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These disposable medical masks fit industry standards, and the CDC continues to recommend masking up indoors.

As the pandemic continues to evolve and new COVID-19 variants surface—the latest being Omicron—protection remains top of mind. And while many of us have acquired a pile of reusable cloth masks over the last two years, they unfortunately may not be as effective in protecting against the spread of infection as a multi-layered, disposable medical mask.

As the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) puts it, the efficacy of cotton masks is "under debate." Because cotton is a woven material, meaning it has tiny holes, it can allow allow for more particle transmission than a non-woven fabric. The CDC says cotton masks—especially those with multiple layers—can still provide "reasonable" protection, but if you're looking for the most protection you can get, an N95 or multi-layer medical mask is the way to go.

Read the label: The CDC recently released new standards for masks deemed workplace appropriate. You'll know a mask meets them when it's labeled with "ASTM F3502," "Workplace Performance," or "Workplace Performance Plus." These labels guarantee that a mask is made of multiple layers of non-woven material for optimal protection. (You can find the CDC's list of mask retailers with those varying labels here.)

Ensure fit: Make sure you're buying masks that fit you as well as possible. This may take some trial and error as every brand is slightly different. And if you have to use masks that don't fit perfectly, the CDC recommends tying knots in the ear loops, as well as folding and tucking unneeded material under the mask's edges.

Follow CDC guidelines: Even if you're fully vaccinated, the CDC recommends wearing a mask indoors in public if you are in an area of substantial or high transmission to prevent the spread of COVID-19. These disposable masks—mainly sold in bulk—will help you stay prepared so you'll never go without one when you need it.

This pack of 50 disposable masks meets ASTM Level 3 standards, featuring three layers of protection and 98% particle filtration. They're also made in the United States.

The N95 respirator mask offers the most protection one can get—which is why they were widely unavailable at the beginning of the pandemic. This pack of 50 is National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH)-approved and still super breathable thanks to the pouch design. They also feature a head-wrapping strap instead of ear loops, allowing for comfortable all-day wear.

Believe it or not, a mask can be disposable and reusable at the same time. These are made to be worn five days a week for 40 hours per week before being thrown away. They're comfortable, have an adjustable nose piece to ensure fit, and meet the CDC's latest Workplace Performance standards.

These masks feature four layers of non-woven protection, making them ASTM Level 3 compliant. The sleek black color matches everything, and latex-free ear loops are more snap resistant than the average disposable mask.

Not only does this N95 provide optimal protection, its three panel design accommodates facial movements to help you work and talk comfortably without making constant adjustments. It's also designed to direct exhalation away from the nose panel to minimize eyewear fogging. 

A mask brace can help keep your mask in place and fitting securely, especially if it's oversized. This Better Mask bulk set includes a brace and 30 filtered, disposable masks that provide 98% filtration of small particles.

Convenient for traveling or storing in your car as back-ups, these triple-layered masks come individually packaged and sterile. They're also breathable and comfortable. "These masks are awesome! I have sensitive skin and they are non-irritating and sit well against the face," one Amazon reviewer writes. "Even after long hours of wear, the inside didn't fray or become overly worn down. High quality and fabulous!"

This CDC-approved N95 mask is foldable for ease of storage, has a cup style fit for ease of breathability, and head and neck loops instead of ear loops for ultimate comfort.

Made of three layers of non-woven material, this adorable pink number will provide protection and add a pop of color to any look. "These are perfect. Lightweight, breathable, the wire is great and my glasses don't fog up. They're durable," one Amazon reviewer writes.

Not only are these masks pretty much as sleek as a disposable one can get, they're made in an FDA-registered PPE factory and are shipped in sterile 100% plant-based, biodegradable packaging. But wait, there's more—10% of each mask sold goes to One Tree Planted.