• Face shields have traditionally been used by healthcare professionals as part of their work-provided personal protective equipment (PPE).
  • However, as the novel coronavirus continues to spread, more people are looking into wearing face shields for added protection from the virus.
  • We consulted with Dr. Graham Snyder, an infectious disease and prevention specialist at the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center to learn about the potential benefits of face shields and what to look for when choosing one.
  • You can also check out our guides on where to buy cloth face masks on Etsy, Amazon, and from other fashion brands.
  • This article was medically reviewed by Dr. Jason R. McKnight, MD, MS, a family medicine physician and clinical assistant professor at Texas A&M College of Medicine.

Over the past several months, many studies have shown that wearing a face mask in public helps contain the spread of the novel coronavirus.

While there’s some evidence the new coronavirus can be contracted by touching a surface on which the virus is active, it appears that it’s quite rare for infection to happen that way. Researchers determined that the virus is primarily transmitted from one individual to another via tiny droplets projected into the air.

Usually, this occurs when an infected person coughs or sneezes, although being in close proximity while talking or singing can potentially spread COVID-19 as well. As such, the Center for Disease Control recommends wearing face masks to help curtail the spread of the disease.

However, healthcare professionals tell us that those same simple strips of cloth aren’t especially great at keeping the person wearing them safe from COVID-19, even though they prevent the wearer from transmitting the disease themselves. So, what about plastic face shields? Do they offer better all-around protection than a face mask? And if so, what should we look for in a face shield and where is the best place to buy one?

We interviewed Dr. Graham Snyder, an infectious disease and prevention specialist at the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, to learn more about the potential benefits of face shields and what to look for while shopping for one.

Face masks vs. face shields

Since face masks are typically made of cloth, they're somewhat permeable. Because of this, it's possible for smaller droplets to pass through the mask and potentially infect others. A plastic face shield greatly reduces the chances of that happening.

But how much more effective is a shield when compared to a mask? According to a study conducted back in 2014, a face shield was able to reduce the level of exposure to a virus that was projected as little as 18 inches away by as much as 96%.

"A face shield provides eye protection, which is important when it comes to preventing the spread of the virus," Dr. Snyder told Business Insider. "A shield can also keep us from touching our eyes and face, which is another way that coronavirus can spread."

Eye protection isn't the only benefit a face shield provides. Shields are also more comfortable to wear and don't obstruct the wearer's ability to breathe. Additionally, they're much easier to keep clean and reuse as compared to cloth masks, which are less durable and usually require machine or hand washing (drying them in the dryer is also recommended).

Because a shield sits in front of the face as opposed to on it, it's easier to communicate while wearing one as well. Face shields are also transparent, which allows the hearing impaired to read the lips of the person wearing it.

Who might want to wear a face shield?

Snyder said that face shields are especially important for medical staff, who face a much higher likelihood of exposure to infectious diseases compared to the general public. Because a face shield provides coverage of the nose, mouth, and eyes, the chances of exposure are greatly reduced, keeping healthcare professionals safer and healthier. When used in conjunction with a surgical mask, the risks drop even further.

"Face shields are part of every medical professional's personal protective equipment," Snyder said. "Because they interact with more potentially infected people on a daily basis, they require a greater level of protection than the average person."

According to Snyder, cloth face masks offer more than adequate protection for the community at large. "As long as individuals continue to socially distance themselves from others, and wear a mask while in public, a shield simply isn't necessary," he said. "The level of exposure for most people simply isn't great enough to warrant wearing a shield."

Face shields may not be necessary for the general public, but some experts feel they can still benefit essential workers operating in fields outside of healthcare. For instance, bus drivers, grocery store clerks, and convenience store workers all have the potential to interact with infected individuals on a daily basis. When school resumes in Philadelphia, teachers will wear face shields, too.

Dr. Anthony Fauci also recommends wearing goggles or some form of an eye shield to further avoid infection. The CDC currently recommends eye coverings for healthcare workers, though Fauci says that it's important to cover each mucosal surface and that "if you really want to be complete, you should probably use [an eye shield]."

How to shop for a face shield

Dr. Snyder shared some advice for workers who are considering a face shield. He said that shields generally come in two varieties: Those that resemble a welder's mask and versions that come with a plastic eye shield attached to the top of a surgical mask. Both types achieve the same goal of providing the wearer with eye protection, which is ultimately the biggest benefit that comes from wearing a shield.

Snyder also told us that wearing safety glasses or goggles can achieve the same effect, and cited those options as possible alternatives to face shields.

If you're searching for a face shield to add to your own collection of PPE, there are a number of options available for purchase online. Most of the face shields are quite affordable and offer a similar set of features, although there are a few models that stand out. Here are some suggestions for the best face shields you can buy online.

Here are the best face shields:

Updated on 8/3/2020 by Rick Stella: Added link to Dr. Anthon Fauci recommending that people wear goggles or eye shields to further protect against coronavirus infection, checked the availability of each included face shield, and updated the prices and links where necessary.

Pleson 5-Piece Face Shield

The Pleson Face Shield 5-pack is an affordable option for those who want a bit of extra protection from exposure to an airborne virus. The plastic shield provides maximum coverage, stretching from the forehead down past the chin, and wrapping around both sides of the face.

The shield features an anti-fog coating to keep it from getting steamed up and potentially obscuring the wearer's vision. The face guard is durable and easy to clean, which makes it easy to reuse.

For added comfort, the face shield comes with a padded elastic headband. The additional padding is intended to make it more comfortable to wear and to prevent chafing or irritating the skin. The face shield's headband is flexible and can expand or contract to fit just about anyone, including children.

You can also wear glasses and a face mask underneath the shield for a higher level of protection. The simple, yet effective, design makes this face shield a good choice for nearly everyone.

Mada 10-Pack Reusable Face Shield

Foto: Source: Amazon

With slightly thicker plastic and a more substantial headband, the Mada Face Shield is a good choice for those who might have concerns about the long-term durability of their face shield.

Made in the US, this model uses thicker plastics and comes with an adjustable headband designed to comfortably accommodate a wide variety of head sizes, while cradling the shield against the forehead.

The durable, clear, and easy-to-clean plastic shield provides ample coverage from both top to bottom and side to side. Because it is made from PETG (polyethylene terephthalate glycol) plastic, it is much harder to break than ordinary plastic.

This face shield comes in a four-pack and costs a little more than some other options, but it also has improved build quality that makes it a good choice for those who need a shield that they can wear all day long without worrying whether or not it will hold up over time.

ArtToFrames Protective Face Shield

Foto: Source: Amazon

The ArtToFrames Protective Face Shield distinguishes itself from the competition in two ways: price and simplicity. Much like the other models on our list, this face shield is equipped with protective plastic that wraps 180 degrees around the face. The shield is also easy to keep clean and reuse time and time again.

However, while most face shields use a headband to hold themselves in place, this one is attached to an acrylic frame that resembles an oversized set of lensless glasses. The design makes it easy to take the shield on and off and it could be more comfortable to wear for extended periods of time.

Whereas headbands can be warm and constricting, these plastic frames might make it easy to forget that you're wearing a face shield. You can wear it even if you already have prescription glasses.

This face shield also has an affordable price tag. While other face shields aren't necessarily expensive, this one is just so accessible in terms of cost, design, and comfort that it is easy to recommend.

US Stock Second Generation Face Shield

Foto: Source: Amazon

This face shield shares many of the same features as the others we've recommended. It provides protection for the entire face, but has a unique design that makes it easier to breathe for those who might get a little claustrophobic. It also comes with a one-size-fits-all headband that is snug, comfortable to wear, and can be reused after a thorough cleaning.

The design of this face shield is slightly different in that it's attached to the headband by a pair of rotating fasteners. That way, the wearer can safely rotate the plastic covering up and out of the way when it isn't needed and they don't have to take the shield off whenever they want to grab a bite to eat or take a drink of water. Best of all, the plastic sheet stays locked in the upright position until the wearer is ready to pull it back down in front of their face.

The company sells additional shields in case you need to replace the original one. It may be worth paying a little extra money for it if you intend to wear your shield for extended periods of time and want one that's easy to move out of the way as needed.

Axowr Safety Full Shield Cap

Foto: Source: Amazon

If the idea of wearing a face shield doesn't bother you at all, but you're not really a fan of the headbands used to hold them in place, then perhaps this one might appeal to you. In this case, the face shield is actually attached to a baseball-style cap, giving it a more casual look.

The basic black cap is certainly of the no-frills variety, but the shield connects to it easily and can be removed from the hat when not in use so you're left with a normal hat.

The plastic shield is reusable and offers plenty of horizontal and vertical coverage. It has anti-fogging built in and is completely clear. The wearer can also rotate the face shield up and out of the way when it's not needed.

Despite the fact that it ships with a baseball cap, this face shield remains very affordable. It is a good choice for anyone looking for the protection that a shield has to offer, but without the clinical design found on most other options. The inclusion of the cap gives this a slightly more whimsical feel that makes it more approachable.