Best mid-range air filtering mask: AirPOP Light
SE
The AirPOP Light SE draws on the same legacy of air filtering and design to provide one of the safest face masks available over the counter. A cushioned nose seal makes it one of the few masks to eliminate eyewear fogging completely, while its 3D shape creates an air canopy that offers enhanced breathability. Ergonomic wings and adjustable ear loops round out a unique look and feel. The makers claim the same 99.3% particle filtration and 99.9% bacterial filtration and fluid resistance as for the Original. The mask goes for R199 for 1 or R599 for a pack of 4 from iStore.co.za or Takealot.com.
Best fashion mask: Sophie Moda Ice-cooling 3D mask
The lightest mask we have yet used, also happens to be one of the most stylish: it fits snugly over the nose, sits comfortably on the face, thanks to adjustable earloops, and looks good compared to typical shapeless and even 3D masks. Microfibre materials also protect from passive smoking and waste gas, while it also claims to be dust-proof and to act as a sunscreen. Hand-washable and reusable, the masks start from R129 for a pack of 3 from Takealot.com.
Best sports mask: UA Sports mask
Many runners still refuse to wear masks, arguing that they are “too uncomfortable”, when they really mean they are too entitled. The UA Sports mask from Under Armour helps eliminate the excuse, with the first dedicated Covid-19 sports mask brought into South Africa. It is both snug and spacious, standing off the face while sealing the upper edges with a mouldable nose-bridge. This means that one has more breathing space inside the mask, so that airflow to the eyes — and therefore fogging — is reduced. And it is both comfortable and stylish. The sports mask costs R499 from underarmour.co.za.
Best low-end face mask: Disposable 3-play face-masks
There is one fundamental problem with all of these high-tech face masks: for people who have to wear masks most of every day, and need to replace them during the day, the cost adds up rapidly. To the rescue comes another high-tech intervention: daily deal sites that offer large packs of disposable surgical masks at ridiculous prices. These 3-play masks are lightweight, with mouldable nose strips, reducing spectacle fogging and increasing comfort. They promise to protect against micro-organisms, body fluids, and small air particles. Best of all, catch the right deal on the right day, and it can cost less than R1 per mask. One Deal A Day recently offered a pack of 100 masks for R99, while One Day Only offered packs of 10, 30 or 50 MaskSense disposable 3-ply medical masks, starting at R159 a pack.
With Covid-19 vaccines likely to take much of the year to
roll out, masks will be as important as ever in protecting ourselves and those
with whom we come into contact. Masks are not only for you to stay safe, but also
to help keep everyone else safe.
- Arthur Goldstuck is founder of World Wide Worx and editor-in-chief of Gadget.co.za. Follow him on Twitter and Instagram on @art2gee.
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