Face masks have become our go-to protective gear for 2020. Now makers are taking the concept a step further with antimicrobial face coverings designed to guard against bacteria that can build up when you touch your mask, cough or come in contact with airborne germs. Here’s a roundup of some of the options available. (Editor’s note: Health experts recommend washing your face mask after every use to prevent odors and germ build-up.)
Copper-Infused Organic Cotton Barrier Face Mask
Copper-Infused Organic Cotton Barrier Face Mask
Studies suggest that copper helps to kill disease-causing pathogens, and this reusable mask from Natural Home by The Futon Shop features a knitted fabric layer with 17% copper woven into the threads. According to the company’s research, the mask is up to 88% effective at filtering out airborne particles including viruses. The inside is made of soft, flexible, woven organic cotton. It’s also moisture-wicking, anti-odor and can be washed without losing its efficacy. Machine washable. The company has donated a portion of its masks to San Francisco Bay Area homeless shelters, Native American communities and health care workers.
Triple-layer cotton jersey mask with an anti-microbial coating
Buck Mason M1 All-Day Anti-Microbial Face Mask
Made of triple-layer cotton jersey with an anti-microbial coating, this mask from L.A.-based men’s clothing brand Buck Mason has reinforced seams to make it sturdy and adjustable ear loops to make it comfortable. You can wash it up to 30 times without losing the antimicrobial coating. Black and navy are sold out, but olive is available. Hand wash. For every mask sold on the website, Buck Mason donates a mask to those on the frontlines of the pandemic around the nation. The company is well on the way to reaching its goal of donating a million masks: They’ve already given away more than 600,000.
Polyester mask with Swiss antiviral/ antibacterial treatment and disposable filters
Outdoor Research Face Mask
U.S.-based brand Outdoor Research offers a 100% polyester mask with HEIQ V-BLOCK® NPJ03, a Swiss textile treatment vetted in the European Union for antiviral and antibacterial qualities. (The benefits have not been proven in the U.S. yet.) This model’s other standout feature is that it comes with disposable, replaceable statically charged polypropylene filters that add an extra virus and particulate barrier. (They’re intended to be replaced every time you use the mask.) You can also wear the mask without the filters, if you prefer. Adjustable ear straps increase the comfort factor; water- and stain-resistant fabric add durability. Made in the U.S. from imported materials. Machine wash cold.
$20; $5 for 3-pack of replacement filters
Kid-sized cotton and polyester mask with anti-microbial coating
Revival Antibacterial Children’s Face Mask
This kid-sized mask earns praise from reviewers for its scaled-down proportions and adjustable ear loops. Its inner layer is 100% cotton for breathability; its outer layer is polyester. Both layers have an anti-microbial coating to keep odors and bacteria at bay. There’s a built-in protective nose flap for a snug fit and to help prevent kids’ glasses from fogging up. Machine wash cold.
Mask features outer copper ion shields, three filtration layers and bamboo charcoal–infused interior
Shero Copper Ion–Infused 6-Layer Mask
The half dozen protective layers in this mask include two copper ion shields on the outside; three filtration layers made of nylon and polyester infused with zinc oxide in the middle; and a bamboo charcoal–infused interior. It’s fluid-resistant and designed for breathability, despite all those layers. (User ratings generally support this claim.) Available in sizes from S to XL. Also available in 3- and 4-layer models.
Four-layer copper-infused, anti-bacterial, anti-microbial face masks
Copper Compression Face Mask
The company’s award-winning reusable mask is copper-infused, antibacterial/antimicrobial and has four layers: an outer layer of copper-infused cotton; two layers for filtration, ventilation and moisture absorption; and an inner layer of 100% cotton to make it gentle on skin. It’s machine washable, and the maker promises the copper won’t disintegrate over time. If you’re unhappy with your mask, they’ll refund your purchase price.
