The best disposable face masks and how to shop for them, according to doctors

Wearing a face mask when you’re in a public setting is one of the best ways to avoid getting and spreading illnesses like Covid-19, the flu, RSV and the common cold, says Dr. Carl Fichtenbaum, a professor of clinical medicine at the University of Cincinnati College of Medicine. But choosing which type to use might seem tricky — you could go with a reusable cloth mask, a disposable mask or a respirator, like a N95 or KN95. 

Ultimately, “the best mask is the one you’re going to wear,” says Dr. Sharon Nachman, chief of the division of pediatric infectious diseases at Stony Brook Children’s Hospital. Ideally that’s a respirator, which offers the highest level of protection, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. But wearing a disposable mask is better than wearing no mask at all, she says. And since some people find them more comfortable, they’ll likely wear them properly and for longer periods of time, thus reducing viral transmission.  

To help you shop for the best disposable face masks, I talked to doctors about what features to look for and rounded up a handful of options that align with their guidance. Experts also explain when you might want to wear a face mask and why doing so is important.