8 best exercise face masks, according to health experts
The health experts we consulted prefer face masks from Under Armour, Hanes, Amazon and other popular sportswear brands.
Equinox personal trainer Andrew Schillaci dons these disposable face masks on days he anticipates getting "extra sweaty" while working out. Simply put, these masks “get the job done" for Schillaci, who coaches clients both virtually and in-person. teaches virtual Zoom exercise classes. YHDoll's disposable 3-ply masks earned a 4.6-star average rating from more than 860 Amazon reviews. These masks are available in several colors like Black, Blue and Purple. If you prefer a mix of colors, then consider the Multicolor set comprised of Pink, Navy, Black, Grey and Blue masks.
Podiatrist Ashley Lee, DPM, rotates between a few face masks when working out, including "good, breathable" options from Athleta and Under Armour. However, she "loves" wearing SooQoo's disposable face masks because "they are the most breathable" masks she has come across. Lee, a double-board certified podiatrist at Northern Illinois Foot & Ankle Specialists, likes to rock these masks while doing strength training exercises and light-to-moderate yoga. These Black 3-ply disposable face masks are available in packs of 100 and boast a 4.7-star average rating from more than 11,000 Amazon reviews.
Chicago-based orthopedic surgeon Richard Berger, MD, likes exercising with these "smooth, breathable and flexible" Lululemon masks. Personal trainer Dale Santiago is also a fan and will whip out his Lululemon masks when strength-training. They feature two adjustable straps and are designed with the brand's Ultralu material, which is designed to be sweat-wicking and offers a 4-way stretch. Each pack comes with three neutral-toned face masks, like Dusty Bronze, Soft Sand and Desert Sand. If you prefer deeper tones, opt for the set featuring Dark Olive, Heritage 365 Camo and Asphalt Grey.
Dheeraj Taranath, DO, a regional medical director of walk-in health clinic MedExpress Urgent Care, needs his face masks to be made from "lightweight, breathable and moisture-wicking" materials. These Black, reusable 2-ply Reebok face masks come in packs of three. They are made from more than 90-percent recycled polyester and have stretchy earloops.
With warmer weather just around the corner, you might be looking for "breathable and lightweight" face masks to stay relatively cool while exercising. Taranath said his Hanes reusable exercise face masks fit the bill. The brand's 3-ply face masks are made from 100-percent cotton and boast moisture-wicking Cool Comfort technology. You can order the face masks in either a pack of 10 or 50.
Crouchelli wears his “stylish” and “multiuse” Infinity masks while working out and to dinners with friends. They offer UPF50+ protection and are made with chlorine-resistant materials, according to Koral. Since they are machine-safe masks, Crouchelli will toss them into the wash “if they were building up an odor” and said they will be “back to use in no time.” The CDC advises washing your cloth face masks “whenever it gets dirty or at least regularly.” Drying face masks is simple — either place them in the dryer or hand and air dry outside.
When Dogpound founding trainer Rhys Athayde exercises, he opts for “breathable” face masks with a filter pocket. Right now, he can be found donning this “very lightweight” 3-ply silk face mask from Discover Night because the fabric feels “very good” on his skin. In our guide to the best bedding for skin, Hadley King, MD, a board-certified dermatologist, called silk a “lightweight, breathable and non-irritating” fabric. These face masks are available in seven colors, including Gunmetal, Blush and Champagne.
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