It’s coming on the one-year anniversary where all of us had to start getting used to going outside with a mask on. There is no doubt that the novel coronavirus pandemic has dramatically impacted all of our idea’s of normal outdoor attire.

While millions of people are now receiving the COVID-19 vaccine each and every day, experts at the Centers of Disease Control and Prevention are strongly encouraging everyone – even those who have received both doses of their COVID-19 vaccine – to continue to wear face masks and practice social distancing whenever possible.

While you may be incredibly excited to take off your surgical mask and confidently be able to leave it at home without having to worry about contracting or spreading COVID-19, the time for that kind of confidence has not yet arrived.

In fact, you should expect to likely have to wear a mask when you leave your home for at least the next six months or more as vaccine rollout continues around the world.

Dr. Anthony Fauci recently predicted himself that America could reach “a significant degree of normality” by the end of 2021. So, while we may be starting to swim out of the deep water, we’re not quite out of it yet.

For that reason, if the masks that you have been wearing recently are starting to get old and tattered, you may be looking for an opportunity to improve comfort, effectiveness, style, or all three!

If that is the case, then you have absolutely come to the right place. Let’s break down some of the best surgical masks to wear during COVID-19.

Wapike Disposable Surgical Masks

Without a doubt, the disposable surgical mask has become one of the many symbols of the COVID-19 pandemic. There is no doubt that you have seen them everywhere being worn by everyone.

These light blue, triple-layered masks feature one higher density layer that is in between two non-woven layers to make the mask as breathable as possible while blocking as many particles as possible.

While these masks are not as effective as KN95 or N95 masks when it comes to protecting the wearer, they are incredibly effective at making sure that someone who may be infected with COVID-19 does not spread the disease.

In the end, wearing a mask is just as much about protecting everyone around you as it is about protecting yourself. That’s why it is so important that everyone wear masks whether or not they are showing any COVID-19 symptoms.

These masks are an incredibly good value, fairly comfortable for daily use and have undoubtedly become somewhat iconic due to their heavy use.

Just remember, you will want to have quite a lot on hand, as you will want to replace an older one with a new mask if the mask starts to get dirty, starts to lose its structure, or if it gets wet or damaged.

FDA Emergency Use Authorized KN95 Masks

By now, you have likely heard that typical citizens are encouraged and expected to leave the NIOSH approved N95 masks and other medical-grade PPE for frontline workers within the medical field. However, if you are looking for some additional protection without feeling like you are taking away from the top-level protection that workers within the medical industry need, then the Chinese KN95 mask is a fantastic option.

The KN95 masks have been authorized for emergency use by the United states. While KN95 masks do not have the same respirator that N95 masks do, the two types of masks are believed to feature a similar level of protection for the wearer.

One thing you have to be sure of, however, is that you are getting a true KN95 mask and not a knock off. Sadly, there have been many instances in which online marketplaces have been found to sell knock off N95 and KN95 masks over the last year.

Luckily, there are some really easy to find telltale signs about whether or not you are wearing the real thing or a simple replica.

Ez Breezy Kids Disposable Face Mask

One issue that a lot of parents have experienced is the difficulty of finding a surgical mask that fits their little children. After all, surgical masks were originally made to be worn by medical professionals – who all just so happen to be working adults.

For that reason, even the smallest sizes of adult surgical masks have often proven to be too large for youngsters. Luckily, the COVID-19 pandemic has been found to impact children at an incredibly low rate.

Still, children have gotten sick with COVID-19 over the past year, and there has been fear about how much children could end up being non-symptomatic carriers and spreaders of the disease.

So, if you have been looking for the perfect surgical mask for your child, look no further than this option. The Ez Breezy is made specifically with smaller faces in mind and even come in cute designs that your kids will love.

Even if you have chosen not to make your kids wear masks as often as you have been wearing them yourself, now is the perfect time to get some for your family. The reason why is because schools are expected to start opening for in-person classes very soon.

Not only is it likely that masks will be required for everyone attending, but having your child wear a mask is also a great way to make sure that everyone in your home who could be more susceptible to COVID-19 is as safe as possible.

Bio-the Face Masks

Finally, you will want to be aware of this brand of mask specifically if you have found that wearing other masks have wreaked havoc on your skin. No doubt, many of us have been dealing with pimples on our face over the last year.

This mask is made of five layers of hypoallergenic non-woven fabric that is non-toxic and matka moisture resistant. That will help you stay protected while also reducing the likelihood of breakouts.