10 Best Reusable Air Pollution Masks in 2022 (Base Camp, Coxeer, and More)
There are a number of different options available, which can make it hard to choose, but finding the right mask for you can be pretty important. In this guide, we’ll go over the different factors you should look for when deciding on a reusable pollution mask. At the end of the article, we've also included a tip on how to make your own mask! But first, we'll start off with our top 10 favorites, split into Adult and Kid sizes.
Quick List - Top Reusable Air Pollution Masks
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How to Choose a Reusable Air Pollution Mask – Buying Guide
Points to Consider:
- Be Particular about Particulate Size–Look for N95 or N99 Ratings
- For Proper Filtration, Ensure Your Mask Fits Snugly
- Replaceable Filters Extend the Life of the Mask
- If You Work out or Wear Glasses, Look for an Exhale Valve
1. Be Particular about Particulate Size–Look for N95 or N99 Ratings
Air pollution particles are measured in microns. Generally, anything 10 microns and smaller is considered dangerous, with those 2.5 microns and smaller posing the greatest health risk. Look for air pollution masks that can filter down to at least 2.5 microns, but the best masks will filter out particles as small as 0.3 microns.
An easy way to see the filtering power of a mask is by checking to see if it has a NIOSH rating of N95 or N99, meaning that it filters out 95% or 99% of particles 0.3 microns or larger, respectively. N95 is considered good enough for getting through smoky or polluted air.
2. For Proper Filtration, Ensure Your Mask Fits Snugly
Your best bet when looking for a mask online is to find one that comes in different sizes and is adjustable, particularly around the nose bridge. If you’re looking for a mask for a child, it’s best to go for masks specifically made for children’s smaller faces.
When in doubt, be sure to look for measurements and read reviews. Also note that if you have a beard, you will be very hard pressed to get a good seal, no matter how good the mask is.
3. Replaceable Filters Extend the Life of the Mask
Some masks, however, don’t have a replaceable filter, so once you’ve used the mask for a certain amount of time, you’ll need to buy a new one.
4. If You Work out or Wear Glasses, Look for an Exhale Valve
This could also be a good feature to have for those with glasses, as it keeps exhaled air from escaping through the top and fogging up your lenses.
7 Best Reusable Air Pollution Masks for Adults
Products | Image | Click to purchase | Key features | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | Base Camp Base Camp Fitness Dust Mask | | Our Best Pick! Two Valves for Easy Breathing | |
2 | Coxeer Muryobao Military Grade N99 Respirator Mask | | A Great Choice for Outdoor Work and Play | |
3 | ShieldItShop Meeeno Dust Mask | | A Colorful Mask With Replacement Options | |
4 | LucidEyeStudios Airinum Urban Air Mask 1.0 | | Silky Polyester and Cotton With an Exhale Valve | |
5 | Aniwon Mopoin Air Pollution Dust Masks with Respirator｜3 pack | | A Pack of Comfortable Cotton Masks in 3 Shades | |
6 | breezemountain8 CYG&CL Pollution Mask | | Breathable Cotton and Floral Designs for Summer | |
7 | ToyAndFashion Cambridge Mask Company Basic N95 Anti Pollution Respirator | | Get Spacey With Your Safety |
Our Best Pick! Two Valves for Easy Breathing
- filters dust, fumes, and particulates with activated Carbon
- washable and reusable
- made of neoprene for a face-hugging, non-slip fit
- aluminum nose clip and two exhale valves
- ear loop and strap at the back for a snug fit
Recommended for:
- a reusable heavy-duty mask that is specifically designed to protect respiratory health
This mask is designed specifically for exercising or for those requiring easy respiration. But some reviewers note that it may smell of neoprene at first, so it’s best to air it out before use. It also may not be suitable for those with smaller faces. If you're in need of replacement filters, you can check them out here.
A Great Choice for Outdoor Work and Play
- velcro strap to adjust and aluminum nose piece
- made of breathable material
- effectively filters out dust, smoke, and other small particles
- comfortable and fits snugly against your face
Recommended for:
- designed with a bit more breathability, yet still great with casually filtrating air
A Colorful Mask With Replacement Options
Features:
- washable and reusable
- comes with a 5-layer filter, including a layer of activated Carbon for better filtration
- simple, solid colors
- ShieldItShop uses PM 2.5 masks to effectively filter out contaminants
- adjustable strap for a comfortable fit
Recommended for:
- accessible, reusable, and simply designed mask that still filters out contaminants
While Etsy.com can't guarantee that the masks that are sold are medical-grade, we do know that PM 2.5 masks effectively filter out contaminants. And with ShieldtShop, you can choose how many replacements you want to purchase.
Reviewers praise the fit and, most of all, how fast it shipped. If you're looking for a new mask in a pinch, consider purchasing from ShieldItShop.
Silky Polyester and Cotton With an Exhale Valve
Features:
- metal nosepiece, adjustable ear band, and one-way breathing valve for comfort, fit, and breathability
- many other designs available
- made of 100% cotton
Recommended for:
- vibrant colored mask that's fun to wear, comfortable, and also made of lightweight material
For an Etsy mask especially, this mask has got it all. You can adjust the ear straps to your liking, breathe easy with an exhale valve, and enjoy comfort with a nose clip. Customers like this mask for everyday wear, biking, and more. They said shipping was rather fast and that the mask really is comfortable.
AniwonMopoin Air Pollution Dust Masks with Respirator ｜ 3 pack
A Pack of Comfortable Cotton Masks in 3 Shades
Features:
- pack of 3 simply-colored filter masks
- breathing valve makes exhaling easier
- effectively filter out most dust and smoke particles (filters down to 2.5 microns)
- one size fits most, with adjustable nose bridge and elastic ear loops
Recommended for:
- use in cooler temperatures (the cloth is a bit thick) for effective filtration and for quantity
Some users say their glasses fog up when they use it with the filter, and some claim it has a chemical smell at first. However, many more enjoyed its effective filter, saying their cough was reduced dramatically. Some even use them for cosplay!
Breathable Cotton and Floral Designs for Summer
Features:
- 9 cute floral designs
- removable and replaceable filter
- plastic adjustors for the ear straps
- insert area for a PM 2.5 filter (you can purchase extras)
Recommended for:
- cute, floral designs perfect for any summery, vintage, or boho-chic fashionista
Masks have become something of a fashion statement, so if you're into florals, you'll like these homemade masks. Many reviewers were pleased with the designs, but some said their masks ran a little large - double-check the size before making your final purchase.
ToyAndFashionCambridge Mask Company Basic N95 Anti Pollution Respirator
Get Spacey With Your Safety
Features:
- 6 different galaxy themes
- adjustable ear straps
- inner packet for filter (2 included)
- comes with two PM 2.5 filters
- made of polyester
Recommended for:
- fashionable galaxy designs ideal for everyday wear
Some customers have had issues with timely shipping, but they say that customer service is very helpful and is willing to send extras if you run into issues with customs and shipping.
3 Best Reusable Pollution Masks for Kids
※These rankings were decided based on user reviews and popular rank lists from Amazon gathered on August 21st.
Editor's note: Due to the popularity of reusable masks in light of the COVID-19 pandemic, some of these items may be out of stock regularly. We will update this article as often as we can.
Can I Just Use a Simple Cloth or Surgical Mask?
More importantly, disposable masks often don’t provide a tight enough fit around the sides and top of the mask to keep polluted air out. Even if a disposable mask has an N95 rating, because of the gaps around the sides of the mask, the filter efficiency can drop from 95% down to less than 70%.
While research is still being done on the efficacy of surgical masks in preventing the spread of airborne illnesses and viral infections, there are a few studies that show that families members who wear masks when a child is down with the flu are 60-80% less likely to catch the sickness themselves. Bottom line: surgical masks don’t hurt during flu season, but don’t use them for pollution.
No Masks in Stock on Amazon? Make Your Own!
Even if a simple cloth mask may not be as effective as an N95 mask, chances are that you'll still want some sort of protections, especially considering the current spread of COVID-19. The high demand for N95 masks especially among medical professionals has left most of our mask candidates completely out of stock.
So, it's time to take matters into your own hands and create your own mask! All you need for a no-sew option is some cloth (a bandana or T-shirt could also work) and elastic bands or some material to use as the ear straps. If you want to get a little fancier, include some scissors, thread, needle, and maybe even a sewing machine.
There are a ton of tutorials out there, and this video by LaurDIY is just one of the good ones. Grab some material and take the initiative until the crisis has passed. Here are some suggestions for sewing machines that won't take up space. Stay safe!
Protect Yourself Even More with These Products
When the going gets rough, you'd better protect yourself with the best.
Top 5 Reusable Air Pollution Masks
No. 1: Base Camp ｜Base Camp Fitness Dust Mask
No. 2: Coxeer｜Muryobao Military Grade N99 Respirator Mask
No. 3: ShieldItShop｜Meeeno Dust Mask
No. 4: LucidEyeStudios｜Airinum Urban Air Mask 1.0
No. 5: Aniwon｜Mopoin Air Pollution Dust Masks with Respirator｜3 pack
View Full RankingThe descriptions of each product are referenced from content available on manufacturer, brand, and e-commerce sites.