Face masks have become an increasingly important part of your daily wear in order to slow the spread of the coronavirus. In fact, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends wearing a face covering when going to crowded public places such as the grocery store.
With N95 and surgical face masks now in short supply, cloth-based coverings have become the next best option in slowing the virus’ deadly spread. Do note that wearing a nonmedical mask does not make you exempt from physical or social distancing rules, meaning that you must still behave as if you are not wearing one. Also, nonmedical masks may not protect you from COVID-19, which makes following other precautions such as handwashing and disinfection all the more important.
All these said, making your own homemade face mask or face covering helps you and others a lot. However, if you do not have the resources to do so, there are options online that will let you buy premade, nonmedical/nonsurgical face masks needed for you to contribute to the fight against the virus. Here are some, via CNET:
Caraa
Through its “Caraa Cares” initiative, the New York City-based sports bag company makes face masks out of leftover materials from the production line. For $25, these masks come in a pack of 5.
Facebook Marketplace
If you can safely buy a homemade face mask from a nearby store, then you can find a place to buy one at Facebook Marketplace. Just make sure that you practice local physical distancing guidelines when buying masks from that store, and, if possible, use a mobile payment service to buy what you need in place of cash, which could harbor germs or bring you in close contact with the seller.
Etsy
Etsy is another good option if you are looking for multiple masks with different printed designs and various sizes. It is important to know, however, that these masks sell out quickly, so if you can find one that you like, it may be best to buy them now.
SwaddleDesigns
This Seattle-based baby blanket company has recently converted its factory to make face masks. Designed by a nurse, these face masks have two layers of cotton flannel fabric.
Arm The Animals
Arm The Animals’ masks have fun, animal-themed faces such as those of a tiger, cat and mouse. Each time one is purchased, the company donates a mask to hospitals, medical facilities and emergency workers in California.
Amazon Handmade
There are many options available on Amazon Handmade, making it a good source to find face masks. Just read the description to make sure that you get what you want, for example, if you are looking for thicker masks. Do note that many of these sellers are at capacity and working on orders that will take weeks to fulfill, so it is possible that it could take up to a month to receive your shipment.
American Blanket Company
American Blanket Commpany is selling fleece face masks that are thicker compared to a standard face mask. For every purchase, the company donates face masks to first responders and healthcare workers. At $39, you can get a pack of 5.
Sun Lovin Roots
This athleisure line has started making face coverings. For every three masks sold, one will be donated to a person in need. In addition, 10 percent of its total sales will be donated to the Direct Relief organization.
Custom Ink
Originally specializing on customized gear for businesses and groups, Custom Ink now uses its resources to make protective cloth face masks. At $30, you can order a family pack of 12 masks.
The printing company has noted that these masks are for personal use and should not be worn in clinical or surgical settings where the risk of infection is high.
MaskClub
For every mask sold, this upstart company donates medical-grade masks to the First Responders Children’s Foundation. It offers designs such as “Batman,” “Adventure Time” and “Betty Boop” that the company hopes will make kids feel comfortable wearing them.
Los Angeles Apparel
Los Angeles Apparel’s cotton face masks, which are sold in packs of three for $30, offer an adjustable nose and straps that allow you to shape it for a more comfortable fit.
TheraMasks
TheraMasks’ medical-grade copper masks are not guaranteed to prevent coronavirus but they do reduce facial contamination. Made at an FDA-registered facility, these masks are machine-washable up to 30 times.
Electrothreads
Costing $20 each, Electrothreads’ colorful adult face masks are made of elastic and are adjustable for a snug fit.
USA Sewn Masks
USA Sewn Masks’ face masks have two layers of cotton with a pocket for adding a filter. All of its profits will be donated to San Francisco-based freight forwarding company Flexport to go toward supplies for frontline workers.
