4 years old. Overall, this is one of the best disposable face masks you can buy right now.

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Pros

  • Designed specifically for kids
  • High filtration efficiency of ≥94%
  • FDA approved for safety
  • Unique and playful design

Cons

  • Limited availability in certain regions

The Bio for Preschool Kids ‘U&I’ KF94 Adjustable

Best Disposable Face Masks
SpecificationDetails
TypeKF94
SizeAdjustable
Filtration Efficiency≥94%
CertificationN/A
BrandThe Bio for Preschool Kids

It can be hard to find good masks that are small enough for kids under 5 years old, especially since they sell out so quickly. But these KF94 masks are usually easy to find, and Collins recommends them on his Google spreadsheet for kids’ masks. He found that they worked as filters 99.3% of the time. They are made with four layers of material that doesn’t stick together. Still, this is one of the best disposable face masks you can buy right now.

I asked Strategist writer Lauren Ro for more information when I heard that she buys these masks for her 3-year-old son. She heard about them from a parent at her son’s preschool. That parent got a bunch of different KF94 masks from a Korean importer and tried them all on her 2.5-year-old. The friend said that this mask was the clear winner, and luckily, it could be bought on Amazon.

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Pros

  • Adjustable size for a customized fit
  • High filtration efficiency of ≥94%
  • Suitable for preschool-aged children
  • Eco-friendly and sustainable materials

Cons

  • Lack of certification information

Key Factors to Consider When Choosing Disposable Face Masks

When choosing throwaway face masks, there are a few important things to keep in mind to make sure you are safe and comfortable. These things affect the mask’s general quality and how well it works in different situations. When people know about these things, they can make better decisions about which face masks to wear. Here are some important things to think about:

Filtration Efficiency: Look for masks that filter out a lot of particles, which is shown by a high rate of particles being caught. When it comes to protecting against airborne particles, a filter with a higher filtration rate is better.

Material Quality: The mask’s longevity and comfort depend on what kind of material was used to make it. Choose masks made of non-woven materials that let air in but block out particles well.

Fit and Seal: For a mask to work, it needs to fit right. Choose masks with nose clips and ear loops that can be adjusted for a tight, secure fit that keeps air from leaking out.

Layers: Masks with more than one layer offer better safety. Masks with at least three layers, one of which is a filter layer, are a good mix between letting air in and keeping out dust and dirt.

Certifications: Look for masks that have been tried and certified by reputable groups like ASTM or CE. This shows that the mask meets certain standards.

Comfort: Look for masks made of soft, nontoxic materials that won’t irritate your skin, especially if you wear them for a long time.

Breathability: Masks should find a balance between how well they filter and how well they let air in. Masks that are too tight may be uncomfortable or not be used correctly.

Design of the Ear Loop: Choose masks with ear loops that are comfy and can be adjusted to fit your ears.

Price: Quality is important, but you should also look for masks that offer a good mix between quality and price.

FAQs

What are disposable face masks?

Disposable face masks are one-time-use masks that cover the nose and mouth to keep germs, bacteria, and viruses from spreading. Most of the time, they are made of several layers of synthetic materials and are meant to be thrown away after one use.

Are disposable face masks effective?

Yes, disposable face masks can help cut down on the spread of respiratory droplets, which are the main way that many infectious diseases are spread. They can protect the person who wears them and the people around them. But it’s important to pick masks that meet the right standards and guidelines for how well they filter out air.

How long can disposable face masks be worn?

Face masks that are meant to be used only once should not be worn for long periods of time. The exact length of time you can wear a mask depends on the mask and the instructions from the manufacturer. However, most masks should only be worn for a maximum of 8 hours or one full day. After that, they should be thrown away and a new mask should be put on.

Dian Erwin
Dian Erwin
Dian Erwin is a review writer for Bollyinside, covering topics related to computing, such as laptops, tablets, phones, and other hardware. Dian spends much too much of his free time on Twitter, reading speculative fiction novels, playing video games, and reading comic books. He also enjoys reading video game manuals.

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