More than ever, it's essential to be wearing a mask when heading out the door, to keep you and others around you safe. But it is hard to know which masks work better than others, or at all.
Even worse, DIY and cloth masks aren't as protective as you think. The CDC recommends face coverings to block droplets traveling through coughing, spreading, sneezing and a DIY mask will help achieve that, but isn't a tight seal so droplets can still escape. A DIY mask also filters only 40-73% of particles larger than PM2.5. If you can, it's important to try and find a more effective mask that can block a higher percentage of particles. Of course, there are dozens to choose from.
Thankfully for you, we ranked three face masks for protecting against pollutants and other airborne contaminants.
Dr. Brian Masterson
Senior Product Review Specialist
Contact Specialist
Hi, I'm Dr. Masterson and I'm the senior product reviewer here for our health and travel magazine.
With an increase on safety and health in these trying times, we believe it’s important to help guide men and women to finding the best products and solutions for their everyday life. Enjoy our insights and please let us know if you have any questions.
#1 STAYSAFE REUSABLE MASK (PM2.5)
4.9 (173 Reviews)
Effectiveness: 95%
Comfort: 90%
Price: $
Overall: A
STAYSAFE works as an effective face covering that traps droplets and also offers additional layers of protection against pollutants and other airborne contaminants. The mask comes with replaceable filters which have 5 layers of protection to help you filter pollutants and other airborne contaminants. The mask also features a one-way valve that is positioned above the filter to make the masks breathable without sacrificing safety. They're currently offering 50% until the end of the week, which always help. Plus they offer extremely fast shipping. Obviously in these trying times, it's good to know you can get your mask in due time.
STAY SAFE PROS
-
Filters 95% of particles larger than PM2.5
-
Creates a tighter seal than mosts DIY masks
-
One-way valve to make masks breathable
-
Safe to wash and reuse
STAY SAFE CONS
-
Can fog up glasses when wearing
-
Less effective if reusable filters aren't replaced regularly.
#2 GVS SPR457 ELIPSE
3.6 (198 Reviews)
Effectiveness: 99%
Comfort: 80%
Price: $$$
Overall: B
The GVS SPR457 Elipse is a heavy duty mask that can protect against 99.97% of particles and pollutants. The adjustable straps make it easy to wear and comfortable. The replaceable filters help make it a longer lasting mask. Our biggest drawback is it's bulky and unflattering look. There's nothing sleek about this mask. If safety is your #1 concern, this is a good choice, but we imagine most people don't want to look like they're coming from a nuclear test site when walking down the street.
ELIPSE PROS
-
99.97% Effective against particles and pollutants
-
Adjustable straps
-
Reusable
ELIPSE CONS
-
Heavier than most masks
-
Bulky and unflattering
-
Not ideal for people who wear glasses
#3 HONEYWELL DISPOSABLE MASK
3.2 (143 Reviews)Effectiveness: 50%
Comfort: 70%
Price: $
Overall:C-
Although we wouldn't recommend Honeywell's Disposable Masks for regular use, they're effective enough to use as a last resort. If you run out of resuable filters for a more effective mask, perhaps consider using these.
HONEYWELL PROS
-
Portable and small
-
Disposable
HONEYWELL CONS:
-
Not highly effective in protecting against particles
-
Uncomfortable
-
Low quality materials
Product Ranking
#1 Compression Sock Brand: Primes
Company based in United States
Materials and Quality:9.6/10
Size Accuracy:9.6/10
Customer Satisfaction:97%
Why I loved it: The first thing I noticed (besides the awesome packaging) was how easy they were to put on. Even though I have larger calves, I didn’t have to struggle and force them on like I did with some of the other brands. They felt tight and snug on my feet, but not so tight it caused discomfort and left a mark. After 15 minutes or so, I forgot I was even wearing them. That’s how comfortable they were! So much better than the other socks I tested that made my legs constantly itchy.
After wearing Primes compression socks for a day (about 15 hours), my legs and feet felt just as fresh as they did in the morning. As an editor sits at a desk all day, my feet are normally sore and swollen by the time I get home. Thanks to Primes, my feet felt so energized I went for an extra evening walk during sunset. One hidden benefit is these socks make me want to to go out and be active rather than sitting or lying down all the time. They make me feel younger and more fit!Verdict:
If you’re looking for a pair of compression socks that will help your legs and feet feel great, then I highly recommend you grab a pair of Primes. Although they’re more expensive than the brands you’ll find on Amazon or your local CVS, they’re much higher quality and will last longer (the elasticity doesn’t wear out after washing). This means you’ll save money in the long run.An added bonus is they are infused with anti-microbial silver strands. So you don't have to worry about catching nasty viruses or bacteria (including the nasty illness going around right now) when you take your shoes off.
Plus, they have a 30-day money back guarantee so if you don’t like them for any reason, you can return them and get every single dime back - no questions asked. There’s not many other brands that will offer this.
Right now, Primes is having a special 50% off spring sale so I recommend getting a pair and seeing for yourself. how amazing they are. I would also urge you get a few extra pairs between washes or as gifts for friends and family.
SBSox Pros
✓ One of the least expensive compression sock brands
✓ Comfortable and breathable
✓ Provides tight compression
✓ Lots of color choices
✓ Easy to purchase from Amazon.
SBSox Cons
✕ Had many negative reviews online, including reports of product defects
✕ Difficult to put on
✕ May not fit right if you have large calves
#1 Compression Sock Brand: Primes
Company based in United States
Materials and Quality:9.6/10
Size Accuracy:9.6/10
Customer Satisfaction:97%
Why I loved it: The first thing I noticed (besides the awesome packaging) was how easy they were to put on. Even though I have larger calves, I didn’t have to struggle and force them on like I did with some of the other brands. They felt tight and snug on my feet, but not so tight it caused discomfort and left a mark. After 15 minutes or so, I forgot I was even wearing them. That’s how comfortable they were! So much better than the other socks I tested that made my legs constantly itchy.
After wearing Primes compression socks for a day (about 15 hours), my legs and feet felt just as fresh as they did in the morning. As an editor sits at a desk all day, my feet are normally sore and swollen by the time I get home. Thanks to Primes, my feet felt so energized I went for an extra evening walk during sunset. One hidden benefit is these socks make me want to to go out and be active rather than sitting or lying down all the time. They make me feel younger and more fit!Verdict:
If you’re looking for a pair of compression socks that will help your legs and feet feel great, then I highly recommend you grab a pair of Primes. Although they’re more expensive than the brands you’ll find on Amazon or your local CVS, they’re much higher quality and will last longer (the elasticity doesn’t wear out after washing). This means you’ll save money in the long run.An added bonus is they are infused with anti-microbial silver strands. So you don't have to worry about catching nasty viruses or bacteria (including the nasty illness going around right now) when you take your shoes off.
Plus, they have a 30-day money back guarantee so if you don’t like them for any reason, you can return them and get every single dime back - no questions asked. There’s not many other brands that will offer this.
Right now, Primes is having a special 50% off spring sale so I recommend getting a pair and seeing for yourself. how amazing they are. I would also urge you get a few extra pairs between washes or as gifts for friends and family.
SBSox Pros
✓ One of the least expensive compression sock brands
✓ Comfortable and breathable
✓ Provides tight compression
✓ Lots of color choices
✓ Easy to purchase from Amazon.
SBSox Cons
✕ Had many negative reviews online, including reports of product defects
✕ Difficult to put on
✕ May not fit right if you have large calves
#1 Compression Sock Brand: Primes
Company based in United States
Materials and Quality:9.6/10
Size Accuracy:9.6/10
Customer Satisfaction:97%
Why I loved it: The first thing I noticed (besides the awesome packaging) was how easy they were to put on. Even though I have larger calves, I didn’t have to struggle and force them on like I did with some of the other brands. They felt tight and snug on my feet, but not so tight it caused discomfort and left a mark. After 15 minutes or so, I forgot I was even wearing them. That’s how comfortable they were! So much better than the other socks I tested that made my legs constantly itchy.
After wearing Primes compression socks for a day (about 15 hours), my legs and feet felt just as fresh as they did in the morning. As an editor sits at a desk all day, my feet are normally sore and swollen by the time I get home. Thanks to Primes, my feet felt so energized I went for an extra evening walk during sunset. One hidden benefit is these socks make me want to to go out and be active rather than sitting or lying down all the time. They make me feel younger and more fit!Verdict:
If you’re looking for a pair of compression socks that will help your legs and feet feel great, then I highly recommend you grab a pair of Primes. Although they’re more expensive than the brands you’ll find on Amazon or your local CVS, they’re much higher quality and will last longer (the elasticity doesn’t wear out after washing). This means you’ll save money in the long run.An added bonus is they are infused with anti-microbial silver strands. So you don't have to worry about catching nasty viruses or bacteria (including the nasty illness going around right now) when you take your shoes off.
Plus, they have a 30-day money back guarantee so if you don’t like them for any reason, you can return them and get every single dime back - no questions asked. There’s not many other brands that will offer this.
Right now, Primes is having a special 50% off spring sale so I recommend getting a pair and seeing for yourself. how amazing they are. I would also urge you get a few extra pairs between washes or as gifts for friends and family.
SBSox Pros
✓ One of the least expensive compression sock brands
✓ Comfortable and breathable
✓ Provides tight compression
✓ Lots of color choices
✓ Easy to purchase from Amazon.
SBSox Cons
✕ Had many negative reviews online, including reports of product defects
✕ Difficult to put on
✕ May not fit right if you have large calves
#1 Compression Sock Brand: Primes
Company based in United States
Materials and Quality:9.6/10
Size Accuracy:9.6/10
Customer Satisfaction:97%
Why I loved it: The first thing I noticed (besides the awesome packaging) was how easy they were to put on. Even though I have larger calves, I didn’t have to struggle and force them on like I did with some of the other brands. They felt tight and snug on my feet, but not so tight it caused discomfort and left a mark. After 15 minutes or so, I forgot I was even wearing them. That’s how comfortable they were! So much better than the other socks I tested that made my legs constantly itchy.
After wearing Primes compression socks for a day (about 15 hours), my legs and feet felt just as fresh as they did in the morning. As an editor sits at a desk all day, my feet are normally sore and swollen by the time I get home. Thanks to Primes, my feet felt so energized I went for an extra evening walk during sunset. One hidden benefit is these socks make me want to to go out and be active rather than sitting or lying down all the time. They make me feel younger and more fit!Verdict:
If you’re looking for a pair of compression socks that will help your legs and feet feel great, then I highly recommend you grab a pair of Primes. Although they’re more expensive than the brands you’ll find on Amazon or your local CVS, they’re much higher quality and will last longer (the elasticity doesn’t wear out after washing). This means you’ll save money in the long run.An added bonus is they are infused with anti-microbial silver strands. So you don't have to worry about catching nasty viruses or bacteria (including the nasty illness going around right now) when you take your shoes off.
Plus, they have a 30-day money back guarantee so if you don’t like them for any reason, you can return them and get every single dime back - no questions asked. There’s not many other brands that will offer this.
Right now, Primes is having a special 50% off spring sale so I recommend getting a pair and seeing for yourself. how amazing they are. I would also urge you get a few extra pairs between washes or as gifts for friends and family.
SBSox Pros
✓ One of the least expensive compression sock brands
✓ Comfortable and breathable
✓ Provides tight compression
✓ Lots of color choices
✓ Easy to purchase from Amazon.
SBSox Cons
✕ Had many negative reviews online, including reports of product defects
✕ Difficult to put on
✕ May not fit right if you have large calves
Product Ranking Table
Product
Summary
Materials and Quality
Size Accuracy
Customer
Satisfaction
Overall Rate
Product
✓ Moderate 15-25 mmHg compression pressure to prevents swelling, fatigue and varicose vein symptoms
✓ Designed with the help of foot and vein specialists
✓ Multiple sizing options so you get the perfect fit (fits wide calves well)
✓ Easy to slip on and off
✓ Does not cut off circulation or leave indents in your skin
✓ Comfortable, breathable and anti-microbial material
✓ Offers a 30-day money back guarantee
✓ Limited time 50% off spring sale
✕ Sells out quickly and is available only on the company website
✕ Not available on Amazon
✕ Limited color selection
See Socks 50% off Spring Sale
9.6/10
9.5/10
97%
96%
Product
✓ Moderate 15-25 mmHg compression pressure to prevents swelling, fatigue and varicose vein symptoms
✓ Designed with the help of foot and vein specialists
✓ Multiple sizing options so you get the perfect fit (fits wide calves well)
✓ Easy to slip on and off
✓ Does not cut off circulation or leave indents in your skin
✓ Comfortable, breathable and anti-microbial material
✓ Offers a 30-day money back guarantee
✓ Limited time 50% off spring sale
✕ Sells out quickly and is available only on the company website
✕ Not available on Amazon
✕ Limited color selection
9.6/10
9.5/10
97%
96%
Product
✓ Moderate 15-25 mmHg compression pressure to prevents swelling, fatigue and varicose vein symptoms
✓ Designed with the help of foot and vein specialists
✓ Multiple sizing options so you get the perfect fit (fits wide calves well)
✓ Easy to slip on and off
✓ Does not cut off circulation or leave indents in your skin
✓ Comfortable, breathable and anti-microbial material
✓ Offers a 30-day money back guarantee
✓ Limited time 50% off spring sale
✕ Sells out quickly and is available only on the company website
✕ Not available on Amazon
✕ Limited color selection
9.6/10
9.5/10
97%
