Best air respirators & smart masks on the market in 2022: Comparison Table

In this guide, we will tell you about air respirators and masks that will effectively protect you from dust and air contaminants. Whether you have to spend time at a construction site or in other places with polluted air, this equipment will safeguard your health. Some advanced models are particularly helpful for workers with allergy and sensitive skin. Additionally, we have explored the issue of whether masks can protect from coronavirus based on official statements made by the World Health Organization and investigated which type of mask is best suited for this purpose.

Do Masks And Air Respirators Work Against Coronavirus? What WHO Says

When it comes to coronavirus, the last thing you should do is to give in to panic. To date, many manufacturers have come up with allegedly effective solutions for personal protection against viruses, which have been then criticized by experts as ungrounded or fake. Early in March, advertisements by two companies have been banned as “false” and “misleading”. These companies called on the general public to wear masks as a way to prevent coronavirus from spreading. So what was wrong with those claims? First, they created an atmosphere of panic and secondly, they stated that wearing masks was “one of the best ways to avoid infections.”

You do not need to go far to learn when you should use masks. The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends wearing a mask in case you have to come in contact with a person who is suspected of having coronavirus also known as COVID-19. So the first thing you should understand is that a mask is needed only where a real risk exists. The second thing to grasp is that a mask is by no means a magic wand. Wearing a mask can be considered only as an additional measure of personal protection. According to the WHO statement, “masks are effective only when used in combination with frequent hand-cleaning with alcohol-based hand rub or soap and water”.

In respect of the situation with COVID-19, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends wearing masks only if you are sick. If you have not been infected with the virus, there is no need to wear a mask, except for cases when you are caring for a person suspected of or diagnosed with COVID-19. “Facemasks may be in short supply and they should be saved for caregivers”, the CDC official statement says.

What Types of Masks Are There?

Disposable Medical Masks

These are single-use masks that are generally cheap, with one pack containing multiple masks. After using a mask, you throw it away and put on a new one the next day. The WHO specialists also give advice on how to dispose of a mask properly. Remove it from behind without touching the front part of the mask. After that, put the mask into a bin with a closing lid and thoroughly clean your hands with soap.

A good example is this Disposable Face Mask. One pack includes as many as 50 masks with 3 layers of protection. The inner layer is comfortably soft, which prevents skin irritation. This mask completely covers both your mouth and nose.

Disposable Face Mask: CHECK THE CURRENT PRICE

Respirators with a carbon filter

Respirators are masks with a carbon filter designed for those who spend a lot of time at construction sites or in other places that carry a lot of dust and sediment. Therefore, this type of mask is more versatile and addresses a number of problems. One of the examples is the Reusable Dust Mask that is made from a five-layer microfiber and equipped with a carbon filter. The latter filters out most airborne particles that are larger than 0.3 microns in diameter.

While this filter works great in preventing you from breathing in particles of polluted air, it has turned out to be a weak point when it comes to protection against coronavirus. Why? The thing is that COVID-19 is no more than 200 nm or 0.2 microns in diameter, according to a study entitled “Epidemiological and clinical characteristics of 99 cases of 2019 novel coronavirus pneumonia in Wuhan.” Therefore, some droplets containing this virus might be blocked by such a filter, but you know, it is not something that should be left to chance.

Respirator: CHECK THE CURRENT PRICE

Gaiter Masks & Balaclavas

What I like about this option is that it does not make you look weird in the street. Moreover, products like the Gaiter Mask have a nice design and are quite in the line with youth fashion ideas. This item is available in various colors and does not slip off your face. Another advantage is that a gaiter mask protects not only your face but also your neck. Additionally, there are multiple ways to wear this thing — as a sweatband or a scarf. The problem with this mask is that it is not disposable and you will have to wash it with detergent after each use.

Well, there is a more hardcore option like the Balaclava that is suitable for colder climates. This garment covers your entire face and has a long neck section. It is soft, stretchy and comes with insulated mesh fabric. AstroAI Ski Balaclava is perfect for keeping you warm in winter but not a good choice as protection against viruses. Why? It is not easy to take off safely, meaning you will have to touch potentially infected areas. Besides, balaclavas are thicker and require a more thorough washing.

Balaclava: CHECK THE CURRENT PRICE

Best Anti-Pollution Masks

According to a recent study, breathing in polluted air shortens human life by about three years. The researchers have revealed that the loss of life expectancy from air pollution exceeds that caused by other risk factors, such as tobacco. Air pollution includes chemicals, gasses, all sorts of particles and substances that can be either natural or man-made. Let alone the dust that not only irritates your lung, eyes, and skin but is also able to cause some lung diseases. Therefore, you do not have to work under hazardous conditions to need an anti-pollution mask.

No wonder that anti-pollution masks are considered heath accessory! People living in desert areas have been using face masks for ages to avoid breathing in dust, but today’s manufacturers make air filtration masks not only for their function but also for fashion. That is why we have now such a variety of designs, styles, and colors to choose from, with ResPro, AirPop and Vogmask being ones of the most popular brands.

But how do you know which air respirator will work for you?

These masks are made with multi-layer non-woven material and equipped with a carbon filter. As for the latter, it can be of two types: N95 and N99. The first one stands for the ability of a mask to filter out no less than 95% of particles in the air. However, it should be noted that this concerns only those particles that are larger than 0.3 microns.

As a rule, N95 masks perfectly cope with the combustion from vehicles, power stations, wood- and oil-burning furnaces, etc.

The other standard, N99, is recommended for more sensitive people as these masks can filter over 99% of airborne particles. In addition to the filter standard, look at the material quality of a mask. It would be a wise choice to buy a hypoallergenic, water-resistant, and machine-washable option. Also, keep in mind that it is important to wear an anti-pollution mask properly, with a tight seal around your face.

Anti-Pollution Masks: CHECK THE CURRENT PRICE

Best Air Respirators for Your Workplace

If you are going to buy a mask for your occupation, choose the type of material and filter most suitable for air pollution conditions in your workplace. If you are engaged in construction, choose a model like Trend STEALTH/ML Stealth Air Half Mask that has a robust design and will protect you from plaster, concrete, fumes, silica dust, welds, and other harmful particles.

The Dust Respirator Breathable Anti Pollution Mask has an ergonomic design and is good for mowing and woodworking.

If you have to be exposed to evaporations from paints, lacquers, and other toxic substances, try the 3M Medium Half Facepiece Reusable Respirator. Made from an advanced silicone material, this respirator features a proprietary 3M valve for easy breathing and an exhalation valve cover designed to reduce fogging.

3M Respirator: CHECK THE CURRENT PRICE

For those who work with pesticides and insecticides, the best option is the Respirator. This piece of equipment will protect you from many dangerous organic vapors and particles up to 10 times the permissible exposure limit.

Best-Selling air respirators & smart masks Comparative Table