Face masks have become the newest personal accessory, and they could be here to stay for a while. Now you can shop in-store or online for masks in hundreds of colors, patterns, sizes, and types. Which one is right for you?
The Importance of Wearing Face Masks
The CDC recommends that everyone wear a mask over their nose and mouth when in public, including during travel.
As the CDC explains, “Masks slow the spread of COVID-19 because they help keep people who are infected from spreading respiratory droplets to others when they cough, sneeze, or talk.”
Performance “Sportsmask” For the Athlete
The coronavirus pandemic has required numerous adjustments to our daily routine, some minor and others very significant. For athletes and gym enthusiasts, perhaps one of the most challenging adjustments has been the mandate to wear a facemask while exercising in public.
It’s hard enough to suck in air without a mask while running a seven minute mile on the treadmill. Under Armour recognized this unique challenge and rose to the occasion by developing an athlete-inspired performance “Sportsmask” in three colors. If you’re desperate to hit the gym, but you’re not loving the idea of gasping for breaths behind a face mask, Under Armour’s Sportsmask could be the solution.
The Sportsmask is made with three separate layers. The primary layer features air pockets with improved air flow. The second layer is manufactured with open-cell foam that allows air in but stops sweat and moisture in its tracks. The final layer offers a cooling effect to prevent overheating and maintain comfort, even during an intense workout.
Other unique features of the Sportsmask include UA Iso-Chill fabric technology on the interior lining and ear loops that feels cool to the touch and a moldable nose-bridge to prevent glasses from fogging.
“It’s important that our customers and consumers know we have their backs,” said Kyle Blakely, Under Armour vice-president of materials innovation. “It’s our responsibility at Under Armour to create the right product for the athlete. We treated this like every other project but needed to accelerate it to get to market.
Fabric Masks For the Grocery Store
If you’re simply running errands, grabbing groceries, or heading to the office, a basic fabric face mask will do the trick.
Cloth masks trap droplets that are released when the person wearing the mask coughs, talks, or sneezes. Every time you wear a fabric mask, you protect yourself and others. Since fabric masks can be washed and re-worn again and again, they’re easy and affordable.
Disposable Surgical Masks for Public Transportation
If you rely on public transportation like the subway or bus to get around each day, you may want to consider wearing a disposable surgical mask during those times. These masks offer an increased level of protection compared to standard fabric or cloth masks.
Surgical masks can filter our larger particles in the air and make sure droplets from the wearer aren’t spread to others. They’re also designed to protect you from sprays or splashes that would otherwise enter your nose or mouth and potentially trigger infection.
“If you’re going to have to be in a high-risk environment, something like the subway, with lots of other people in a relatively closely confined area, perhaps for a prolonged period of time, then mask effectiveness might really play a difference in protecting you,” explains Dr. Scott Segal, chairman of anesthesiology at Wake Forest Baptist Health.
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