Written by
Elyse Betters Picaro and
Elyse Betters Picaro
Senior Editor
Elyse Betters Picaro is an editor based in New York.
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June Wan
June Wan
Staff Editor
June serves as Tech Editor of ZDNet, covering deals on the latest gadgets and gizmos.
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on January 7, 2022
| Topic: Digital Health and Wellness
WWDOLL KN95 face mask
Breathable masks that rest comfortably on your face
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$50 at Amazon
VIDA KN95 face mask
FDA-listed, recycable masks
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$25 at VIDA
VIDA KF94 face mask
94%+ filtration efficiency, manufactured in South Korea
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$25 at VIDA
3M Aura Respirator N95
A handy option for glasses-wearers
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$21 at Amazon
BLScode KN95 face mask
Great value masks with five-ply filtering
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$70 at Amazon
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Disposable medical face mask
3-ply filter protection coming in packs of 100
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$17 at Amazon
UNIQLO AIRism Mask (Pack of 3)
A lightweight secondary mask
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$15 at UNIQLO
Under Armour Sportsmask
Wear all day, even when playing sports
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$25 at Under Armour
You can learn more about the different types of masks and respirators here.
Do I need to wear a mask if I am vaccinated?
Vaccines are scientifically-proven to be the best way to protect yourself from catching COVID. Still, the CDC recommends wearing a face mask or face covering even if you’ve taken the vaccine — booster included. The main reason for this is the widespread nature of the recent Omicron variant, which is strong enough to evade vaccinated hosts. However, that doesn’t render vaccines useless as they are still effective in preventing and reducing the symptoms of COVID.
Whether you’re wearing an N95, KN95, KF94, or a cloth mask, having one is better than none.
How do I properly wear a face mask?
While the concept of a face mask is rather straightforward, the proper way to wear one does require a few steps more than looping it from ear to ear.
- To start, you should always wash and sanitize your hands before and after you touch your mask.
When putting the mask on, do so by only touching the ear loops and bands. This prevents any germs from getting on the actual covering itself.
For a proper fit, the mask should cover your nose, mouth, and chin — nothing less.
Lastly, pinch the nose band so that the mask contours the curvature of your nose. If done properly, there should be little to no air seeping out the sides and of the mask when you talk. A slight discomfort is normal when wearing a mask.
Unless noted as reusable, you should always dispose your mask after a day’s use, especially if it’s damaged or visibly dirty.
Still looking for a face mask to buy online? Try ProjectN95, a certified reseller that provides NIOSH- and FDA-approved respirators.
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