Best Products Style Shopping The 9 Most Comfortable Face Masks of 2023 You really can't beat Maskc's KN95 Face Masks for hours of comfortable wear. By Madeline Diamond Madeline Diamond Twitter Madeline Diamond is an associate ecommerce editor at Dotdash Meredith, where she primarily works on the Travel + Leisure brand. She writes about all things travel gear, including everything from the best suitcases to the most comfortable travel clothing. Travel + Leisure Editorial Guidelines and Taylor Fox Taylor Fox Instagram Taylor Fox is a Commerce Updates Writer at Travel + Leisure where she tests, researches, and writes about travel products. Taylor holds a Master’s in Geography and has been a writer and editor for over seven years. Travel + Leisure Editorial Guidelines Updated on December 20, 2022 Share Tweet Pin Email In This Article Expand Jump to a Section Our top picks Reviews Tips for Buying FAQ Why Trust T+L We independently evaluate all recommended products and services. If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation. Learn more. Courtesy of Retailers as Credited Wearing a face mask may not be required on most airlines nowadays, but if you want to stay safe while traveling, it's not a bad practice to continue. We found the most comfortable face masks for long-term wear, which work especially well on flights. While some masks are designed to remain breathable during exercise and others can even act as fashion accessories, these face coverings are specifically designed to be worn on airplanes and remain comfortable from takeoff to touchdown. When you're looking for a face mask to wear while flying, you'll want to consider a few things: First, make sure you pick a mask with at least two layers to guard you against germs.Next, as far as comfort goes, you'll want a mask made from a material that will remain soft on the skin for hours of wear, like cotton or bamboo, with a stretchy element, like elastane or spandex.Finally, adjustable features, like ear loops and nose wires will also help you find a comfortable fit for wearing for hours on end on longer flights. Keep reading for some of the best masks to wear while flying: Our Top Picks Best Disposable: Maskc KN95 Face Mask at Shopmaskc.com Jump to Review Best Stretchy: Bloch Face Mask at Amazon Jump to Review Best Coverage: Baggu Fabric Mask Set Loop at Baggu.com Jump to Review Best for Extended Wear: NxSTOP Travleisure Face Mask at Amazon Jump to Review Best Size Options: Vida Protective Mask at Shopvida.com Jump to Review Best With Filter Pocket: Caraa Tailored Velvet Mask at Caraa.co Jump to Review Best With Neck Lanyard: Lo & Sons All Day Comfort Mask at Loandsons.com Jump to Review Best Set: Athleta Everyday Non Medical Masks 5 Pack at Gap.com Jump to Review Best For Glasses Wearers: INEX GEAR The Better Mask at Inexgear.com Jump to Review Best Disposable Maskc KN95 Face Mask Maskc View On Shopmaskc.com Why We Love It: You get a whopping ten masks in this pack.What to Consider: They only come in one color. If you prefer a disposable mask, a KN95 is a great protective option. This option from Maskc has five layers with bacterial filtration efficiency (BFE) of greater than or equal to 95 percent, although shoppers emphasize that it's still breathable for both everyday wear and exercising. Each mask has an adjustable nose bridge and soft, stretchy ear loops, so you'll be able to find a comfortable, customizable fit. Price at time of publish: $39 for pack of 10 Adjustable ear: No | Nose wire: Yes | Layers: 5 | Reusable: No Best Stretchy Bloch Soft Stretch Reusable Face Mask Amazon View On Amazon View On Blochworld.com Why We Love It: They may not cause as many mask-related breakouts as other face masks.What to Consider: They only have two layers of protection. Bloch, a brand best known for its ballet shoes and apparel, also makes soft, breathable face masks. The mask features two layers of stretchy, odor-resistant fabric made from a blend of polyester and cotton that will remain soft on the skin for all day wear. It also comes with adjustable ear loops to help you find a comfortable fit. Price at time of publish: $19 for pack of 3 Adjustable ear: Yes | Nose wire: No | Layers: 2 | Reusable: Yes Best Coverage Baggu Fabric Mask Set Loop Baggu View On Baggu.com View On Baggu.com Why We Love It: The nose guard sits high on the bridge of the nose for added comfort.What to Consider: They're quite thin. This mask is made from 100 percent cotton, so it will feel soft on the skin, even after hours of wear. It has a double-layer construction, as well as a filter pocket for extra protection. The mask has a tight weave that's designed to block respiratory droplets while remaining breathable. Plus, with extra fabric around the nose and chin, this mask has a tighter seal and more coverage than many others on the market. Price at time of publish: $32 for pack of 3 Adjustable ear: Yes | Nose wire: Yes | Layers: 2 | Reusable: Yes The 12 Best Travel Pouches of 2023 Best for Extended Wear NxSTOP Travleisure Face Mask Amazon View On Amazon Why We Love It: The bamboo viscose and spandex material is super comfortable.What to Consider: The one-size-fits-all may not fit all adult faces. This dual-layer face mask was specifically designed to be worn while traveling, as it's made from a breathable blend of bamboo and spandex. A nose wire and soft ear loops allow users to find a comfortable fit, making this an excellent option for periods of extended wear. Price at time of publish: $14 for one Adjustable ear: Yes | Nose wire: Yes | Layers: Not listed | Reusable: Yes Best Size Options Vida Protective Mask Vida View On Shopvida.com Why We Love It: They come in four different sizes including one made for kids.What to Consider: It only comes with one filter that must be replaced after seven wears. Vida's 100 percent cotton masks are breathable and soft on the skin. They feature a hidden metal nose wire for a snug fit, as well as adjustable ear loops that don't chafe or tug. There's also a sleeve that allows you to also insert a filter for an extra layer of protection. You can shop these masks in four sizes, including one for kids, so you can be sure to find the right fit. Price at time of publish: $10 for one Adjustable ear: Yes | Nose wire: Yes | Layers: Not listed | Reusable: Yes Best With Filter Pocket Caraa Tailored Velvet Mask Caraa View On Caraa.co Why We Love It: The velvet material and stylish colors make for a fun accessory.What to Consider: These are non-medical grade masks that may not protect as much as others. Caraa makes a variety of face masks, but the brand's Tailored Adult Masks have the best fit for long term wear. The velvet version of these masks still have a cotton lining and an interior pocket for a disposable filter. You'll also find the adjustable nose wire makes for a secure fit, and the mouth wire creates a comfortable distance between the mask and your lips. Soft elastane ear loops with silicone toggles add a final touch of comfort. Price at time of publish: $25 for pack of 3 Adjustable ear: Yes | Nose wire: Yes | Layers: 3 | Reusable: Yes Best With Neck Lanyard Lo & Sons All Day Comfort Mask Lo & Sons View On Loandsons.com Why We Love It: They come with a convenient (and detachable) neck lanyard.What to Consider: They should only be hand washed after use. This face mask from travel brand Lo & Sons has four layers of protection, and it's made from a cotton poly blend that remains breathable for all day wear. It includes cushioned ear loops, a neck lanyard, and an adjustable cushioned nose bridge. It also has one unique feature: pull tabs that allow you to take a sip of water without touching your face or taking the mask off completely. Plus, it comes in four sizes. Price at time of publish: $20 for one Adjustable ear: Yes | Nose wire: Yes | Layers: 4 | Reusable: Yes The Best Eye Masks for Travelers Best Set Athleta Everyday Non Medical Masks 5 Pack Athleta View On Gap.com Why We Love It: They come in a variety of colors and patterns in a single pack.What to Consider: They don't seal around the face. Athleta makes several face mask varieties, although its version made for everyday wear comes with three layers of protection, making it a great option for travel. The mask is made from a polyester and spandex blend with a comfortable cotton liner that's soft on the skin. The pleated design fits a variety of face sizes, while adjustable ear loops add comfort and allow users to find a comfortable fit. The masks come in a pack of five, so they're also a great option to bring on a trip. Price at time of publish: $25 for pack of 5 Adjustable ear: Yes | Nose wire: Yes | Layers: 3 | Reusable: Yes Best For Glasses Wearers INEX GEAR The Better Mask Inex Gear View On Inexgear.com Why We Love It: It comes with an embedded nanofiber filter.What to Consider: They're more expensive than other options with similar features and design. Inex Gear's face mask has three layers — an outer layer made from 100 percent cotton with an antimicrobial treatment, a 100 percent nanofiltration layer that's designed to block airborne contaminants, and a breathable, moisture-wicking polyester inner layer. A moldable nose bridge and chin cup provide a secure fit that will remain in place even during hours of wear, and its scalloped design in the front makes it a good choice for those who wear glasses. Price at time of publish: $26 for one Adjustable ear: Yes | Nose wire: Yes | Layers: 3 | Reusable: Yes Tips for Buying a Face Mask Make sure you buy masks from reputable sources Not all face masks come with the same amount of protection. While you may be tempted to prioritize masks with fun patterns, you should make sure those masks are also keeping you as safe as possible. If you're worried about contracting (or giving) Covid-19 or any germs while flying, you should travel with a CDC-approved face mask such as "well-fitting disposable surgical masks and KN95s." Get the most comfortable fit with adjustable features When you know you'll be wearing a mask for a long period of time, like a long-distance flight, you should make sure you're both safe and comfortable. For the most comfortable mask that won't cause irritation, you should consider those with adjustable ear straps and nose bridges. Look for layers Even though face masks with multiple layers may make you feel like it's harder to breathe, they offer greater protection for you and those around you. Thin, single-layered masks will allow more germs to get through the fabric while multi-layered masks have a higher protection rate. Frequently Asked Questions What is the difference between N95, KN95, and KF94 masks? N95 masks are the standard in United States (used by health care professionals) while KN95 masks are standard in China. Both have a 95% filtration efficacy while the KF94 mask have a slightly less filtration efficacy of 94%. How many times can I wear a KN95 mask? You can reuse a KN95 mask up to five wears as long as it isn't soiled or damaged. Are cloth masks acceptable for flying? Because face masks are no longer required for flying, you can certainly wear a cloth mask on your next flight. While most reusable masks won't protect you as much as KN95 or N95 masks, they will still block more germs than if you travel without a mask. Why Trust Travel + Leisure Travel + Leisure associate ecommerce editor Madeline Diamond and updates writer Taylor Fox researched dozens of face masks and used their own personal experiences as travelers to curate the perfect list of face masks for jet setters. The 9 Best Samsonite Luggage Pieces of 2023, Tested and Reviewed Love a great deal? Sign up for our T+L Recommends newsletter and we'll send you our favorite travel products each week. Was this page helpful? Thanks for your feedback! Tell us why! Other Submit