mybest
Accessories

Recommendation Service

  1. TOP
  2. Accessories
  3. 8 Best Medical Face Masks UK 2023
  • 8 Best Medical Face Masks UK 2023 1
  • 8 Best Medical Face Masks UK 2023 2
  • 8 Best Medical Face Masks UK 2023 3
  • 8 Best Medical Face Masks UK 2023 4
  • 8 Best Medical Face Masks UK 2023 5

8 Best Medical Face Masks UK 2023

Face masks, or face coverings, are on everyone’s shopping list at the moment, as they’re a great way to limit infection rates from viruses like coronavirus while out in public in the UK. But which give anti-viral protection, which are the best for glasses wearers, and what's the difference between blue paper, N95, and reusable masks with valves or filters?


From bulk buys of disposable masks to wear when caring for relatives or medical patients to washable kids cotton masks and even those for running, we’ll tell you everything you need to know. Plus, with our top ten recommendations for sale on eBay, Boots, John Lewis and Amazon, you’re sure to find what you need to give you some extra protection. 

Last updated 30/01/2023
mybest Editing Team
Guide
mybest UK
mybest Editing Team

A recommendation service that carefully researches each product and consults with experts across many disciplines. We are constantly creating new content to provide the best shopping experience from choosing ‘cosmetics’ to ‘food and drink’, ‘home appliances’ to ‘kids and baby’ products, reaching users all across the United Kingdom.

mybest Editing Team's Profile
…Continue reading
  • This content is independently produced by the mybest team. We may receive free products and services from brands and manufacturers and/or place ads, but these do not influence our content and product rankings.
  • For more information, please see mybest content policy
The products and services listed are ranked independently by the editorial team based on the points mentioned in our thoroughly researched buying guide (as of 16-01-2023).

Table of Contents

How to Choose a Medical Face Mask in the UK - Buying Guide

To make sure that you get the most out of your face mask, you need to know what makes for a reliable one. Whether it's the type, the material, or how long it lasts, this buying guide will help you decide which mask to buy.

① Make Sure to Get the Mask That Suits Your Lifestyle

Make Sure to Get the Mask That Suits Your Lifestyle

General Fabric Face Coverings Are Best for Everyday Usage

A face covering made from thick or layered fabric is the best option for general use when heading to the shops or on public transport. They are lightweight yet durable, and they cover enough of your nose and mouth to lower the risk of catching infections.


This style is generally referred to in the UK as a face 'covering' rather than a mask, as this differentiates them from the medical-grade masks which are certified to protect against viruses. This means that they are simply designed to reduce the transmission of vapour droplets and are therefore not classed as PPE


If you're going to be wearing your face covering for a long time, you may want to look for products stating they are made from breathable fabrics or with a percentage of natural cotton, especially during hot weather or stuffy commutes. You can also find coverings with two-way valves to further increase breathability. 

Surgical Medical Masks Are Single Use and Offer Good Particle Filtration

Surgical masks are what you see the doctors wearing on Grey’s Anatomy, but lately they've been seen less on TV and more on the streets in real life! They’re the rectangular blue masks with pleated paper-like fabric and are cheap to buy, mainly because they're not designed to last more than one usage. 


Filtering between 60 and 98% of particles depending on the product, these masks are best for those who have a cough or for someone who has recently been in contact with an infected person, or for healthcare workers who are not working directly with COVID-19 patients. 

N95 Respiratory Masks Are Classified as PPE and Designed for Medical Use

Respirator masks are durable and fit tightly around the face, and have an additional filter to the fabric itself to stop respiratory droplets from getting through or around it. They can block up to 95% of both small and large particles, which is why they are classified as 'N95' masks.


Though they are available to the public nowadays, these masks are recommended to be left for people who come into contact with large doses of a virus, which at the moment, of course, is COVID-19. 


This means that if you’re a medical worker who visits and cares for the infected, this is the best option for you.

② Disposable or Reusable? Washable Masks Are Better for the Environment, Single Use Are Cheap in Bulk

Disposable or Reusable? Washable Masks Are Better for the Environment, Single Use Are Cheap in Bulk

Some people prefer disposable masks as they feel safer knowing that any infectious particles are in the bin rather than potentially lingering in the house. They are best to buy in bulk as you'll need enough to get by after throwing them away after each use, and are usually the cheapest option because of this. 


However, reusable masks last longer and are a lot better for the environment. Throughout virus outbreaks, you may notice an abundance of masks thrown on the floor, littering the streets. If this is something you'd like to reduce, consider buying one or two durable, reusable masks


Reusable masks can usually be washed in the machine or by hand with hot water, and some come with replaceable filters offering varying levels of protection. If so, you may want to check how many of these filters come with your purchase, and how easily or readily available they are to replace. 

③ Look for Comfort-Enhancing Features Such as Adjustability

Look for Comfort-Enhancing Features Such as Adjustability

As you have probably noticed, disposable masks simply comprise of thin lengths of elastic glued onto a paper rectangle covering. However, for reusable styles, there are some features to look out for to step up the comfort – as let's face it, wearing a mask is new to a lot of us in the UK and it can be hard to get used to! 


Firstly, look for adjustable or easy-tie ear loops to tailor the fit to your unique face shape and size, which will stop the mask slipping and therefore reduce how often you touch it or your face. 


Similarly, a wired nose bridge can help the mask fit more snugly to your facial contours. This too will stop it slipping, and can also limit that ever-frustrating fogging up of your glasses or sunglasses. 


If you're buying for children or you think you'll require a smaller or larger sizing than most, you might also like to go for a covering or mask that's available in a range of different sizes.

The 8 Best Medical Face Masks in the UK

Having read up on our advice, you should now be ready to look at our hand-picked selection of the best medical face masks to buy online. We’ve included enough options for everyone, whether you want a mask for your day-to-day or a stronger surgical mask.
Products
Image
Click to purchase
Points
1

The Body Doctor

Disposable Breathable Face Mask

The Body Doctor  Disposable Breathable Face Mask 1枚目

High-Safety and Long-Lasting With 5-Layer N95 Filtration

2

NEQI

Unisex Cotton Mask

NEQI  Unisex Cotton Mask  1枚目

Comfortable and Soft Masks in a Smaller Size

3

Oscar Apparels

Protective Kawaii Face Mask

Oscar Apparels Protective Kawaii Face Mask  1枚目

Comfy and Colourful Face Coverings for Kids

4

Boots

Surgical Face Masks

Boots  Surgical Face Masks 1枚目

FFP2 NR Masks that Offer Both Comfort and Protection

5

Honyao

Respirator Extra Filter Face Mask

Honyao Respirator Extra Filter Face Mask 1枚目

Protective and Highly Breathable

6

Fabbies

Disposable Filter Mask

Fabbies Disposable Filter Mask  1枚目

A Fun DIY Kit to Get the Fit Just Right

7

Adidas

Unisex Reusable Face Mask

Adidas Unisex Reusable Face Mask 1枚目

A Top-Quality Reusable Mask for Running or Sports

8

SA Products

Face Masks with Air Filter

SA Products Face Masks with Air Filter  1枚目

Simple Face Coverings With a Valve for Better Breathability

Product details
Close
No.1

High-Safety and Long-Lasting With 5-Layer N95 Filtration

If safety is a priority but you're not keen on disposable masks, this is about as good as it gets. Featuring a 5-layer replaceable FFP2 (N95) filter, it offers protection against 98% of airborne particles and is effective for up to 40 hours


On top of this, the breathable fabric boasts patented Sterileyes® Antibacterial Protection to keep bacteria at bay and to your mask fresh and odour-free. If washed correctly, you will get about a year's use out of this mask. Not bad for ten pounds! You will have to stock up on filters, however, though they are easily snapped up from Boots. 

No.2

NEQI Unisex Cotton Mask

£15.00

Comfortable and Soft Masks in a Smaller Size

Available in this adult-sized small to medium as well as large and even kids sizes, these are a good pick if you often find fabric masks to be too big or too small. Handily, measurements in centimetres are given for you to compare against your own. 


They comprise of three layers of a 53% polyester and 45% cotton blend, which results in a super-soft, breathable covering. Plus, they can be washed between uses without losing their shape, and feature elasticated fabric rather than string ear loops for less rubbing during long-term wear. 

No.3

Oscar ApparelsProtective Kawaii Face Mask

£8.83

Comfy and Colourful Face Coverings for Kids

These universal masks are ideal for children, and can help to protect them when they're outside. With several cute and bold colours available, choosing which one they go for each day can ease the transition for children who aren't used to wearing masks. 


You'll have to wash these comfy, 100% BCI cotton masks between uses, but with an affordable pack of 5 that shouldn't be a worry. Ideally-sized for little faces, they measure around 15 x10 cm with 6 cm elastic loops.

No.4

Boots Surgical Face MasksPack of 5

£9.99

FFP2 NR Masks that Offer Both Comfort and Protection

These medical face masks are the European equivalent of the N95 mask that you hear a lot about. Offering protection by significantly reducing small particles inhaled and exhaled by the wearer.


Though disposable and single-use, with adjustable ear loops and nose bridge, these masks will fit closely to your face for added comfort and security while maintaining a lightweight feel and sense of safety.

No.5

HonyaoRespirator Extra Filter Face Mask

£13.99

Protective and Highly Breathable

These masks consist of not three, but five ultra-protective layers to filter out 99% of unwanted particles, including those associated with dust, pollution, or allergies. The masks come as a pair with an additional 4 valves and 6 filters, plus the mask shell and valves can be washed.


With mesh features and a padded head strap, they also provide enhanced comfort and breathability, so are great for running and cycling. Not to mention, they can be worn in warm weather without making you overheat, and are surprisingly lightweight to boot. 

No.6

FabbiesDisposable Filter Mask

£20.00

A Fun DIY Kit to Get the Fit Just Right

You don't have to be a dab hand with the sewing machine to try making your own face covering, especially if you go for this easy DIY kit! Included is fabric for 6 masks, elastics, and a pattern, so you can completely customise the fit to the wearer, even adding a filter and nose wire if you like. 


We think the design of these masks will appeal to kids, teens, and fashionable adults alike, and the kit is a great way to learn a new skill together as a family. Plus, with each purchase, The John Lewis Partnership will donate all of the profits (and the VAT) to NHS Charities Together. 

No.7

AdidasUnisex Reusable Face MaskPack of 3

£19.99

A Top-Quality Reusable Mask for Running or Sports

Made from breathable, recycled polyester, this mask is making waves in the UK for its fantastic breathability during exercise. Just as you'd expect from Adidas! It's snug to ensure no slipping yet comfy to wear, and it covers both the nose and face. 


Though it's a little pricer than some for a single mask and does not have any added adjustability, it is of a high quality and durable enough to be worked and washed daily. Not to mention three colourways to suit your mood.

No.8

SA ProductsFace Masks with Air Filter

£19.95

Simple Face Coverings With a Valve for Better Breathability

Unlike many similarly-available coverings, these masks are made from soft cotton. They also have adjustable ear loops and  a respiratory valve, and are a great way to stay safe from small bacteria particles whilst covering a large part of your face.


Due to the valve, this is a good choice for those who'd like a a mask to wear whilst walking, running, or cycling without feeling short of breath. They also come with ten spare filters so you won't need to wash the entire mask each time you wear it, although the protection offered by the filters is very low.

What Is a Face Mask and How Do I Use One?

What Is a Face Mask and How Do I Use One?

By now, almost everyone you pass on the street is wearing a face mask, and in fact, in some areas of the UK face masks are mandatory on public transport and in shops. But the question is, “What do face masks really do?”


Essentially, face masks are used to limit the spreading of germs and viruses by trapping in infectious molecules from coughs and sneezes. They can also be used to shield the nose and mouth from breathing in unwanted nasty airborne particles, whether viral or from pollution. 


These masks can be worn by everyone, not just healthcare workers. However, it’s important that you know what makes a good medical face mask and which variety serves the right purpose for you. You should also keep up to date not just with the requirements in the UK, but if you are travelling abroad as the regulations may differ. 

How to Make Your Own Face Mask

Ordered new face masks but waiting for the delivery? Or worried about running out of masks again? In that case, why not try making your own face mask? While a simple handmade face mask will not be medical-standard, face masks that fit snugly with multiple layers of fabric can help slow the spread of viruses.


This tutorial is easy to follow, and all you'll need to make it is some cloth, two pieces of elastic, scissors, and a simple sewing set. Here are the instructions: 


<How to Make a Face Mask>

  1. Cut the fabric into a circle. The diameter should be 25~28cm for adults, 23cm for teens, or 20 cm for children. 
  2. Cut the circle of fabric into 4, then divide the 4 pieces into pairs. 
  3. Sew the round edge of the two pieces of fabric together, for both pairs, with the outer side facing in. You should now have two face-mask shaped pieces of fabric. 
  4. Put the outer side of the pieces of fabric together and sew the sides together, leaving a small gap on one of the corners. 
  5. Pull the face mask through this small gap so that the outer side of the fabric is now on the outside. Iron out any creases
  6. Sew the corners in slightly, leaving a small gap for the elastic to go through.
  7. Thread the elastic (20cm for adults, 18cm for teens, and 15cm for children) through the gaps, tie a knot at the ends, and rotate the string so that the knot is inside the gap in the face mask fabric.

And there you have it, a gorgeous face mask that you can start using straight away!


Author: Annie Speight

Top 5 Medical Face Masks

No. 1The Body Doctor Disposable Breathable Face Mask

No. 2NEQI Unisex Cotton Mask

No. 3Oscar ApparelsProtective Kawaii Face Mask

No. 4Boots Surgical Face MasksPack of 5

No. 5HonyaoRespirator Extra Filter Face Mask

View Full Ranking

When you purchase products mentioned in the article, part of the sales may be returned to mybest.
The descriptions of each product is referenced from the content available from the manufacturer, e-commerce sites etc.

Related Articles

Popular articles

Search by category