The Best Masks for Kids and Adults (with or without filter pocket)
/I originally wrote this roundup of the best masks in April. So many new masks have been introduced and brands have refinded their masks (adding filter pockets or making the loops adjustable). I thought it would be helpful to update the list, including some sizing info. Bear with me while I go through and add the additional info (I’ve already updated the first few options), I will also be adding more photos.
Note that these masks are typically called “dust masks” and are not medical grade.
Important: it is not safe for children under age two to wear masks.
This post may contains affiliate links, which means that I may make a small commission if you click through a link or image in this post. I linked all of our favorite masks, regardless of whether the brand offers me an affiliate commission. Please see the Disclosure page for additional information. Additionally some of the featured items and services may have been provided for editorial consideration.
Things to consider when choosing a mask
When choosing a mask, consider whether you prefer the accordion style or the contoured ones. The accordion ones allow for more space between you and the mask, which means you may not get as hot in them. The contoured ones may fit more flush to your face on top (especially if they have an adjustable wire), which may be more protective and also less annoying (less likely to ride up over your eyes). Contoured is also ideal for people who wear glasses. Also consider whether you want a pocket for filters, adjustable ear loops, and ear loops vs. behind the head elastic or toggle.
Mask chains and lanyards
My 5.5 year old and I both regularly wear a chain or lanyard with our masks. It prevents them from falling on the floor and keeps you from needing to find a clean spot when you take off your mask to eat or drink. Check out all my chain and lanyard recommendations here (ranges from a cute $4.50 DIY to personalized elegant ones for $40+).
Disposable masks
Heal Made disposable masks
What I like about this mask //
My six year old says that from all of his masks, this one is the only one that stays on perfectly all day at school with no need to adjust. He has a ton of hair, which often gets in the way of other masks. It also has an incorporated clip so you don’t need a separate mask chain or lanyard. Each mask is individually wrapped and sealed, making them easy to throw in a bag or glove compartment.
Sizing // The green packaging is the kid version and fits my six year old very well. The white and black packaging are the adult versions.
Bottom line // No fuss, extremely comfortable 3D design.
Masks with a pocket for removable filter
Miami Fitwear
What I like about this mask // It’s a small female-owned active wear brand, the masks are moisture-wicking, made of two layers of fabric and have a pocket for a filter. They come in four sizes (toddler to large adult). This is my 5.5 year old’s favorite mask. He can wear his mask for long periods, even on a hot day, without fussing with it or complaining. Ideal for those who run hot and for outdoor use -- I have the adult version and definitely keep cooler in this mask than other brands. The panda and emoji prints are my son's favorites.
Discount // For 15% off your purchase, click here and use code THEBESTBBY.
Sizing // range of four sizes for toddlers to large adult. My 5.5 year old can wear either child option.
Bottom line // Extremely comfortable, keeps us cooler than other masks, range of sizes, filter pocket, nice patterns for both kids and adults. My favorite pattern is dragonfly and my son loves the panda and emoji patterns.
Why I included it // This cotton mask has a nose wire and filter pocket and is available with ties behind the head or ear loops. They also offer an optional toggle to keep in place on kids (nice alternative to the chains and lanyards that I mentioned above). I haven't tried it but one of my friends swears by it.
Sizing // Available for kids (my friend uses on her four year old twins) and adult medium, large or extra large.
Bottom line // Perfect if you’re looking for all the bells and whistles and options to customize— includes a nose wire, they offer a choice of ear loops or ties, and filter pocket or a version with an extra layer. Toggle is available at a minimal extra cost.
Nimbly mask
What I like about this mask // It is a 3D knit with replaceable filters that removes 99.5% of bacteria and 99.7% of particles as small as 0.1 microns. With a Nelson Labs certification, the Nimbly Mask is one of the safest on the market with an affordable price tag for a certified health product.
Sizing // Adult only.
Discount // 20% off when you click here and use code miriamycohen20
Additional Options
(I’m planning to update the remainder of this section, you can also skip ahead to masks without filters below)
Zelivia (Etsy)
This shop makes both adult and kid masks (one stop shopping and support a small business). A few people recommended this brand to me back in April, which is why I originally included on the list. I haven’t heard much about them since but just reached out to the founder who is going to send me some to try and offered 15% off when you click here and use code MIRIAM15.
Here are kid Etsy options
and adult Etsy options (at least one of these has the pocket as an add-on at additional cost, so read carefully)
Masks without filter pocket
See above, some of the options in the filter pocket section are also available without a pocket. If not using a filter, a third layer seems ideal.
Rafi Nova
What I like about this mask // It’s comfortable, adjustable and comes in really great prints. They are my two year old’s favorite. They are available in a great array of sizes from toddler to adult. The brand even makes a performance fabric and masks with a clear panel, which is especially great if you’re around young kids or anyone with difficulty hearing.
Discount // For 15% off your order, click here and use code MIRIAMC15.
Old Navy Triple Layer Cloth Masks
Why I included it // Loads of moms have recommended these to me as a budget friendly option. Note that I am recommending the three layer pleated mask. Old Navy recently introduced Triple-Layer Cloth Critter Face Masks for kids, but the verdict is still out on them (I suspect that they will fit a smaller range of kids).
Sizing // Available is adult and kid sizes. Based on reports from many moms, the kid size is ideal for age 2 to 5 or 6 (depending on size of child). The straps may be long on some younger kids within that range, but you can tie them or add a cord lock to make them adjustable (available on Amazon).
Bottom line // Great budget option. No filter, but three layers bolsters my confidence in this mask. No nose wire.
Mabel’s Labels Triple Layer Masks
What I like about this mask // I’m a big fan of Mabel’s Labels generally, and I’ve found all of their products to be thoughtful and well made! Their adult and kid masks are each made from three layers of lightweight, moisture-wicking pleated fabric, offer generous coverage, have a moldable wire to adjust the fit around the nose, are reversible (you can choose your patterns, and they have a solid, neutral color on the other side), are machine washable and dryer safe (just skip the fabric softener). These masks are locally made (where Mabel’s Labels is headquartered in Ontario, Canada… not imported from China). The masks (and other masks) can be labeled with Mabel’s Labels iron-on labels . We got a few of the kid version and my 5.5. year old finds it super comfortable and especially likes the monster print!
Sizing // The adult mask (8" x 3.5”) fits ages 14+; not suitable for children under 14. The kid mask (6" x 3”) fits ages 3 to 14; not suitable for children younger than 3.
Bottom line // Cute, comfortable, moisture-wicking reversible adult and kid masks with a moldable nose wire (wire is ideal for those who wear glasses). Dryer safe (convenient and kills germs). Can be labeled/personalized with Mabel’s Labels iron-on labels. Look out for my back to school in the pandemic era blog post, which will include how to organize clean and dirty masks, featuring Mabel’s Labels.
Discount // Unfortunately masks, stamps and sale items are excluded from my discount code. If buying other items, such as the iron-on labels for masks or personalized tags or peel and stick labels, you can get 10% off by clicking here and using code BEST10 at checkout.
Joah Love
What I like about this mask // Incredibly popular due to the soft fabric, adjustable ear loops and nice patterns. I bought the smaller adult size and the kid size. They recently started offering masks with a filter pocket. I wear these on cooler days and Miami Fitwear (see above) on warmer days.
Sizing // Available in kid, adult small/medium and adult medium/large. They may introduce a tween size. The adult s/m fits me well. The kid size fits my two year old well but the loops are too short on my 5.5 year old (pops off his ears every few minutes).
Bottom line // super soft, cute prints, adjustable ear loops. Range of sizes but kid size seems best for age 2-4. Rumor has it that they are releasing a tween size, which probably works well for age 5-10 or 12.
More options
(I’m going to be updating the remainder of this section)
Rachel Pally // cotton masks (adult and kid).
Freshly Picked (adult and kid) // I bought these and they are super soft, but I would prefer a filter (options above). They fit my five year old well but are too big for my two year old.
Reformation // one of my friends is obsessed with Reformation jeans and shared these as an affordable quality option.
Lauren Gabrielson // Brooklyn fashion designer (adult, kid and mommy and me masks). Many moms have recommended these to me.
Love Shack Fancy // masks with ties (adult). I learned about these from Brianne Manz who wrote a fashion-focused list of mask recommendations.
Cubcoats kid masks // (kids)
Replacement pocket filters
white filter inserts (adult and kid)
Amazon also carries a lot of replacement filters (linking the general page here as stock changes day to day)
What I’m using
To be frank, I have not been leaving my home other than for walks on uncrowded streets. I’m married to a physician and have used his disposable surgical masks the couple of times that I’ve needed to wear one. I ordered the Freshly Picked ones that I mentioned above both for myself and my kids. Once I received them, I realized that they don’t have a pocket for a filter. From what I’ve read, a mask with a pocket for a filter would be a more effective option. Once we can ease up on social distancing, I expect to need to spend a lot of time wearing a mask. I’m going to order some more from the above options for future use.
Also check out my list of online classes and activities and our recent play purchases.
