The world is facing a health crisis. The Coronavirus or the COVID-19 is what has made us all stay at home and curtailed venturing out unless it is absolutely necessary. Coronavirus or otherwise, there is also a risk of pollution if you tend to venture out. Cities like Delhi and Mumbai have become the epitome of pollution, and there is where you would need to check out the best face masks.
We thought we would analyze a few best masks available in India that would help you safeguard yourself adequately. Being safe is the key, and face masks can be one of the right routes to staying safe.
Factors to consider while buying the Best Face Masks – A Comprehensive Buying Guide
Before we can list out the best face masks you can buy in India, let us check out a few critical factors you need to consider when purchasing the best face masks in India.
Fabric
The fabric used for the face mask will assume a lot of importance when picking your mask. The material used in the mask should be soft on your skin. It should sit on your face without any sort of discomfort. The purpose of wearing the mask is to avoid touching your face, nose, lips, and nose with dirty hands. If the mask is uncomfortable, you will tend to touch it more.
Fitment
Proper fitment on your face would ensure better comfortability levels. It should neither be too tight or too snug on your face. Make sure the mask fits properly on your face. It may be a good idea to go for a mask that has a few adjustment options. The t=right mask would be the one that grabs to the end of your chin as an anchor.
Multiple Layer
Multiple layers of fabric are what would make it one of the best options. More layers will ensure that you have less access to the virus particles getting inside you. A mask that has a minimum of two layers – one heavyweight cotton layer and silk or lighter cotton layer. Make sure the cloth layer is comfortable on your skin.
Washability
The ability to wash the masks would be one of the excellent options. While most of the cloth types are washable, a few of them tend to get deformed when washed. A face mask that does not deform go with a shape change would be one of the excellent options. The mask should not lose its properties.
Glasses
If you are someone who wears glasses, you would need to go with a face mask that does not interfere with your wearing and vision. It may be advisable to go for a tie face that would fit tightly across your nose. A mask with a nose clip may be the right choice from this perspective.
Best Face Masks in India
Having checked out the best buying factors you need to look for in your choice of face masks; we will now check out a few good face masks that would safeguard you from pollution and viral infections.
This is one of the best options for the best anti-pollution masks for your needs in taking care of your health against air pollution and viral particles. You would get it in two colors and two different sizes. Available in black and grey, the price may vary as per the color you opt for. The mask is available in a pack of five which should be yet another added advantage.
The mask is made of soft cotton and comes with comfortable ear bands. The exhalation valve for easy breathability can be yet another added advantage. The mask can help you filter out warm air and bring in colder air.
<strong>Pros and Cons of LXOICE Reusable N95 Mask</strong>
Pros
- Adjustable noseband.
- Reusable masks
- Highly lightweight
- High elastic ear loop
Cons
- It may suffocate you when you stand in a high wind.
The shield comes with a protective layer on both the ends. This makes it remain safer from scratches before you use it. The soft durable sponge would provide you access to an enhanced experience in an enhanced wearing comfortability. The face shield is made of bio-compatible grade PET polymer. Quite lightweight and comfortable to wear, the mask is quite easy to wear or take off.
Strong transparency would add more value to the product. 180-degree isolation would be helpful in safeguarding you from any sort of spitting, saliva and dust. The shield is quite comfortable and skin-friendly.
<strong>Pros and Cons of Go Hooked</strong>
Pros
- Anti-fog design protects your vision and helps you get a proper vision
- Protects you from a wide range of pollutants like droplets, saliva, splash, oil, and dust.
- The elasticity is such that it works comfortably for most of the users
- Ultra-clear and anti-fog efficiency
Cons
- Price is on a higher side
If you are into biking or cycling, the Le Gear Face Mask Pro+ should be one of the excellent choices you would want to go with. In fact, it is one of the best options for multifunctional face masks. Apart from handling the viral particles, it should also be an excellent option for your needs in protecting yourself from pollutants and germs like dust, wind, and cold.
The mask is manufactured with a stretchable fabric that can stretch in four directions. That would make it extremely stretchable. It does offer you a comfortable fit. It does not come with any special filters making it one of the prime options.
<strong>Pros and Cons of Le Gear</strong>
Pros
- Made with high-performance fibres
- Highly lightweight
- Offers you a multifunctional operation.
- Covers mouth and even part of your head.
Cons
- Price may be a little higher
The PureMe mask comes in different colors. In fact, that should make it one of the excellent options for your needs in the multiple attractive colors. The availability of four free activated carbon filters would further make it one of the prime options to go with. The activated carbon filters can simply be placed inside the facemask to ensure a simple enhanced functionality.
The mask filters can be used for up to 100 hours. The five layers of protection would further make it one of the perfect options ever. The N95 grade filters would further make it one of the excellent options you would find rather impressive.
<strong>Pros and Cons of PureMe N95 Reusable Mask</strong>
Pros
- Best cost-effective masks ever.
- N 95 compatibility makes them one of the best options
- Provides high-end protection against smog, pollution and viral particles
The Onroad Co. Reusable Anti Pollution Mask is one of the excellent options for the high-end mask with N95 filter. Made in India, the mask can be quite effective against the pollutants such as Dust, Pollen and Allergens. The PM2.5 filter should be one of the excellent options that should make it one of the excellent options ever.
The mask is completely reusable and washable. That would make it one of the great options for safeguarding yourself against viral infections. The easy comfortability and a snug fit are one of the features that should make it one of the excellent choices. The dual breathing valves should further make it yet another advanced option.
<strong>Pros and Cons of Onroad Co.</strong>
Pros
- It can filter out more than 95 per cent of pollutants.
- It is one of the best reusable masks currently available
- It even comes with a face mask carrying case
Cons
- No option to insert the new filter
The face mask is one of the best options for almost all your needs in exercises such as running, jogging and even cycling. The mask provides you access to an extreme airtight fit and takes care of all the pollutants and other viral germs. Made of soft silicone, the mask should provide you with a comfortable fit. The triple protection is yet another huge plus point.
The mask can clear out 95 per cent of the particles, while providing the best possible protection. It also comes with the perfect kind of filters that have been engineered for providing lesser air resistance and improves breathability. The mask is available in three different sizes that should ideally suit almost every type of persona.
<strong>Pros and Cons of idMask</strong>
Pros
- Triple-layer protection that provides a highly efficient particle filtration.
- It can filter particles down to 0.3 microns.
- Specifically designed for the sportspersons.
- Airtight performance.
Cons
- Price can be expensive for the large sized masks.
The Respokare Anti Pollution Mask is designed to block and filter 2.5 micron particulate material. It comes with an active respo layer as well that can take care of your respiratory requirements. The respo layer can control and neutralise 90 per cent nitrogen dioxide. It can also take care of other toxic gases such as sulphur dioxide.
The mask is available in two sizes, viz regular and small. You can continue using it until it is incredibly soiled. Once the pollution indicator is discoloured, you would need to replace it. You should ideally be able to use the mask for a period ranging from 40 to 60 days. The mask is quite snug and lets you adjust it for the proper working.
<strong>Pros and Cons of Respokare</strong>
Pros
- Removes up to 98.5 per cent of the particles.
- Quite comfortable and does not need you to adjust repeatedly.
- Nose clip functionality works great.
Cons
- Can get too stiff in some cases.
FAQs for the Best Use of Face masks
Having checked out a few good options for the best masks in India, we will now try answering a few questions that still may be lingering in your mind.
Q – Do pollution masks really work?
A – Pollution masks have been considered to be one of the best means to protect your self from the ill effects of air pollution. They have been clinically proven to protect you from PM2.5 dust, haze, bacteria, and influenza viruses. Based on the quality, you should find your face mask providing you with a good option in filtering out up to 80 to 90 per cent of the pollutants.
Q – What does N95 mask mean?
A – The N95 is a rating for the filtering capacity of the face mask. An N95 mask can block 95% of particles 0.3 μm or larger in diameter. NIOSH (National Institute of occupational safety and health) has filtration ratings based on which the different masks are rated. It can filter 95 per cent of airborne particles if it meets the standards of rating specified.
Q - Can we be safe by using a mask for the Coronavirus?
A – Yes, precaution is the key to achieving the best protection against Coronavirus or any other similar respiratory diseases. They should be specifically be worn in cases where you are likely to come into contact with a patient. By extrapolation, since we do not know who might be suffering from COVID-19, it would be practical to wear a face mask whenever you venture out.
Q – Are face masks reusable?
A – There is a limit to the durability of a face mask. Most of the commonly used masks are made of soft cotton material, breathable, washable and thus reusable. You would need to check for the specifications for the mask before you can take a call on the reusability of your mask. The instructions should be able to specifically let you know the reusability and washability. Some face masks like N95 masks may not be washable, but can be reused for a particular time frame. They may also come with an indicator like a change in color to let you know when it is the time to dispose them off.
Q - Can I wear a mask to sleep?
A – Some masks may be specifically designed to use them overnight and while sleeping. However, most of the masks designed for daily usage are not safe to sleep with them on. Take care as they might even suffocate you and can cause fatalities.
The Closing Thoughts
Well, facemask has become our constant companions in these pandemic times. Even otherwise, wearing facemasks in dirty or dusty areas is highly recommended to safeguard yourself from the risky effects of respiratory contamination.
The best facemasks in India that we have covered here should ideally help you get access to excellent protection from almost all airborne diseases. Check them out and leave us feedback.
