Prime Minister Boris Johnson may have announced a roadmap for navigating us out of lockdown (hooray), but face masks are likely to be a mainstay in our lives for the foreseeable future.
While it’s nice to have some super-stylish masks that match your cute outfit, the best disposable face masks are really practical to have on-hand if you forget your fashionable one. A disposable face mask is a one-use piece, so it also means less washing, which can only be a good thing.
It’s important to make sure your disposable face mask is a snug fit, with no big gaps between the mask and your cheeks. And having more than one layer will offer better protection to those around you.
Experts at Superdrug say: "To ensure your mask offers you the best level of protection, you must either wash it on a regular basis or use a single-use face mask, which is disposable to reduce your risk of infection.
"To take the hassle out of having to wash your mask after every use, try a disposable face mask. Not only can you bin them after each use to save you time, but they can also offer a higher level of protection than your average face coverings as many of them have triple layered 3-ply fabric to offer better filtration.
"And, as you can dispose of them after one use, they run a lower risk of you contracting an infection as there’s less chance of any viruses or bacteria remaining on the mask like many reusable ones after washing."
So, whether you're grabbing coffee or heading to the supermarket, we've rounded up the best disposable face masks for the job below.
Best disposable face masks for 2021
1. Boots 3PLY Adult Protective Face Mask - 20 Pack
Do they look really pretty? No, but they have 98% proven bacterial filtration and a protective three-layer construction to help protect against speech, cough and sneezing droplets.
The disposable face masks from Boots are latex-free and have a high-quality breathable fabric, making them easy to wear. Comes in a pack of 20 so you have a good amount on-hand, and can keep some in the car and some at home.
Price: £10, Boots - buy here now
2. Termin8 Disposable Face Mask x50 Type 1
Fed up of washing your face mask all the time? This pack of 50 disposable face masks will mean that's a thing of the past.
They're ideal for wearing to prevent infection from airborne viruses and diseases, however they also work to prevent transmission and can also help to prevent inhalation of air pollutants. They come in the three-layer build in the pleat style, and have stretchy earlobes for comfortable wearing.
Price: £22.49, Superdrug - buy here now
3. IIR Wondo medical face mask - pack of 50
Forgotten why we should all be wearing face masks? Droplets are released into the air when you speak, cough and sneeze. These droplets may carry harmful particles, and wearing a face mask can reduce the number of droplets released from the wearer into the air, which can protect others.
These disposable face masks have three layers, and boast an integral nose clip for a secure and comfortable fit. You can buy them in packs of 50 (which makes them 56p per mask), 100 (52 per mask), or 200 (49p per mask).
Price: £27.99, Lloyds Pharmacy - buy here now
4. Orzly Disposable Face Masks Pack of 50 Assorted Colours for 3-ply
Fed up of wearing blue masks all the time? Inject some fun into your disposable face masks and choose a pack with assorted colours, including pink, white, yellow and black.
They feature an adjustable nose bridge to fit securely and are latex-free, breathable and comfortable.
The three-layer defence is designed to offer a specific defensive function, and includes an outer isolation layer, a middle filtration layer, and an inner soft skin-friendly fabric layer.
One reviewer wrote: "Just what I wanted. Having to make numerous hospital visits for treatment at the moment so ideal. Like the choice of colours and the whole family can benefit. Quick delivery from ordering too. Very satisfied."
Price: £9.61, Amazon - buy here now
5. 50 Pcs Disposable Face Masks with 3-Layer Shield
On a budget? These disposable face masks are a great choice. Coming in a pack of 50, they feature the three-layer filter design and have highly elastic ear loops, so the mask covers your face from the nose to the chin, achieving a good seal without tightness.
These are bestsellers on Amazon, and one happy customer wrote: "After spending ages trawling through Amazon for disposable face masks and reading many negative reviews I finally decided to risk buying these. Having received them, I am pleasantly surprised by their quality, the nose strip is also rigid enough to keep the masks nicely in place once fitted. I’d definitely consider ordering again."
Price: £6.79, Amazon - buy here now
6. Omnitex 50pk 3ply Premium Type II Disposable Surgical Face Mask
This British-based brand offers a type II standard disposable face mask, which means it offers at least 98% bacterial filtration.
They have the three-layer filtered set-up, and are latex, nickel, cadmium, and fibreglass-free. They're lightweight, odourless, easy-to-wear and a good price.
One customer said: "I chose them because they are described as medical grade and made in the UK. Imagine my delight to discover they’re made in Glasgow! They feel good on my face and ear loops are comfortable. There is good face contact at the sides and the nose bridge grip is enclosed and comfortable. I would buy them again."
Price: £7.90, Amazon - buy here now
7. NUÜR 50pcs Tie Dye 3 Ply Disposable Face Mask - pack of 50
Add a splash of pattern and colour to your look with this pack of tie dye disposable face masks, which come in an array of pretty shades and prints.
The 3-ply masks are breathable and lightweight, and have an adjustable concealed nose clip to ensure a secure fit for all, from adults to children.
The trendy colours and comfortable design also offer good protection during everyday activities, whether it's shopping or going to the office.
One rave review said: "I ordered 50 of these masks after trying a pack of 10 a few weeks ago. They are comfortable, lightweight, and the only ones I have found, disposable or washable, that do not make my glasses steam up. So, wearing a mask is no longer a real problem and this has made a huge difference to my life. Also, they come in many attractive colours and patterns, and are very good value for money."
Price: £12.99, Amazon - buy here now
8. Merrimen 100pk 3 PLY Disposable Face Masks
Opt for a sleek and chic look with these black disposable face masks. The 3-ply offers good protection, and the non-woven fabric is breathable with a strong filtering effect.
The masks are good for sensitive skin (helping to prevent the dreaded 'maskne'), and have a bendable nose clip, ensuring the mask fits your face perfectly. A great alternative to the usual blue hue.
