# What is the most comfortable face mask for long-term wear? **URL:** \ **Category:** In My Humble Opinion\ **Created:** [September 23, 2021, 3:02pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-the-most-comfortable-face-mask-for-long-term-wear/951201 "2021-09-23T15:02:10Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![Whack-a-Mole](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/whack-a-mole/32/141_2.png) [@Whack-a-Mole](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Whack-a-Mole)\ **Post date:** [September 23, 2021, 3:02pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-the-most-comfortable-face-mask-for-long-term-wear/951201/1 "2021-09-23T15:02:10Z")
I have been using the ubiquitous blue paper face masks throughout the pandemic and they have worked fine for me. Thing is, I generally only need to wear them for less than 30 minutes at a time. That’s worked fine for me so far but I am looking at a long flight so will need to wear a mask for an extended period. Those blue face masks get wet fast from condensation and uncomfortable as a result. Does anyone have a recommendation for a comfortable mask for long-term wear? It needs to be suitable as a mask for COVID purposes but no need for N95 or anything serious. Comfort is the main thing as long as it serves its primary purpose well enough. ---
**Author:** ![kayaker](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/kayaker/32/441_2.png) [@kayaker](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/kayaker)\ **Post date:** [September 23, 2021, 3:14pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-the-most-comfortable-face-mask-for-long-term-wear/951201/2 "2021-09-23T15:14:31Z")
Early in the pandemic I scored a sleeve of N95s, kept my beard short, etc. After vaccination I switched over to a clothe mask, with a surgical mask under it in certain situations. I can vouch for comfort/fit of these two masks: [Not currently available.](https://www.etsy.com/listing/792910316/largest-mask-on-etsy-large-and-extra?ref=yr_purchases) [Great for bearded guys.](https://www.etsy.com/listing/888147569/largest-face-mask-on-etsy?ref=sold_out_ad-1&plkey=542dfea7bc7a73c6234ed5fed8f4018d74a78bed%3A888147569&frs=1) ---
**Author:** ![Dewey\_Finn](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/dewey_finn/32/4222_2.png) [@Dewey\_Finn](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dewey_Finn)\ **Post date:** [September 23, 2021, 3:15pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-the-most-comfortable-face-mask-for-long-term-wear/951201/3 "2021-09-23T15:15:42Z")
I like [this one](https://athome.medline.com/en/medline-3-ply-procedure-face-mask-with-earloops-50ct-non27122z); a Medline three-ply procedure mask. ---
**Author:** ![ParallelLines](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/parallellines/32/3575_2.png) [@ParallelLines](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ParallelLines)\ **Post date:** [September 23, 2021, 3:21pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-the-most-comfortable-face-mask-for-long-term-wear/951201/4 "2021-09-23T15:21:12Z")
I use one of these - > **[ililily Black Cotton Washable Nose Wired Face Mask Filter Pocket Wide Cover With...](https://www.amazon.com/ililily-Cotton-Washable-Filter-Pocket/dp/B087LQPXFW)** > > ililily Black Cotton Washable Nose Wired Face Mask Filter Pocket Wide Cover With Filter (Black) - - Amazon.com Basically a washable cotton mask with a filter pocket. I like it because it cups under the chin, and with the wired nose-piece, it gives me a nice tight fit. It’s a bit on the larger side for masks, which is _good_ for me, because I have a larger face. The two features I like on this the most is the _adjustable_ ear loops (elastic) so I can get a tight fit without having too much pressure on my ears and the connected lanyard so if I do take it off for eating/drinking, it just hangs down my chest where it is less likely to be lost and/or picking something up from the table. If you get one, absolutely follow the instructions to wash before using, it’s much more comfortable after a few hand washes than fresh out of the bag. ---
**Author:** ![filmore](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/f/7993a0/32.png) [@filmore](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/filmore)\ **Post date:** [September 23, 2021, 3:30pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-the-most-comfortable-face-mask-for-long-term-wear/951201/5 "2021-09-23T15:30:09Z")
When wearing a mask for a long time, I actually prefer a N95 because it sits away from my face. That way any condensation on the mask doesn’t get pressed against my face. This one is very easy to breathe through. The wavy shape gives it a lot of surface area which reduces air resistance. I’ve worn it on plane trips and almost forget I’m wearing it. > **[Dual, Non-Adj, Molded Nose Bridge, Disposable Respirator](https://www.grainger.com/product/MOLDEX-Disposable-Respirator-Dual-16V847?isShellOptimized=true)** > > Looking for Dual, Non-Adj, Disposable Respirator? Find it at Grainger.com®. With over 1.6M products and 24/7 customer service we have supplies and solutions for every industry. ---
**Author:** ![Snowboarder\_Bo](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/snowboarder_bo/32/229_2.png) [@Snowboarder\_Bo](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Snowboarder_Bo)\ **Post date:** [September 23, 2021, 3:32pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-the-most-comfortable-face-mask-for-long-term-wear/951201/6 "2021-09-23T15:32:26Z")
I can recommend these: > **[Amazon.com: BASE CAMP Reusable Cloth Face Masks 100% Cotton Washable Adjustable...](https://www.amazon.com/BASE-CAMP-Reusable-Adjustable-Breathable/dp/B09PNPK93L)** > > Amazon.com: BASE CAMP Reusable Cloth Face Masks 100% Cotton Washable Adjustable Breathable Fabric Mask with Filter Pocket (1Black+1Blue) : Health & Household The fold closed into a neat, small strip that can be folded to fit in a pants pocket but open into a larger-than-normal space that makes talking easy and doesn’t require constant re-adjustment of the mask. Very comfortable. Nose wire. Filter pocket. etc. ---
**Author:** ![ParallelLines](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/parallellines/32/3575_2.png) [@ParallelLines](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ParallelLines)\ **Post date:** [September 23, 2021, 3:46pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-the-most-comfortable-face-mask-for-long-term-wear/951201/7 "2021-09-23T15:46:40Z")
I wanted to second **filmore** ’s point. Masks that are super tight against the face do tend to be soggy. The mask I recommended it _more_ comfortable with the filter in, because it’s a bit more rigid and gives you that little bit of space away from the mouth without compromising the fit on the top/bottom/sides. When I’ve worn it without the filter, it can get a bit of condensation. ---
**Author:** ![eschrodinger](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/eschrodinger/32/122_2.png) [@eschrodinger](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/eschrodinger)\ **Post date:** [September 23, 2021, 4:12pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-the-most-comfortable-face-mask-for-long-term-wear/951201/8 "2021-09-23T16:12:22Z")
> [@filmore](#): > > When wearing a mask for a long time, I actually prefer a N95 because it sits away from my face. That way any condensation on the mask doesn’t get pressed against my face. This one is very easy to breathe through. The wavy shape gives it a lot of surface area which reduces air resistance. I’ve worn it on plane trips and almost forget I’m wearing it. That’s the exact one I was going to recommend. It’s also the only mask I can wear that reliably doesn’t fog my glasses. ---
**Author:** ![Whack-a-Mole](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/whack-a-mole/32/141_2.png) [@Whack-a-Mole](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Whack-a-Mole)\ **Post date:** [September 23, 2021, 5:01pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-the-most-comfortable-face-mask-for-long-term-wear/951201/9 "2021-09-23T17:01:15Z")
Looks great. Unfortunately they are reporting no stock until February. 🙁 ---
**Author:** ![Dewey\_Finn](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/dewey_finn/32/4222_2.png) [@Dewey\_Finn](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dewey_Finn)\ **Post date:** [September 23, 2021, 6:38pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-the-most-comfortable-face-mask-for-long-term-wear/951201/10 "2021-09-23T18:38:10Z")
Home Depot has similar rigid N95 masks and they’re less expensive than the ones from Grainger. They’re in stock at some of their stores. > **[3M 8210 Plus N95 Performance Paint Prep Disposable Respirator (20-Pack)...](https://www.homedepot.com/p/3M-8210-Plus-N95-Performance-Paint-Prep-Disposable-Respirator-20-Pack-8210PP20-DC/304748236)** > > Whether you're sanding or grinding drywall, wood or metal surfaces, reach for the 3M 8210Plus Disposable Paint Prep particulate Respirator. Breathe easier - this N95 respirator features Advanced Electrostatic ---
**Author:** ![echoreply](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/echoreply/32/3641_2.png) [@echoreply](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/echoreply)\ **Post date:** [September 23, 2021, 10:33pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-the-most-comfortable-face-mask-for-long-term-wear/951201/11 "2021-09-23T22:33:53Z")
Based on the responses in a [previous thread](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/recommend-some-reusable-face-masks/939629), I bought these 3M daily face masks. Like my review says in that thread, they’re fine. Not magically comfortable, but they fit my needs, and are good for 30+ minutes in a store situations. I also use one at work for when I’m in common parts of the building, so on and off throughout the day. > **[3M Daily Face Mask 5-Pack Reusable Cotton Not Rated One Size Fits Most All-...](https://www.lowes.com/pd/3M-RFM100-5/5000769619)** > > Shop 3M Daily Face Mask 5-Pack Reusable Cotton Not Rated One Size Fits Most All- Purpose Face Maskundefined at Lowe's.com. Whether you’re traveling, running errands, attending personal appointments or doing other activities where face coverings are... Since that thread, I bought another 10 pack of them, so I can keep a spare at work, in all vehicles, and still have plenty to get through a week or two of use between washes. I also bought some [KN95 masks from ProjectN95](https://shop.projectn95.org/powecom-kn95-black-respirators-bag-of-10/p) and I wear those at the hospital or other places I’m likely to be around sick people. They’re the pyramid type ones, and are pretty comfortable to wear for hours at a time. “Comfortable” is, of course, all relative. I might not be bothered by something that annoys you. ---
**Author:** ![ralfy](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/ralfy/32/600_2.png) [@ralfy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ralfy)\ **Post date:** [September 24, 2021, 2:36am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-the-most-comfortable-face-mask-for-long-term-wear/951201/12 "2021-09-24T02:36:07Z")
In Asia, there are marks called LVTA KF94 or something like that. The front part is extended so it doesn’t tough the lower part of your nouse or mouth, but the sides fit right. I also read that they are reusable and washable. ---
**Author:** ![eschrodinger](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/eschrodinger/32/122_2.png) [@eschrodinger](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/eschrodinger)\ **Post date:** [September 24, 2021, 10:34pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-the-most-comfortable-face-mask-for-long-term-wear/951201/13 "2021-09-24T22:34:00Z")
> [@Whack-a-Mole](#): > > Looks great. Unfortunately they are reporting no stock until February. I’m not sure if it changed, or if it’s just that @filmore linked to a quantity they don’t sell anymore, but it looks to me like the 10-packs are still available. These are significantly different from, and to me much better than, the smooth rigid cup style like the one in the Home Depot link. The smooth cup ones do fog my glasses, get hotter, and are harder to breathe through. Here’s a link to a page where it seemed like I could purchase the Moldex pleated ones for delivery within a week. > **[Dual, Non-Adj, Molded Nose Bridge, Disposable Respirator](https://www.grainger.com/product/MOLDEX-Disposable-Respirator-Dual-16V847)** > > Looking for Dual, Non-Adj, Disposable Respirator? Find it at Grainger.com®. With over one million products and 24/7 customer service we have supplies and solutions for every industry. There’s another one Grainger has that is highly rated for breathability, but which I haven’t tried myself: > **[Level 1, Flat-Fold, Disposable Respirator](https://www.grainger.com/product/3M-Disposable-Respirator-Level-495J12)** > > Looking for Level 1, Disposable Respirator? Find it at Grainger.com®. With over one million products and 24/7 customer service we have supplies and solutions for every industry. That one is backordered into October. You may be able to find it elsewhere, though. I’ve linked to Grainger because I trust that the products they offer are genuine. I find KF94 masks pretty comfortable too, but trickier to not fog up my glasses. The stiff ones will stay away from your face and not collapse in when you breathe. I have the black LG Airwasher and I think it’s good. I bought the Airwashers after seeing a review on YouTube from Aaron Collins, an aerosols expert who has been testing masks and collecting data at home for comparison purposes. If you look him up on YouTube, there are links he provides to spreadsheets of his data. ---
**Author:** ![Dewey\_Finn](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/dewey_finn/32/4222_2.png) [@Dewey\_Finn](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dewey_Finn)\ **Post date:** [September 24, 2021, 10:44pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-the-most-comfortable-face-mask-for-long-term-wear/951201/14 "2021-09-24T22:44:08Z")
> [@eschrodinger](#): > > I’m not sure if it changed, or if it’s just that @filmore linked to a quantity they don’t sell anymore, but it looks to me like the 10-packs are still available. These are significantly different from, and to me much better than, the smooth rigid cup style like the one in the Home Depot link. The smooth cup ones do fog my glasses, get hotter, and are harder to breathe through. Here’s a link to a page where it seemed like I could purchase the Moldex pleated ones for delivery within a week. Those N95 masks from Grainger are a bit expensive at a bit over three bucks each. ---
**Author:** ![eschrodinger](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/eschrodinger/32/122_2.png) [@eschrodinger](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/eschrodinger)\ **Post date:** [September 24, 2021, 10:47pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-the-most-comfortable-face-mask-for-long-term-wear/951201/15 "2021-09-24T22:47:07Z")
They’ve been well worth it to me. I reuse them after waiting a few days between uses. ETA:. The ones in the second link are less than $1 each, but it is a 50-pack, so high outlay unless you can split it with someone. ---
**Author:** ![Dewey\_Finn](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/dewey_finn/32/4222_2.png) [@Dewey\_Finn](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dewey_Finn)\ **Post date:** [September 24, 2021, 10:49pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-the-most-comfortable-face-mask-for-long-term-wear/951201/16 "2021-09-24T22:49:06Z")
That’s the thing, though. If you’re really concerned about cleanliness and avoiding transmission, they shouldn’t be reused at all. ---
**Author:** ![eschrodinger](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/eschrodinger/32/122_2.png) [@eschrodinger](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/eschrodinger)\ **Post date:** [September 24, 2021, 10:50pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-the-most-comfortable-face-mask-for-long-term-wear/951201/17 "2021-09-24T22:50:01Z")
I don’t agree, but I won’t hijack this thread with that. ---
**Author:** ![filmore](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/f/7993a0/32.png) [@filmore](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/filmore)\ **Post date:** [September 24, 2021, 10:55pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-the-most-comfortable-face-mask-for-long-term-wear/951201/18 "2021-09-24T22:55:44Z")
> [@Dewey\_Finn](#): > > Those N95 masks from Grainger are a bit expensive at a bit over three bucks each. They are probably best for those times when you need N95-level protection for a long time (like a plane). The extra cost is worth it for the comfort over traditional N95 masks. But if you’re just running into the store to pick up a few things, then a regular mask is fine since you’ll only be wearing it for a short while. ---
**Author:** ![Whack-a-Mole](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/whack-a-mole/32/141_2.png) [@Whack-a-Mole](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Whack-a-Mole)\ **Post date:** [September 25, 2021, 12:40pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-the-most-comfortable-face-mask-for-long-term-wear/951201/19 "2021-09-25T12:40:43Z")
> [@eschrodinger](#): > > …it looks to me like the 10-packs are still available. Maybe something changed in 14 hours but it also says backordered until February. The second one you linked is available. ---
**Author:** ![erysichthon](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/d07c76/32.png) [@erysichthon](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/erysichthon)\ **Post date:** [September 25, 2021, 9:58pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-the-most-comfortable-face-mask-for-long-term-wear/951201/20 "2021-09-25T21:58:39Z")
> [@ralfy](#): > > In Asia, there are marks called LVTA KF94 or something like that. The front part is extended so it doesn’t tough the lower part of your nouse or mouth, but the sides fit right. I also read that they are reusable and washable. I bought a box of KF94 masks from Amazon (see below). They are very comfortable, and my glasses don’t fog up when I wear them. My only complaint is that they tend to leak air on the sides, which means that every time I exhale I get this WHOOSH of air over my ears. I don’t know if this is a peculiarity of KF94s in general, or the specific brand that I purchased. [https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B08N67J6J4/ref=ppx\_yo\_dt\_b\_asin\_title\_o01\_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1](https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B08N67J6J4/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o01_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-the-most-comfortable-face-mask-for-long-term-wear/951201.md?page=2)