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Jane Corscadden

The best reusable face masks and coverings according to Which? tests

Wearing a mask has become a part of daily life during the past year.

Which? have tested 27 reusable face masks and coverings to come up with the ultimate list of the best ones you can find both online and on the high street.

Their tests took into consideration factors such as superior filtration, breathability and comfort. As well as this, tests looked at how well-fitting the masks are, and how they stand up to repeated use and washing.

They found some brilliant best buys that filter particles while still being breathable, meaning they remain comfortable to wear.

However, their tests also uncovered some coverings that blocked as little as 7% of particles, which they're recommending consumers avoid.

Here are the best face masks recommended by Which.

Airpop Pocket Mask, £24.99 for 4 (£6.25 per mask)

Airpop got a Which? score of 94% (Which?)

This is a hybrid semi-reusable mask which is made from three layers of spunbound, non-woven polyester and nylon, similar to disposable masks.

It's still light and easy to breathe in, but is great at filtering particles. Which? tests found it was 99.9% effective before washing, and 94% after five washes.

The maker says it can be worn for 40 hours and up to 10 washes before you need to retire it, so it is a more costly option than a fully reusable mask, but it’s a great choice for higher-risk scenarios such as crowded places or public transport.

Superdrug Reusable Cotton Face Coverings, £4.99 for 3 (£1.66 per mask)

(Which?)

These 100% cotton masks received glowing reviews from Which? for comfort while wearing and breathability.

They have a filter pocket, so you can insert a disposable filter inside to increase filtration even further.

After five washes, Which? found that the filtration efficiency dropped from an impressive 85% to a more average 72%.

The Big Silk face mask, £16.90 for 1

(Which?)

Silk face masks come with their own benefits, such as reportedly being gentler on the skin, making it a great option for those of us suffering from maskne.

The filtration abilities of this mask were proven to be good, which actually improved after washing - 73% before versus 79% after.

It's a little fancier than your average day-to-day mask, making it a great option for smarter occasions.

Marks and Spencer reusable jersey face coverings, £9.50 for 5 (£1.90 per mask)

(Which?)

These affordable masks, sold in a handy five-pack, consist of three layers of a thick cotton/elastane blend.

They use peppermint oil to act as an antibacterial agent, and do the job well while being comfortable enough to breathe through.

They're able to filter 86% of tiny particles, and 79% after five washes.

NEQI Reusable Face Masks, £10 for three (£3.33 per mask)

(Which?)

These masks from NEQI are available in kids, small/medium and large to suit different face sizes, and they also come in two colour options.

They did well in the Which? bacterial filtration test, capturing 80% of tiny particles on the first test, and 72% after five washes.

Testers also noted they were easy to breathe in and comfortable to wear.

Bags of Ethics Great British Designers Face Coverings, £15 for three (£5 per mask)

(Which?)

These tightly woven cotton sateen pleated masks come in a pack of three (or a bundle of six for £30), with one striking design each from Halpern, Mulberry and Raeburn.

They did well when filtering particles - managing 72% of particles on the first test, 73% after five washes - while also being some of the most breathable masks Which? tested.

You get two protective cloth pouches in the pack to store your used mask in while out and about before washing it, which is handy.

The manufacturer says the masks are good for 50 uses before recycling, so a pack of three will last around five months. Profits from the sale of these face coverings go to charity.

The full details of the Which? face mask test can be found by clicking here.

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