Updated: 1/16/2022 | Best Filtered Face Masks
While traveling in India, I developed a sinus infection that required us to leave the country temporarily. This made our trip more expensive and we had to change our plans to deal with our illness.
It was then that I realized the importance of face masks when traveling to polluted countries. We went to Thailand where people were wearing masks even under the sweltering sun. We found face masks at one of the night markets and gave them all our money.
I currently live in Seattle where our AQI is anywhere between 20-36 year round. Visiting more polluted destinations, such as Vietnam or India, made me appreciate our air quality back home.
Still, we wanted to explore the world without falling ill to pollution, and now a global pandemic. Thanks, coronavirus!
In our research, we discovered that not all masks are created equal. We then found out how technical filtered face masks can be so we explored our best options.
After testing multiple brands, we knew we wanted masks that were reusable and that actually worked! Many masks we found abroad were cheap but still allowed harmful particles to enter our respiratory systems. They were also single-use and contributed to the demise of our environment!
Below are filtered mask brands that we think you should invest in when traveling to polluted destinations.
Best Filtered Face Masks
We narrowed the best reusable filtered face masks down to two companies. Check out our review of each company below to see which one is best for your respiratory needs.
#1 Vogmask
Wearing Vogmask
Vogmask is a San Francisco based respiratory mask company. They opened their doors in 2011 and have been on a mission to bring fashionable and reusable face masks to the world. To date, they sell their masks in 41 countries.
Vogmask is used for protection from airborne particles such as PM 0.3, PM 2.5, PM 10, dust, allergens, post combustion particles, germs, shavings, biologics, odors, scents, mold, mold spores, particles in wildfire smoke, volcanic particulate pollution, and other airborne contaminants.
We love the fun designs that resonate with our mood for the day. The masks come in various sizes ranging from S to XL. You can also choose from two materials: microfiber or organic fabric. Price range for Vogmasks run between $33 to $44 per mask.
We recommend consulting with their size chart to find your perfect size.
Vogmasks are also intended to be worn 3 months to a year. They are not reusable long-term. They are hand washable. Make sure the mask is fully dry prior to wearing again.
If you’re one to misplace personable belongings, we highly recommend buying a mask strap ($4) to keep your mask around your neck when not worn on the face.
#2 Airinum
Wearing the Nemen Airinum face mask.
Airinum is a Scandanavian company that creates urban face masks with a reusable design. Their multi-layer face mask filters are made to filter out more than 95% of particles down to 0.3μm in size.
We reviewed the NEMEN face mask ($99 USD) which comes with a polygiene treated mask skin, two mask filters, two onyx air valves, a carrying pouch with lanyard, and a black head strap. Mask sizes range from S to L.
The mask is VERY lightweight. The ear straps are adjustable, allowing us to find the perfect fit. The face mask itself is washable and reusable by hand.
The products come deconstructed but take just minutes to assemble and use. We love the carrying pouch to store the face mask when not in use.
Airinum face masks range from $59 to $99 depending on the style and material.
Although the face mask is more expensive, the functionality and design of the mask is very impressive. This is a mask that we would be able to wear with any outfit.
Airinum is also a member of 1% for the Planet, and give back to preserve the environment worldwide.
Airinum Nemen filtered face mask
#3 Ministry of Supply
Apollo Face Mask
The Ministry of Supply makes amazing face masks with pockets for disposable filters. They also make amazing apparel for men and women.
Use this link to save $50 off your first purchase at Ministry of Supply.
#4 Carbon38
Carbon38 made their own multi-layered filtered and washable filtered face mask!
The masks come in two sizes, are multi-layered for your protection, each kit comes with two masks and all proceeds will benefit Frontline Foods, a non-profit organization that helps keep frontline employees nourished while we battle the pandemic.
Most importantly, the masks are backed by science and are microbial and antibacterial.
Use code SHMGY25 to save 25% off your first order of $100+ at Carbon38.
#5 Wai Ching Studios Silk Face Masks
Chrissy Wai Ching of Wai Ching Studio creates these beautifully hand-dyed silk face masks that come with inserts for filters.
When she’s not making face masks, she is designing beautiful wedding dresses and formal wear for women to look and feel their best. We definitely recommend checking her Etsy store out.
#6 Cute Booty Lounge
Cute Booty Lounge Snow Leopard Mask
Don’t let the cheeky name fool you. This activewear and loungewear brand makes medical-grade reusable masks that come with changeable carbon filters.
Their masks are made of neoprene and other high-quality materials and trims. The prints are also very fun. Choose from leopard print, floral, plain black or white and many more designs.
You can also use them for costumes, travel and festivals like Burning Man!
Use this Cute Booty Lounge link to save 10% off your orders.
#7 Electric & Rose
Electric & Rose makes cotton masks with filter inserts. Use code SCHIMIGGY20 for 20% off all your orders.
#8 Copper H2O
Copper H2O makes washable and reusable masks with a copper lining that disinfects bacteria and filters out at least 95% of airborne particles.
The masks had adjustable straps and can be washed in the washing machine.
#9 02 Nano Masks
O2 Nano Mask Layers
O2 Nano Masks are sustainable and science-based. They’re also designed and made locally in San Francisco, Calif. USA.
Choose from different sizes. Each mask comes with removable filters that are also recyclable. The mask itself is washable and quick drying, making it easy to cycle between your masks. You can use the adjustable ear straps to find the perfect fit.
What we really like about the O2 Nano masks are that they’re super lightweight and very breathable compared to other brands.
Right now you can back this project on Kickstarter and secure your masks. They’re already one-third of the way to their goal after launching in mid-May 2020. For every mask purchased, one is donated to a local essential service worker in need.
#10 Grand Fusion Housewares
Grand Fusion Housewares come with replaceable N95 filters. The mesh masks are super comfortable and breathable. They also come in various colors (grey, pink, black) and even camo prints.
#11 MiliMili
Monster Cotton Face Mask by MiliMili
MiliMili makes adorable printed face masks that have inserts for filters.
What we love about this mask is that you can wear the mask around your neck while it is untied. This makes it easy to keep your mask on you at all times even when you need to remove it for a short period.
#12 Bunny With Bear
Bunny With Bear is an Etsy store with handmade cloth masks with inserts for filters. They have lots of fun prints which include foxes, tigers, plants, sports teams and more.
What we love about their masks is that they wrap around the back of your head and do not tug on your ears. This has been a lifesaver for when we have to wear masks for a prolonged period of time.
#13 Bucket Hat with Removable Shield
And for those who want a little more protection, you have to check out Marigold Shadows’ visor bucket hat.
Marigold Shadows makes post-apocalyptic, goth, avant-garde clothing that we love. You have to check them out.
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review Misty!
Monday 29th of March 2021
Oooh show us the illustrations too! Do you mean eaven the ones on the cover are Carroll's?
Jimmy
Wednesday 2nd of December 2020
Great detailed review, was earlier using Vogmask and now i have been using Debriefme reusable mask. One thing i liked about debriefme masks are they are very light in weight, you will not feel you are wearing it, thumbs up to them for that. Anyone looking for them here’s the reference; https://debriefme.com/
Carla Mar
Monday 2nd of March 2020
Vogmasks are made in Korea. With the outbreak in Korea, I'm not sure if these masks are still safe to purchase. With the coronavirus being able to survive on surfaces for up to 9 days, will the packaging be safe to handle when ordered? I have sent an email requesting information on this topic and their response was "Viruses cannot multiply outside of a living organism." I understand they cannot multiple but my concerns is with the viruses already on the packaging.
S.M.C
Thursday 16th of April 2020
Yea, I think Vogmask has a lot of people unhappy with them at the moment due to the way they've handled the situation in which they've found themselves! They've been sold out for months now and have continued posting that they're working hard to get more stock in and so on. After a few of those, it changed to a problem at their manufacturing site in Korea. They accidentally got hit with some kind of sanction that has made it so that they can't get their shipment of masks but were confident they're waiver would be approved soon or something to that effect. So that was posted several times, and then there was a post that appeared to be another repeat of the one about the issues with the sanction... but if you read it, at the very, very bottom, they've added something that boils down to, well, we got a shipment... but they were set aside for customers with health issues, people still working with the public and private donations. I believe they said they sent an email to customers seeing who had health issues so they could get a mask... then they said that all the masks from that shipment were now gone! BUT... there were a lot if people with underlying health issues, that were angry and commented that they never got any such email. I don't remember seeing a single customer who said they'd gotten one. And there's the fact that just days before, they posted saying they don't do that. They only came out saying something, bc people had started to find out and were leaving comments expressing their anger and frustration over the fact that they have health issues and that they never received any email about anything like that. Customers were rightfully angry, bc something was clearly amiss and they were also not very happy that Vogmask had lied to customers repeatedly, saying they hadn't gotten any masks in and that they had no clue when the next shipment would be in, knowing they'd received one but put it aside. They also like to include several pics of people wearing their masks or possibly of themselves, wearing masks, with every update, which is kinda like adding insult to injury since so many people have been waiting so long! As of right now, they're back to saying no masks in stock and no date of when they'll be available. Many customers decided to go with Cambridge Masks, who allow pre-orders and offers a date of when they will have more. They definitely haven't handled this well at all and is disappointing!
Robert Schmieder
Friday 7th of February 2020
It think you should check out Respilon’s face scarf as I believe they would beat both of the names mentioned in a test. It’s the only mask I know of proven to block the corona virus.
www.respilon.com
MC
Thursday 6th of February 2020
I recently bought my Vogmasks and while I generally like the masks, I have to say their customer service was really bad. I emailed with 1 small complaint and 1 suggestion and got a rather stand-offish email responding only to the suggestion made. After emailing them back mentioning they had ignored my complaint, they refunded my order and insinuated that it was my own fault for the problems experienced. While I appreciate the refund, I was never looking for that, only acknowledgement that there was a small issue with my order so that they could check and ensure quality of future orders.
Rebecca
Thursday 27th of February 2020
I’ve had a wonderful experience with their customer service. I ordered the wrong size, and they mailed a free replacement all the way to Korea and didn’t make me return the old one. There is a crazy demand for masks now with the new coronovirus, so I would chalk up any negative experience to them being completely overloaded suddenly and cal it a fluke!