Best face mask 2023: the most comfortable & effective face coverings

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Best face masks: UK
Best face masks: US

last updated 16 January 2023

Wondering where to buy the best face masks in 2023? Even with the vaccine being rolled out and the amount of COVID cases dropping, it's still a good idea to have and wear a face mask.

Today's best face masks are a world away from the cheap, ineffective, uncomfortable offerings many of us were making do with in the early days of the pandemic. In this guide, we've selected the best options for a range of uses – whether you're looking for a mask that's good for sport, one that won't cause your glasses to steam up, or one that'll fit a smaller face – we have a mask for you. And it goes without saying, all the best face masks in our list are designed to fit closely and effectively filter particles.

Where to buy best face masks in the UK

Not in the UK? Jump straight to the best face masks in the US.

None of those take your fancy? Here are some more face mask options to try...

NEQI: Simple but very effective, and great value too
Look Fantastic: Luxury face masks with a mulberry silk outer layer and breathable cotton lining
Buff: Kid and adult designs with surgical-grade filters
Sea Salt: 3-pack, printed masks, made from organic cotton
Migrate Art: Super-cool reversible prints from top designers, with 100% net profit going to #masksformeals initiative
Boden: Three-pack of different Boden colours and prints
Cotswold Outdoor: A few options available, in different sizes and styles
Adidas: An excellent cheap face mask, but better for small faces

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Where to buy the best face masks in the US

The best face masks if you wear glasses: 5 for $30 at Tie Bar
These Tie Bar face masks have a wire sewn into the top hem, to creating a custom, close fit that'll stop air escaping and fogging up your specs. They're also really excellent value for money – just $6 per mask (only slightly more than our 'cheap' option). They come in a selection of tonal, understated prints, including subtle stripes and tiny spots, and are made from 100% two-ply cotton, with an additional layer of shirting fabric.

Want some more options? Try these...

StringKing: 2-ply washable cloth face masks
Naturepedic: Basic, double-layer organic cotton masks, 6 for $49
RendallCo: Double-layer dense, woven cotton, designed and made in LA
LA Apparel: Lots of colours and styles to choose from
Eastern Serenity: Various styles to suit different face shapes
Vida: Fitted fabric face masks, with multi-layer filter and nose strip for a snug fit
Araks: Luxe, high quality pleated face masks in a variety of floral and other prints
Matteo: Double-layered, 100% cotton masks, with a pocket for a filter

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What kind of face mask works best?

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There are a lot of different types of face masks. Medical-grade face masks, including surgical masks and N95 masks, are in very short supply, so it's mainly non-medical face masks that are being recommended to the general public.

For example, the UK document regarding face masks states: "A face covering is not the same as a facemask such as the surgical masks or respirators used as part of personal protective equipment by healthcare and other workers. These supplies must continue to be reserved for those who need it." Here's a closer look at the different types of face mask.

Surgical masks

Surgical face masks are probably what you think of when you think of a face mask. These are disposable, single-use masks made from pleated synthetic fabric. The fabric is breathable and these masks don't form an airtight seal against the face. How well they filter pathogens varies according to different studies. They're in very short supply at the moment.

Respirator masks

Respirators are the most effective at filtering pathogens. These are fitted to the face and sealed to keep pathogens out, and tested rigorously by the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH).

There are a few different types, with different efficiency rates. For particles 100-300 nanometres in size: N95 respirators can filter 95% of particles; N99 respirators filter 99% of particles; and N100 respirators filter 99.7% of particles. Coronavirus is estimated to be 125 nm in size.

Fabric face masks

Finally, there's homemade fabric masks, which are the least effective of the bunch at filtering pathogens. However, the research we have so far suggests that wearing one is still much better than not wearing one when it comes to reducing the likelihood of you unknowingly passing on the virus to others.

There are a few elements that affect how effective cloth face masks are at filtering pathogens. One is the fabric it's made from – porous fabrics don't keep out tiny droplets very well. The CDC suggests two layers of tightly woven 100% cotton. Adding a filter, such as a coffee filter or paper towel, can help make your fabric face mask more effective.

Fit is also all-important. Gaps around your nose and jaw will make your mask much less effective. If your mask fits snugly around your nose and face, this should help improve the situation.

Ruth is a lifestyle journalist specialising in sleep and wellbeing. She has tested more mattresses than her small flat can handle and will talk at length about them to anyone who shows even a passing interest, and has had to implement a one-in-one-out pillow policy for fear of getting smothered in the night. As well as following all the industry trends and advancements in the mattress and bedding world, she regularly speaks to certified experts to delve into the science behind a great night's sleep, and offer you advice to help you get there. She's currently Sleep Editor on Tom's Guide and TechRadar, and prior to that ran the Outdoors and Wellness channels on T3 (now covered by Matt Kollat and Beth Girdler-Maslen respectively).