If you consistently exercise, having multiple masks on hand is highly recommended (and handy). Design & Aesthetics: There admittedly isnt much diversity in terms of the cut and silhouettes of most masks, and as a result, a myriad of manufacturers have attempted to distinguish their athletic mask(s) from competitors offerings via unique colorways and designs. A tight weave and a tight seal are your go-to details here, along with multiple layers of cotton fabric. "You need to keep it over your nose and chin. Her primary focus is beauty, health, wellness, travel, and living. Email us at reviews@insider.com. In addition, the mask design features a one-piece construction which translates to less stitching and less points of entry for pathogens. In addition to already being one of the best EDC masks that money can buy, Tekto Gears Takta Mask also lends itself incredibly well to workout use. The adjustable headband design of this mask helps reduce the pressure around the ears, which makes it extremely comfortable to wear during a long gym sesh. We're talking stretchy masks, filtered neck gaiters, and everything in between. Heres why you can trust us. Utilizing advanced, cutting-edge materials and technologies, modern workout masks provide ample protection for their wearer without restricting breathing or feeling like a high-altitude training mask. This keeps the fabric from suctioning to your mouth when you're breathing heavily in-and-out during your workout. A longtime winter training essential, Nikes Pro Hyperwarm Hood is light on weight and heavy on warmth, utilizing the activewear brands Hyperwarm fabrica high-performance spandex and Dri-FIT blend. We do not know how long all of this will last. We've tested some of the most popular workout masks on multiple outdoor runs and indoor spin sessions to test their breathability and comfort, and put them through several washing machine cycles to assess their durability. The Made to Move Athleta mask comes in a 3-pack for $25, or roughly $8.50 per mask. However, note that cotton absorbs sweat and will stay wet if you sweat a lot during your workout.". Learn more. UV protection and antimicrobial layers are nice details but not essential. Unfortunately, we found that the Adidas workout mask fitted a little too closely touching our lips and making our workout a little clammier than we would have liked. Best for running: Primal Mask 2.0 with X-Frame, $11 on PrimalPrimal's Mask 2.0 has an innovative design with extra attention spent to ensure you're comfortable even during the most intense sweat fest. Shock Doctors appropriately-named Play Safe Face Mask is a lightweight piece of PPE designed for use on the field or in the gym. Made from 31% recycled materials, this quick-drying, water-resistant mask is outfitted with a multi-way ear and head-band adjustment system that allows for a precise and snug fit regardless of head shape. Like the Livinguard FItness Mask, the Caraa Sports Mask has a flexible wire embedded in the nose area that allows you to fit the mask snugly onto your face with no gaps under your eyes. The rear fastening means there's nothing to pull your ears either, which is a common issue with face coverings. This is not only quite comfortable against the skin, particularly when sweating, but it helps push the main pocket of the mask out slightly so the fabric isn't right up against your lips. You will receive a verification email shortly. The Nine Main Factors To Consider When Buying An Athletic Workout Mask. Does it Have to Be a Mask Mask? "These lightweight gaiters are an easy on, easy off solution if you're sick of typical #masklife. There are also more advanced antimicrobial and electro-charged filters offered on some premium mask models. ), "I love how light and breathable this mask is. We tested an assortment of active-intended masks, including those from Oura, HaloLife, and Athleta, each of which holds up well against sweat and heavy breathing. This neck gaiter makes sure sweat (and heavy breathing) dissipates instead of making the inside of the mask all wet. And if you're using a lot, make sure you look for holes before you put it back on.". Climate: Most workout masks lend themselves to a wide variety of workout applications and conditions, though for athletes looking to train in particularly warm or cold weather, there are athletic masks custom-designed for use in more extreme climates. Sold in packs of five and manufactured in two sizes, the California-based outfits mask sports a 3 ear-loop and a soft fabric that affords ample comfort, even when worn for long durations. The most important thing is that it stays up and enclosed around your mouth and nose, even as you move. The only downside is the price at $40/35 (about AU$55), it's one of the most expensive masks around, though its robust build quality means it should last a long time. Cat Ellis The robust cooler is equipped with a cutting table and battery-powered vacuum sealer for lakeside prep. Wear a fresh mask for each workout to prevent mask breakouts, AKA maskne. And, though these masks arent sold with filters, they do feature a small gap on the side that can accommodate a filter. The mask itself is made from carbon fabric (an exceptionally lightweight polymer) and features an adjustable ear strap and a metal nose support. Adjustable ear straps make the mask comfortable to wear, even for long events, with simple toggles to keep them in place. Best overall: HaloLife nanofilter mask, $22.93 on AmazonThe HaloLife nanofilter mask looks good, creates a tight seal on your face, and comes with a proprietary nanofilter that blocks over 98% of particles. You don't catch coronavirus by passing someone briefly while jogging or crossing a street.". The mask's design makes it easy to put on or take off, as it has just two elastic loops on either side that slip over your ears. It also has adjustable ear straps to keep it tight to smaller faces. You can purchase logo and accolade licensing to this story here. Under Armour's soft, comfortable workout mask comes with a hygienic pouch so you can put it safely away when you've finished your workout until you're ready to wash it. Sold in packs of two with an included carrying case, other noteworthy details include adjustable ear straps with a cinch fastener, a pair of one-way air valves, and a metal nose strip. We tested both the medium and large sizes and found that getting the correct size is highly important for comfortable ear loops and a nose flap that stays put. The main issue with wearing a face mask when exercising is that it's uncomfortable. Additional Features: Every mask on this list is largely characterized by its ample breathability and protection, though there are a handful of outlier products in this space that boast supplementary features. When you buy through our links, Insider may earn an affiliate commission. An ergonomic design coupled with the soft inside layer together makes for an incredibly comfortable mask while its reinforced stitching guarantees several years of regular use. Produced in 15 different color options, Zensahs Performance Face Mask ticks just about every box one could hope for in the athletic mask space. By clicking Sign up, you agree to receive marketing emails from Insider Sign up to get breaking news, reviews, opinion, analysis and more, plus the hottest tech deals! Integrated ear-loops and a dual-layered fabric setup with a perforated interior layer together afford ample breathability, while still protecting its wearer from harmful particles, germs, and other containments. Learn more about how Insider Reviews tests and researches fitness products. Cat is the editor of TechRadar's sister site Advnture. But it also has an added filter nanofiber filter sewn into the fabric for some additional safety." There's a special breathable panel at the chin to allow for improved airflow without letting through droplets. The FM Face Mask's material which is manufactured by Swiss textile company Scholler is a blend of 80% polyamide, 13% polyester, and 7% elastane, and is given a water-repelling treatment. At $65, it's certainly not the cheapest of this bunch but with all it offers, it's well worth the investment. The mask is also made of hypoallergenic fabric, offers sweat-wicking capabilities, and is said to break down odor as it's being used even after our most grueling (i.e. The fit is second to none, which is why we love this mask to wear during any kind of advanced training or sports. The nose flap, however, is great, as it allows the mask to be more comfortable especially while running or biking. New York, The structured design sits up off the face for enhanced breathability, while the anti-microbial treatment on the inside layer keeps the mask fresh long after you've first put it on. And, just like with its enormous range of socks, Stance stands behind this product with its signature 100% satisfaction guarantee. TechRadar is supported by its audience. Outdoor adventurers have been using face protectants for years, albeit for different reasons than you might right now. Gaining a host of crucial tweaks while retaining the features that made the first-gen models so coveted. Easy-to-clean: As is the case with normal cloth face masks, throwing them into the washing machine or hand washing them yourself is typically an easy process. Washability: Just like with compression shorts, performance tops, or any other exercise garment, you want to be able to run an athletic mask through the laundry in order to wash away the sweat, dirt, and grime from a strenuous workout. Best of all, it's machine washable, so you can easily clean and reuse these bad boys through the rest of the year. If you don't mind the close fit, it's a soft and comfortable workout mask that provides two layers of material to stop droplets and takes up minimal space when not being worn. It has a tight fitit won't budge while you movebut the cooling material makes it still easy to breathe. Oura includes a handy pouch for the mask to fold up and store in, making it a nice portable option, as well. But the benefit is that they know how to make stuff you can breathe in. Of all the masks on test here, the Adidas Face Cover is the cheapest, with a pack of three coming in at just $20/14.95/AU$12. Made from an abrasion-resistant 3D-mesh fabric wrapped around a flexible support chassis, the maskwhich is ViralOff-treated throughoutfeatures adjustable ear straps, an innermost Sensitive Comfort Layer complete with internal Lycra chin and nose gaiters, and a changeable filter thats certified to block out 99% of airborne viruses and bacteria. This nylon-blended face mask has three layers of protection to wick away moisture and block out harmful UV rays. "It's a bandana, so it allows ore air to flow when active, and doesnt heat up your neck. Disclosure: Written and researched by the Insider Reviews team. By The premium pocket knife is also packing a scissor and a scraper/screwdriver/pry bar combo. We operate independently from our advertising team. Best for water sports: Vast FM Face Mask, $30 on VastAs a surf brand, VAST knows how to make water-approved apparel and accessories and its new FM Face Mask is no exception. Pros: Fabric repels water, non-clingy and moisture-wicking interior lining, one-piece construction, cool aesthetic, Cons: Ear straps instead of loops (might be a pro depending on your preferences). Visit our corporate site (opens in new tab). It's made from a very breathable poly-blend outer and lined on the inside with soft, moisture-wicking bamboo. This one was made for athletes, with a moveable part near the mouth (a "quick flip") that lets you grab a sip of water without taking the mask off completely. In terms of fit, the HaloLife mask stands out with its pinchable embedded nose clip for a tighter fit, but also a replaceable latex nose pad that sits between the mask and the bridge of your nose. Affording a phenomenal amount of airflow while still blocking out germs and airborne particles, the mask utilizes an external polyester shell housing an open-cell foam filter and an inner-most nylon and spandex fabric blend layer. It's especially important considering exercise causes us to breathe more heavily, leading to a higher risk of spreading airborne virus particles. The Oura Active Mask is compatible with an N95 filter and uses lab-tested antimicrobial fabric to help kill germs as it filters them delivering an added layer of protection. That also makes it easier to clean. last updated 19 January 22, The best workout masks to keep you comfortable and safe. And, though workout masks are by no means a novel product, the COVID-19 pandemic has prompted manufacturers to return to the drawing board in an effort to deliver masks that afford markedly better protection from germs and bacteria, while still allowing for the full deep breathes needed to push ourselves to our limit. On top of providing more coverage around the neck, the UA SPORTSMASK Fleece Gaiters design also enables it to lock in heat, thereby affording markedly better thermal retention. The UA Sportsmask isn't adjustable, which is drawback, but it comes in three sizes and the ear loops are made from soft, stretchy material that won't dig in or pull. Shes a UK Athletics qualified run leader, and in her spare time enjoys nothing more than lacing up her shoes and hitting the roads and trails (the muddier, the better).