If you’re a medical professional, you know better than anyone: COVID-19 has reshaped the way we live in countless ways.
One of the most obvious is the reusable face mask. Yes, that strip of cloth that you fit over your mouth and nose—the little fabric that could.
Once a rarity in North America, face mask mandates are now compulsory or strongly recommended for individuals, regardless of their COVID-19 vaccination status. And wearing high-quality masks makes good sense, as they help keep you and your loved ones safe.
Not surprisingly, cloth face masks have become a fashion accessory. Color, style and fit make all the difference when you’re required to wear a face mask daily.
Not only do breathable face masks help reduce environmental waste, but they also enable you to save money long-term by buying fewer masks. Not to miss, they are far more comfortable than disposable masks.
These days, the options for reusable face masks are seemingly countless, allowing you to pair a pleated or unisex cover with a stylish outfit and protect yourself from COVID-19 simultaneously.
So, what are the best face masks for COVID-19? We’ve got the answers below.
How to choose a reusable face mask
There are a couple of features you’ll always want to have when looking for the most comfortable face mask:
- As per CDC guidelines, the mask needs to fit your face snuggly, creating a seal around it. This reduces the risk of exposure to contaminants and prevents you from touching your face to adjust the fit.
- You’ll likely be wearing that mask for hours while on the job, so it should be soft to the touch (or as soft as pandemic-related personal protective equipment can be).
- Stretchy ear loops or elastic ear straps can help a mask fit more comfortably against the size of your head.
You’ll also want to make sure your mask checks a few other boxes:
The mask is made of tightly woven fabric
The tighter the fabric’s weave, the less likely the potential for harmful particles to slip through. Remember, the best fabric for face masks puts safety first, fashion statements second.
Fabrics with a tight weave that work well include breathable fabric blends, like Jaanuu’s proprietary knit SPINryx™ blend. Some fabrics have specific properties like designer weaves that make the mask warmer, wick away moisture or allow for added stretch to help maintain that ever-important form-fitting seal.
The mask has two or three layers of fabric
Many reusable masks are made out of non-medical materials, but they make up for it in other ways, predominantly via double-layered or triple-layered (or “3-ply”) breathable fabric. This means an exterior layer, an interior lining and a third, optional layer with a pocket for disposable filter inserts that you can slip in and out.
The mask is easy to breathe through
You want your mask to seal as tightly as possible, but you also want it to be breathable. Generally, the closer the weave on your face covering’s fabric, the less breathable it is. However, the best reusable masks try to find a balance between fit and function, to keep you as comfortable and as safe as possible.
Best reusable face masks
The best face masks are also machine-washable, so you can quickly clean and disinfect them prior to your next wear.
If you’re looking for a washable face mask option, you’ve come to the right place. Here at Jaanuu, we marry fit, function and fashion into a holistic healthcare approach and have worked tirelessly to make the mask that meets your needs.
Using a Silvadur™ antimicrobial-finished fabric, we designed these stylish, form-fitting, modern masks with elastic ear loops to fit snugly on a person’s face. To find the one that works best for you, check out our mask fitting guide.
Super-soft, breathable, moisture-wicking and machine-washable, this fabric makes for a mask that’s ideal in risky environments where COVID-19 is possibly present. Best of all, they come with a variety of color options, allowing you to match them with whatever outfit you may be wearing.
When it comes to multiple layers, all Jaanuu masks have an exterior outer finish made of our sleek SPINryx™ fabric, along with an interior mesh lining that—when combined—creates the ultimate comfort. The ear loops are also super stretchy, allowing each mask to fit various face sizes. Be sure to also check out our kids sizes!
Our reusable face masks come in bundles of five, 10, 15 and 25, but we also do face mask bulk orders if you’re looking to buy masks for you and your entire team. For more info on our face masks, check out our mask FAQ.
How to wash Jaanuu’s face mask
Not only are they comfortable, stylish and effective at keeping you and yours safe, Jaanuu masks are also easy to clean.
Each SPINryx™ face-covering is composed of 65% rayon, 30% nylon and 5% spandex, to give you a little extra stretch. In addition to having a face-fitting cut with a fabric texture that’s gentle on skin, our masks are also very conveniently machine-washable. You can tumble dry them, too, without worrying about them shrinking!
To clean your Jaanuu mask, we recommend throwing it in the washing machine with a load of similar colors. Then, use a combination of cold water and non-chlorine detergent to disinfect those masks well. Follow by tumble drying your mask to perfection. Or, if you live in a hot, dry climate, you can always opt to hang dry them as an alternative option.
Keep safe with reusable face masks
Remember, the best way to keep yourself and others safe through the pandemic is to follow the basics per CDC guidelines. Get vaccinated, practice social distancing, sanitize frequently and thoroughly, avoid in-person situations where the risk of infection is high and always, always wear a mask.
If you’re interacting with the public daily, you’ll also want to have more than one mask on hand to wear so you can always have a clean roster. If you’re looking for other pandemic-ready items to wrap yourself up in, check out our selection of Jaanuu jackets.
Keep calm and mask on.