Looking for a face mask following the UK Government announcing the advice.
People should “wear a face covering in enclosed spaces where social distancing is not always possible and they come into contact with others that they do not normally meet, for example on public transport or in some shops”, the government document says.
I have been looking to purchase masks for my family and have found it difficult to know where to start, which are best and which retailers have stock.
I have collated a list of where to buy both reusable fabric design face masks and those which might offer additional protection.
Before you purchase via one of the links below, be aware that wearing a mask will not stop you from getting COVID-19. However, it could help protect others – if you’re carrying the virus but not aware of it and wearing a face mask if you’re in an public place or an areas where it’s difficult to socially distance effectively could help prevent others from catching it from you.
Cambridge Mask Co
Out of all of the masks that I have ordered these and they claim to have the highest protection levels out of all of the masks on this page as they offer N99 standard of particulate filtration. This means they provide nearly 100% protection from particulate pollution such as PM2.5 and PM0.3
The only downside is that these masks are so popular there is a pre-order waiting list with a shipment delay of several weeks. According to their website, their masks can be worn for up to 200 to 300 hours, or three to six months and come in a range of sizes for all the family costing £24.95 per mask plus an additional delivery charge.
Buy on the Cambridge Mask Co website
Virustatic Shield
I ordered one of these face coverings after reading about them on the BBC website. It is more of a snood than a face mask and was developed in North Wales and the result of 10 years of research by UK biochemists.
The snood, which is available to buy online for £20 (£24.20 with delivery), is slipped over the head and pulled up over the nose. It is suitable for the whole family and is designed to mould to the face so it doesn’t slip down.
Its inventors claim the protein coating offers “96 per cent protection against airborne viruses”.
Buy on the Virustatic Shield website
Hype
I have purchased the Hype masks for the girls and they come in a pack of 3 in a choice of cool designs and also have a FFP1 filter. Since my initial order, Hype have also announced that their fabric adult face masks are now available and like the kids masks, all profits go to the NHS.
Noordi Antimicrobial Face Masks
I have also also ordered reusable face masks from Noordi®, Scandinavia’s leading manufacturer of baby strollers. These masks are available in a range of colours and sizes for the family and are priced at £5.99 with free delivery if you spend £50.00
Buy on the Samuel Johnston website
Vida
The Vida face masks contain a multi-layer PM2.5 Filter and features an integrated metal nose-piece to ensure a snug fit.
These masks fit adults and kids for ages 5 and up. I have placed an order with Vida who are based in the USA but also ship to the UK. A family 4-pack of masks cost $48.40 including shipping to the UK using the code VIDA10. Additional protective mask replacement filters cost $12.
Disney
Disney have released a collection of face masks to buy via the American ShopDisney store that look so cute and kids will love them. Designs are inspired from classic Disney movies such as Toy Story, Star Wars, Mickey and Minnie Mouse and the Marvel films.
These colourful masks come in a range of sizes for the whole family and are currently available for pre-order for shipment in July. These cloth face masks cost $19.99 for a pack of four, $35.40 including delivery to the UK.
Wolves Football Club
Wolves have become the first Premier League team to release its own branded face mask. These are currently available for pre-order for £8 and all profits got to NHS charities.
Lancashire Textiles
Lancashire Textiles, which usually makes duvets, pillows and mattresses are now using their skills to create non-medical face masks.
The face masks come in a range of designs and sizes for the entire family with prices starting from £8.99 plus delivery.
Buy on the Lancashire Textiles website
Reusable Cotton Masks
These cotton face masks are made in Latvia but offer free shipping to the UK on orders over £10. There seem to be lots of different patterns available and offer both an adult and child option.
Buy on the Reusable Cotton Masks website
UK Meds
I came across a company called UK Meds who are offering FFP2 (N95-equivalent) single-use surgical face masks for a price of £9.95. They are also offering a box of three masks for £25.95 plus delivery.
Their website states that these masks meet the requirement from the World Health Organisation (WHO) for fighting Sars, avian flu and coronavirus.