PRODUCT REVIEW: FACE MASKS
In the new era of COVID-19, masks have become a staple of our everyday lives. Ultimately, this leaves us with many options ranging from different masks to plastic face shields.
MOST COMFORTABLE From a pure comfort standpoint, you just cannot go wrong with the Homage soft cotton mask. TESTER NOTES: “Super soft and comfortable.” -Tyler Neidermyer THE LOWDOWN: The ultra-soft materials combined with smooth and comfortable ear loops that ergonomically fit onto your face, makes the Homage company a distinct favorite. HOMAGE, CLOTH MASK, $9, HOMAGE.COM
SAFEST
MOST CONVENIENT
BEST DESIGN
DISPOSABLE masks effectively lower the spread of the coronavirus and are very easy to find. They also are very breathable as a result of the light material. TESTER NOTES: “Easy access and breathability.” -Gavin Wells THE LOWDOWN: These are not as envoronmentally efficient as just buying a couple reusable masks, but they are more sanitary.
No matter what the sport is or who your favorite team is, chances are that Fanatics has several choices for one to choose from when selecting a particular mask. TESTER NOTES: “ Some have cute patterns and they are better for the environment.” - Peebo Gillispie THE LOWDOWN: They are often very economical and many come in 3-packs to make owning multiple masks very affordable.
WECOLOR, DISPOSABLE 3-PLY EARLOOP FACE MASKS, $8.99 (50), AMAZON.COM
FANATICS, OHIO STATE BUCKEYES ADULT FACE COVERING, $29.99 (3), FANATICS.COM
WORST ALTERNATIVE
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Nothing is safer than the N-95 mask, there is nothing special about it other than the fact that it gives someone the best chance of not spreading potential diseases. TESTER NOTES: "They are eaiser to breathe through as well as not being as hot as reusable ones.” -Zoe Firchau THE LOWDOWN: They have a unique airtight seal that helps protect from at least 95% of airborne pathogens.
Widely regarded as a very comfortable alternative to the traditional mask, is the wide tube-like GAITER. TESTER NOTES: “Extremely comfortable and easy to wear.” -Hunter Bennington THE LOWDOWN: Research from Duke University stated that the gaiter was less effective in preventing the spread of COVID-19 as more respiratory droplets passed through the material.
For those who do not want to be “stuffed up” in a mask, a FACE SHIELD is a solid substitute. It is regarded by the CDC as just as effective as a regular mask. TESTER NOTES: “Makes it easy to speak.” - Mrs. Salinas THE LOWDOWN: While they do tend to stick out and fog up over time, the face shield alternative is still very comfortable and allows more protection than just a mask.
EMERCATE, 5 LAYER PROTECTION BREATHABLE KN-95, $32.90 (20 PCS), AMAZON.COM
BUFF, FILTER TUBE STURE DENIM, $ 29.OO, BUFF. COM
OMK, 2 PCS REUSABLE FACE SHIELD, $7.63, AMAZON.COM
LIFESTYLE BLUEPRINTS
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