- With medical-grade surgical masks and N-95 masks in extremely high demand for healthcare workers and COVID-19 patients, the CDC suggests that the general public not buy them in an effort to keep them in stock for people who need them most.
- Instead, the CDC recommends that all people wear some sort of cloth face covering when in public – whether it be a homemade mask, a scarf, or a bandana.
- Wearing a cloth mask won’t completely protect you from contracting the new coronavirus, but it can reduce the possibility of spreading it, whether you’re showing symptoms or not.
- Etsy has become a popular place to shop for homemade masks, so we rounded up 12 highly-rated options. However, we recommend specifically choosing ones with adjustable nose bridges for more secure coverage.
- This article was medically reviewed by Tania Elliott, MD, who specializes in infectious diseases related to allergies and immunology for internal medicine at NYU Langone Health.
As the novel coronavirus continues to spread, medical-grade surgical masks and N95 respirators are in extremely high demand. However, the CDC has issued guidance that recommends all medical-grade masks and respirator supplies be reserved for sick patients and healthcare workers on the front lines.
Instead, the CDC still recommends that everyone wear cloth masks in public, whether it’s for essential trips to places like grocery stores, hospitals, and pharmacies or for non-essentials outings like going to the park or the beach.
With many states requiring that everyone outside wear face coverings and certain businesses making them mandatory for entry or service, people are resorting to buying homemade masks, and Etsy has become a popular place to find them.
It's worth noting that items sold on Etsy, such as masks and hand sanitizers, aren't medical-grade, and that Etsy sellers cannot make medical or health claims. However, the CDC has created a list of recommended guidelines for people interested in creating them at home for personal use or for selling online.
Why is it important to wear a face mask?
Wearing a cloth face mask may not prevent you from contracting the coronavirus or any other virus, but it can decrease the likelihood of spreading germs.
The CDC's guidelines say that "cloth face coverings may prevent the person wearing the mask from spreading respiratory droplets when talking, sneezing, or coughing. If everyone wears a cloth face covering when out in public, such as going to the grocery store, the risk of exposure to SARS-CoV-2 can be reduced for the community."
According to Anthony Fauci, director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Disease, somewhere between 25% and 50% of people infected with the new coronavirus may be asymptomatic or presymptomatic.
Whether you're asymptomatic, pre-symptomatic, or showing mild symptoms that could be brushed off as a common cold, there's still a possibility you've contracted the new coronavirus and can unknowingly spread it to others. For this reason, the CDC recommends that everyone, not just those who show symptoms, wear a face mask outside the home.
Note that cloth face masks are not medical grade and that additions like filters, unless they are carbon or HEPA, have not been proven to be any safer or more effective.
The CDC recommends that face masks have the following features:
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- A snug fit that sits comfortably against the side of the face
- Ties or ear loops that keep it secure
- Multiple layers of fabric
- Allow for breathing without restriction
- The ability to be laundered and machine dried without damage or change to its shape
It should be noted that there are some people who should not wear masks. According to the CDC, this includes "children under age 2, or anyone who has trouble breathing, is unconscious, incapacitated or otherwise unable to remove the mask without assistance."
To help you pick out cloth masks for you and your family, we've rounded up some of the highest-rated options on Etsy. All of them are machine-washable and should be washed immediately when you receive them as well as in between every wear. When shopping, you'll want to be mindful of long delivery times due to high demand and no returns due to the nature of the product.
Although we haven't tested them personally, these options have gotten solid reviews from customers. You can also check out specific categories here to meet your needs:
Shop all non-medical face masks on Etsy, or see top-rated options below.
Cotton face mask by BKBTailoring
Cotton face mask, starting at $9.50
Designed to be light and comfortable yet protective, BKBTailoring's mask is made from 100% cotton. With elastic straps and a one-size-fits-all construction, this one should work for most adults. You'll also save when you buy in bulk.
Filter insert: No
Adjustable nose wire: No
Four-layer face mask with filter by Airquilo
Four-layer face mask with filter, $9.99
At less than $10, Airquilo's face mask is one of the most affordable options you can buy, especially for one with a filter insert and an adjustable nose wire. It's a solid value if you want to stock up on multiples for you and your family. The seller has more than 18,000 sales on Etsy and a five-star rating.
Filter insert: Yes
Filter included: No, but available separately through the seller
Adjustable nose wire: Yes
Filtered face mask by SHOPMILKNTOAST
Filtered face mask, $7.99
SHOPMILKNTOAST's mask is an especially good choice because it comes with five filters, which can be inserted for more protection. The mask itself is made from 10-ounce cotton that's also washable. With over 10,000 total sales on Etsy and a 5-star seller rating, this is a purchase you can feel good about.
Filter insert: Yes
Filter included: Yes, five filters are included
Adjustable nose wire: No
Spandex and cotton filtered mask by SoulMonogram
Spandex and cotton face mask, $8.95
Made from spandex and cotton, SoulMonogram's mask is double-layered but still form-fitting and breathable. The interior of the mask has a filter insert, although you'll have to source your own. The Etsy store is well-trusted with more than 10,000 total sales and a five-star rating.
Filter insert: No
Adjustable nose wire: No
Women's satin tapered cut face mask by KGVCX
Women's satin tapered cut face mask, $31.95
While most masks are made of cotton, KGVCX's mask is made of satin with a luxe-looking sheen. Although there isn't a nose wire, the tapered cut appears to fit well on the face. The Etsy store is relatively new with just over 1,800 total sales, but its 5-star rating and customer reviews indicate that people are happy with the quality.
Filter insert: No
Adjustable nose wire: No
Activated carbon filtered face masks from ByZari
Activated carbon filtered face mask 2-pack, from $26
Featuring a built-in breathing valve, ByZari's mask is a great choice for staying cooler in the heat and humidity. Sold in packs of two, each mask comes with an activated carbon filter for added protection.
Filter insert: Yes
Filter included: Yes
Adjustable nose wire: No
Children's cloth face mask by LifebytheYard
Children's cloth face mask, from $11.19
LifebytheYards' masks come in 70 different designs, so you'll surely be able to find some that your little ones love. They're also made in adult sizes so you can get one to match. Each is made with two layers of cotton and is washable.
Filter insert: No
Adjustable nose wire: No
Reversible and washable face mask by BTouchCreations
Reversible and washable face mask, $15.90
BTouchCreations' face mask is made from double-layered cotton and features a reversible and washable design. With over 2,200 total sales and a 5-star seller rating, this mask has become a bestseller on Etsy.
Filter insert: No
Adjustable nose wire: No
Washable cotton face mask by NeovicGoods
Washable cotton face mask, $4.50
NeovicGoods' unisex design is offered in a variety of colors, making it easy to match your personal style. NeovicGoods has over 100,000 total sales on Etsy and over 7,000 positive reviews for these masks specifically.
Filter insert: No
Adjustable nose wire: No
Patterned cotton face mask and filter by PartyKatDesigns
Washable cotton face masks, $8.95
With lots of fun colors and patterns, these organic cotton masks are great for larger families who want to keep track of whose mask is whose. The masks are available in kids' and adult sizes, and there's even an option to personalize with an embroidered name. This seller has nearly 14,000 sales on Etsy and a 5-star seller rating.
Filter insert: No
Adjustable nose wire: No
Filtered face mask by BlackButterflySigns
Filtered face mask, $11.90
BlackButterflySigns' face mask features a unique design that contours to your face and nose. With an adjustable nose wire and an insert for a filter, it includes everything you'll want for a comfortable fit and added protection. However, filters are not included with the purchase. With over 31,000 total sales and a 5-star rating, this seller is trusted on Etsy.
Filter insert: Yes, but no filters included (some people use coffee filters or additional fabric inside the filter pocket)
Filter included: No
Adjustable nose wire: Yes
Cat face mask by Axeandco
Cat face mask, starting at $14.24
If you're a cat lover, this mask is one you won't want to miss. The unisex design is available in a variety of cat styles, so you can likely find one that matches your favorite feline at home.
Filter insert: Yes
Filter included: Yes, two filters are included
Adjustable nose wire: No
Here's how to create your own face mask, as recommended by the U.S. Surgeon General: