Best Masks in India - Reviews and Comparison 2021

Every time you use a mask, make sure it is tightly weaved. A small trick to find out how well it is intertwined is to hold it up to the light; if you can see each fibre's outline, it can’t be considered a good mask.   

Experts suggest a mask with a tight- weave is more favourable. Natural fibre provides more three-dimensional structure than synthetic fibre, which in turn provides a hindrance to particles. But it is added that an artificial fibre mask is a must in the absence of a natural fibre mask. 

Several studies show that masks with more than one layer proved to be more efficient than single layer masks. Filtration efficiency of household mask materials suggests that a mask made of two layers of a tight-weave fabric with a built-in pocket place for a filter is always preferred.

When a mask completely covers your face, that mask is most efficient. Masks that have pleats or folds are also a good choice. But if your mask has a flat front design, it is not much efficient. These folds expand to have more airflow through the fabric instead of leaking out the gaps.

As we previously read, the mask's use is essential not only for yourself but also for others. Hence it is strongly advised that masks with an exhalation valve should be avoided at any cost.

• N95 respirators: 

N95 respirators are specially manufactured to create a tight seal around the nose and mouth. When a person wears it carefully, it blocks at least 95% of small airborne particles. These respirators achieve the goal of protecting both the wearer and the people around the wearer. They have proved most efficient because they constitute many layers of fine polypropylene fibres.

• KN95 respirators:

A KN95 respirator is just like an N95, but the Chinese government regulates it. It is supposed to filter out at least 95% of small airborne particles.

• Surgical masks: 

Surgical masks are the ones that are used commonly. They loosely cover the face and are disposable. At the start of the pandemic, these masks were short in supply but now they are readily available. These are primarily designed to protect other people from the wearer and block only large particles in the air, not very small particles. Surgical masks are made of paper and polypropylene. It is concluded from research that surgical masks can block the vast majority of respiratory droplets emitted by an infected person. But when tested how a surgical mask protects the wearer from smaller particles, results vary widely. These were the same methods that are used to test N95 respirators.

Bottom line: If you have a KN95, it is quite possible that you are not getting as much protection as you think. So it is advised that mere use of masks is not enough. You have to make sure that you are up with those other habits to help keep you safe, including physical distancing. As Cramer says, “Wearing even a genuine respirator doesn’t make you invincible, so those habits are good no matter what”. She also warns you that you still have to avoid prolonged contact regardless of whether you choose cloth or surgical mask. The masks can protect you for some minutes but not an hour at a stretch.

Cloth masks should be washed daily with a mild soap or detergent. Make sure to dry it well before use or resuing it.

If you are doing any heavy exercises wearing a mask, then there is a high possibility that you may experience increased blood pressure due to a faster heart rate. Masks act as a barrier for full and deep breaths while working out. This results in your heart beating faster to provide your body with the necessary oxygen, which in turn increases the blood pressure. 

Our suggestion: Take frequent intervals while working out.

Yes, you can wash your mask with your regular laundry in the machine.

Earlier, mask-wearing was recommended primarily to protect people from infected ones. Currently, the report suggests that the person wearing a mask also reaps some benefits. Recently a study from Denmark questioned the protective effect of masks for the mask-wearer. More generally, research clarifies that the most significant overall benefit occurs when everyone wears a mask.

According to the CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention), a close-fitting mask is essential. Look for masks with at least two layers of washable, breathable fabric and tightly woven cloth. 

The majority of experts said that physical distancing guidelines and masks would be with us until 2022, with five people predicting that they will stay until 2023.

Many fabric layers make more places for virus particles to stick instead of going out into the air. However, many layers also make it hard to breathe. A filter helps in this process. So, we believe a mask with a filter is a better option. Don't forget to check that the filter material is safe to use.

You should clean your mask after every use. It reduces the risk of catching infections by the coronavirus or other germs as well as spreading them.

• Cloth masks to be washed frequently using regular laundry detergent.

• Disposable masks have to be thrown away after a single use.

• Dry them well.

• You can also hand wash masks using soap water.

• Store them in a clean place.

Why?

• This 100% cotton mask has Streta-shield for providing maximum protection against pollution, dust and droplets.

• It comes with a replaceable filter. And if you feel the filter’s life is over, you can also order that separately.

• It is a 3-dimensional mask carefully designed with space in front of lips for unrestricted movement. The deep curve at the nose side keeps a gap between the eyelid and mask top edges offering comfort.

• The mask has adjustable earloops with silicon stoppers, a soft plastic nose clip for maximum protection and minimal eyewear fogging.

• It is suitable for all those who are 13 years and above.

Why?

• The mask has a hidden nose pin to ensure that it fits well on every type of face and provides no fogging for people wearing spectacles/glasses/goggles.

• The mask comes with a bag so that you can carry it safely and also it doesn’t get exposed to microbes.

• It is a water repellent & splash resistant mask.

• It is a dermatologically tested product and hence safe for the skin.

• The mask has been specially designed by Kamadgiri Fashion Limited and it is super comfortable to wear.

Why?

• The pack has 4 masks of peach, black, leaf green & baby pink colours.

• These are stylish and designer masks. You can even wear them to a party.

• They are 100% cotton made and has 3 layers of protection.

• Simply hand wash them and you can use them again.

Why?

• It is a highly breathable, durable, reusable and washable mask.

• It is a triple-layer mask that comes with elastic closure.

• This soft & comfortable mask is ideal for both men and women.

• It is sanitized before packing.

Why?

• It is a 5 layers N 95 mask.

• It protects against dust, allergens, fog haze, splattering liquids and anti-odour.

• The mask is made of soft cotton to ensure that your skin stays fresh.

Why?

• It adheres to ASTM F2100, EN 14683, IS 16289.

• The Bacterial Filtration Efficiency (BFE) - ASTM F 2101 is more than 99%.

• The mask comes with strong splash/fluid resistance i.e. 160 mmHg – ASTM F1862.

• There will be hardly any complaint of low breathing after wearing it.

Why?

• The Bacterial Filtration Efficiency(BFE) is more than or equivalent to 98.5% whereas Particle Filtration Efficiency (PEE) is more than or equivalent to 94%.

• The mask comes with 3 layers- outer, middle and inner. The outer layer blocks droplets, the middle layer is for filtration and the inner layer is skin-friendly observing inside moisture.

• It has an inside nose pin and an ultra stretchable elastic so that your ears don’t get hurt.