We battle with pollution on a daily basis. When we hop on the train on the way to work, when we cross the street to visit our neighbors, or when we go to far away places on vacation, pollution is right there. As much as we’d like to breathe in clean air 24/7, it’s just not possible.
However, one thing we can do to reduce the amount of polluted air that enters our breathing space is to purchase purchase and wear an air purifier mask. An air purifier mask is built with filters that prevent you from breathing in potentially harmful air pollutants. Read our reviews on the best air purifier masks available on the market today!
Top 4 Air Purifier Masks
Product | Features | Price |
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1. Debrief Me Military-Grade Dust Mask
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2. Base Camp Dust/Breathing Mask
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3. Infityle Dust Mask
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4. Fightech Dust Mask
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Coway Air Purifier Mask
1. Debrief Me Military-Grade Dust Mask
The Debrief Me N99 Dust Mask is one of the most popular and widely-used air purifier masks on the market today. Available in a variety of colors and patterns, this mask is both washable and reusable and comes with 6 extra replacement filters.
The Debrief Me mask has 5 layers: a spunbonded cloth layer, a high efficiency cloth layer, an activated carbon layer, another high efficiency cloth layer, and finally another spunbonded cloth layer. Together, all these layers work to protect you from outdoor air pollutants like dust, smoke, and allergens.
Unfortunately, users have claimed the Debrief Me mask isn’t as breathable as they’d like. In addition, there are some air gaps in the mask that may allow some pollutants to pass through. Overall, however, the Debrief Me mask is an effective air purifier mask that comes at a very affordable price. Furthermore, its sizing allows it to fit most wearers snugly.
Pros
- Comes in different colors and designs
- Washable and reusable
- Available in small children’s sizes
- Affordable (upfront and long-term)
- Filters out 99% of air pollutants with high efficiency
- Easy to maintain
- Comes with replacement filters
Cons
- Not very breathable
- Air gaps
2. Base Camp Dust/Breathing Mask
Like the Debrief Me mask, the Base Camp mask is also an N99 mask which means it has a 99% efficiency to filter out PM2.5 air pollutants like dust, allergens, and other small particles. Unlike the Debrief Me mask, the Base Camp mask only comes in black but comes in different external mesh designs. It also comes with 6 replacement filters and can be washed and reused.
Unfortunately, the biggest complaint with this mask is that it exudes as strong chemical smell due to the neoprene material which was used to construct the mask. Users have also reported that the sizing isn’t flexible and that the mask tends to get warm while in use. Despite a few complaints, however, the Base Camp mask is a great choice, particularly for those who do woodwork.
Pros
- Comfortable and breathable
- Relatively affordable
- Comes with replacement filters
- Ideal for sanding and woodwork
- High efficiency filter removes 99% of air pollutants
- Washable and reusable
Cons
- Strong chemical smell
- One size does not fit all
- Can be warm
3. Infityle Dust Mask
The Infityle Dust mask is the most affordable dust mask on this list, but don’t let its modest price tag fool you! This N99 mask is also capable of filtering out up to 99% of outdoor pollutants and also comes in a variety of colors. Overall, it’s designed quite similarly to the other masks on this list.
However, unlike the others, the Infityle mask does not come with replacement filters which is probably why it’s significantly cheaper upfront. Furthermore, users have also complained of the mask’s uncomfortable nose clip design and the fact that the mask tend to come quite large. But if you’re on the lookout for an affordable mask that’s reliable and prevent air pollutants from plaguing your airways, you can always count on the Infityle mask.
Pros
- Works well against allergies and smoke
- Very affordable
- Comfortable and breathable
- Ideal for woodworking and fighting smoke
- High efficiency filters filter out most air pollutants
- Washable and reusable
Cons
- Doesn’t come with free replacement filters
- Uncomfortable design
- One size does not fit all
4. Fightech Dust Mask
The Fightech Dust Mask is another popular N99 dust mask, that comes at a pretty affordable price with 4 replacement carbon filters to boot. What makes it stand out from the other masks, however, is that it uses two activated carbon filter layers for twice the odor removal. This makes the Fightech mask ideal for use against odors, smoke, and fumes that you may encounter on a daily basis.
Some users have complained that this dust mask tends to get quite hot while in use and tends to come quite large like the Infityle mask. Those with smaller faces may want to look elsewhere for their mask. All things considered, however, the Fightech mask does give you more value for your money and works well as an air purifier mask.
Pros
- Washable and reusable
- Affordable
- Comes with 4 replacement filters
- Comes in different colors
- Breathable and comfortable
- Fights allergies and other pollutants with 99% efficiency
- Dual carbon filters fight odors
Cons
- Can be warm
- Doesn’t fit smaller faces
Buyer’s Guide:
Air Purifier Mask
How Air Purifier Masks Work
Air purifier masks, commonly referred to as dust masks or anti-pollution masks, are commonly used to prevent inhalation of any potentially harmful air pollutants outdoors. These masks use multiple layers of filters and cloths to trap air pollutants.
Most masks use a high efficiency cloth filter as well as a carbon filter sandwiched between two layers of non-woven cloth. The masks also have one or two exhalation valves for easier breathing and better airflow.
The Efficiency of Air Purifier Masks
Air purifier masks are categorized as either N95 or N99 which denotes their efficiency. N95 masks are capable of trapping up to 95% of airborne pollutants while N99 masks can trap up to 99%. There are other categories beyond these two, but they are less commonly available.
Category | Efficiency |
N95 | Filters 95% of air pollutants. Not resistant to oil. |
N99 | Filters 99% of air pollutants. Not resistant to oil. |
N100 | Filters 99.97% of air pollutants. Not resistant to oil. |
R95 | Filters 95% of air pollutants. Slightly resistant to oil. |
P95 | Filters 95% of air pollutants. Very resistant to oil. |
P99 | Filters 99% of air pollutants. Very resistant to oil. |
P100 | Filters 99.97% of air pollutants. Very resistant to oil. |
Factors Affecting Effectiveness
Unfortunately, air purifier masks are quite iffy as there are several factors that affect their effectiveness especially in daily and prolonged use.
- Filter type – The types of air pollutants removed will depend on the type and efficiency of the filter used.
- Presence of valves – These valves make it easier to breathe and lessen the build-up of heat
- Mask leaks – Gaps in the mask or gaps between the mask and the face will greatly reduce the effectiveness of the mask and allow air pollutants in.
- Face shape and size – It’s important that the size of your mask is perfect for your face shape and size.
- Presence of beard – Having a huge, bushy beard will affect the efficiency of the mask as beards create gaps between the mask and the face.
- The overall fit – Truth be told, the most important factor that affects the effectiveness of air purifier masks is the fit. There cannot be any gaps between your face and the mask, so it has to fit as snugly as possible without making the wearer uncomfortable.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do air purifier masks work against chemical fumes?
How often should I replace my mask’s filter?
Why does my mask have a strong chemical smell?
Final Thoughts
Air pollution has become increasingly prevalent both inside and outside our homes. Long term exposure to air pollution can bring about a whole host of health problems and we need to take the necessary precautions to protect ourselves. One of the ways we can avoid breathing in polluted air is to invest in a good air purifier mask.
After much consideration, we’ve decided that the best air purifier mask you can buy today that’ll give you more bang for your book and has been proven to be effective against a wide array of air pollutants is the Debrief Me Military-Grade Mask. Its excellent performance and attractive designs make it an ideal choice.