With the ongoing worldwide pandemic still dominating headlines with news of cases, unfortunate deaths and PPE shortages, people need to protect themselves more than ever. While travel is still somewhat grounded at this time, it won’t be forever. However, protocols for traveling will be different, just as it was different after the events of 9/11.
Transport hubs around the world have implemented new requirements in order to let passengers get from point a to point b. These new requirements include temperature checks, full body sanitization, gloves and probably most importantly, face masks.
When the shortage of face masks for essential personnel was first reported, many companies rose to the occasion to transform their manufacturing plants from the items they were making to face masks. From the CDC sending out an announcement requiring everyone to wear a face mask in public settings, to businesses require that people have one on before entering, getting ones hands on an available face mask seemed like an impossible task. Leaving the medical face masks for the people who needed them most, such as the front line workers who are helping those infected, or the countless others who were keeping locations clean and disinfected, other non-medical grade face masks slowly started becoming available.
Where to Buy Face Masks for Travel
Here are some of the places where you can get a cloth face mask that doesn’t break the bank and may even bring you a bit of joy:
Soul Carrier
These masks are available for immediate shipping. They are comfortable, light and airy, and machine washable with elastic ear pieces. They are non-medical grade. Soul Carrier is also donating masks to Child Crisis Nursery and other facilities and shelters where communal living is unavoidable. Your support means continued support for those in need. Cost – $14.
Disney
Countless beloved Disney characters grace the bodies of these face non-medical masks. They are available for pre-order now. Some of the characters include Mickey & Minnie, characters from Toy Story and characters from the Marvel franchise, in many different colors and design patterns. Disney is donating one million masks for children and families in underserved and vulnerable communities across the country, partnering with MedShare to do so. Cost – $20 for a four-pack.
Sports
Major sports leagues in the country now face cloth face masks available. Partnering with Fanatics, cloth face coverings are available for your favorite NBA, NHL, NFL, and MLS teams. The USWNT, and the NWSL in conjunction with the BreakingT also have coverings available in their respective fan team gear. The WNBA has partnered with both sites for masks. Featuring 100% cotton and elastic closures, these are non-medical grade masks. The NBA and WNBA will be donating proceeds from these sales to Feeding America and Second Harvest Canada. The NHL and MLS will be donating proceeds from these sales to Feeding America and Food Banks Canada. The NFL will be donating proceeds to the CDC Foundation. The USWNT and the NWSL will be donating proceeds to Direct Relief. MLB has taken a different approach than its comrades. They have transformed one of their Fanatics factories from making jerseys into making masks and full gowns for those who are in need of essential, protective material, such as those on the front lines. The other organizations have differing price points. Pre-sales have started Cost – ranges from $15 to $25 depending on the team chosen on the Fanatics site. A triple pack at BreakingT is $35.
Citizens of Humanity
This company has repurposed its sewing facility by first providing masks for front line responders and children’s advocacy groups. They then decided to open up to the public and offer their masks for sale. They are an assortment of colors including denim, they are 100% cotton and must be washed before first use. Cost – $25 for a pack of 5.
Hot Topic
The infamous Hot Topic site has masks available in a great variety of colors, including floral, galaxy, skeleton tattoo, among many others. They also have bandannas in the traditional paisley print available in different colors. They are non-medical grade. These masks are made of polyester and cotton. The bandannas are 100% cotton. The face coverings are currently still in pre-sale. Cost – the masks are on sale for $10.32; non-sale items are $12.90 and the bandannas range from $6.32 for on sale items to $9.90 for non-sale items.
alice + olivia
This company was among the first to convert their factories into making masks to cover the shortage for non-medical grade. For every mask that is sold, they donate one to a community in need. They are made of jersey viscose, with an adjustable, tie knot, elastane ear strap and can be washed. Cost – Ranges from $10 to $12.95.
Marine Layer
These masks take a few weeks to be delivered, but the wait helps a worthy cause, especially if you just want to donate to help get medical grade masks to essential workers. Each $25 donation equals ten masks for those workers. You can get a pack five masks for personal use that are non-medical grade that feature a filter pocket. Cost – $25 for a five-pack.
Vanguard Mask
This mask has the convenience of two different sizes for maximum comfort. For each mask purchased, you have the option of also donating to Cedars Sinai in Los Angeles, or other area hospitals, the LAFD, the USPS or Home Depot. Cost – $26.
Xmask
These masks feature dual valves that perform as ventilation system, preventing warmth and moistness. It especially helps for glasses wearers. Cost – $30 for the mask, $20 for replacement filters.
Akings
The price that these masks are being sold for can’t be beat. These are non-medical disposable, so they cannot be washed, but they come in packs. They feature metal nose bridges to create the best fit. Cost – $1 per mask, with ten-packs, fifty-packs and 100-packs available.
Sweaty Bands
This company transitioned from manufacturing head bands to face masks. These are non-medical grade, alpha-tek wicking, and have antimicrobial fabric. They are made of polyester and spandex. One size fits most, but there are youth sizes available. Cost – $18.
Flu Armour
If you are in need of purchasing masks in bulk, this is the site for you. They are fluid resistant with earloops, they are 100% latex free and feature no uncomfortable pressure points. They are disposable and come in a variety of colors. Cost – $2300 for a case of 50 boxes with 50 per box.
RE-MFRD
For a stronger material, this company has your needs covered. They are heavy-duty, made with military canvas and a zippered pocket in case you want to insert a filter. They are also matching purchases with donations to front-line workers in the Los Angeles area.
Face Mask Aid
For traditional looking masks that can be reused, look no further than here. This package comes with the convenience of a laundry bag system. In the pack, you get two washable and reusable laundry bags – white bag for clean masks and blue bag for dirty masks, with instructions on how to keep them and yourself clean and safe. They are self-tie head straps, three-layers, constructed using 2 layers of cotton woven fabric and one non-woven polypropylene interlining filter. They are made in Brooklyn and quarantined for three days prior to shipping. In addition, they are donating masks as each are purchased to the front-line workers of the crisis in New York City and other places. Cost – $50 for the five-pack and laundry system.
MaskClub
This newly launched subscription based service has partnered with Trevco, a licensing company that can add characters such as Warner Bros., Hasbro and DC to their non-medical grade masks. Cost – $14 for one mask, $10 for the monthly subscription.
We’ve Got You Covered
Universal Music Group has acquired the licensing for different music groups and musicians to have their likeness placed on non-medical grade masks. They range from Billie Eilish to Bob Marley to Queen. All of the proceeds from these purchases will go to Musicares. Cost – $15.
Forever 21
The fast fashion company is currently out of stock of their masks but they are expected to be available once more in May. Every non-medical grade mask has an all-over pattern and a unique design, and self tie ear-straps. For every purchase, the company is donating masks in need to Family Promise. Cost – $5.
Etsy
There are plenty of shops on this creative site that offer masks in different styles, colors and designs. Pay close attention to the description to ensure you get the mask you desire. Cost – varies based on shop.
House of Perna
Colorful masks are available from this fashion house. They are made of cotton and lined with two layers of non-woven interfacing. In addition, each purchase equals a mask donation to a medical professional. Cost – $25.
PPE Safety Masks
For quality, disposable masks, this company make a three-ply mask made of fire retardant material for protection against dust, allergens, and air pollution. Cost – $28 for a 25-pack.
Sanctuary
Their Essential Lifestyle Fashion Masks have two layers of cotton muslin as well as a filter made of non-woven material. They are machine washable but they are not intended for extended use, and are recommended to be thrown out after a few uses. Cost – $28 for a five-pack.
Custom Ink
These masks are breathable, single ply and made of cotton and spandex. You can choose a design or customize your own. Cost – $30 for a 12-pack.
LA Apparel
This fashion brand makes cotton masks with adjustable noses and DIY adjustable straps. The company is partially using the proceeds from these purchases to donate masks to essential services. They are also manufacturing hospital gowns and health care workers. Cost – $30 for a 3-pack.
CASETiFY
The phone case company now offers masks with breathable cotton fabric. They are made with a filter with non-woven materials and washable. With each purchase, they are donating a surgical mask to a healthcare worker in need. Cost – $15.
SwaddleDesigns
A registered nurse runs this baby blanket brand and now manufactures two-layered masks made of double-napped cotton flannel for extra protection. Cost – $10.
House of X
For a unique take on a face mask, turn to this luxury suit brand. The masks offer breathability and comfort while looking fierce. They feature a pocket for interchangeable filters. Cost – ranges from $17 to $30.
StringKing
The owners of this sports brand shifted operations to producing masks in the wake of the pandemic. They are washable cotton masks. Cost – $7 for two-ply, $40 a box for three-layer.
Jaanuu
This company was already in the line of medical production with their scrub designs. They have released a face mask line as well using antimicrobial-finished scrub fabric for a long-lasting mask. For each purchased mask, one will be donated an organization in need, including Baby2Baby. Cost – $25 for both adults and children.
Naturepedic
This mattress company uses its materials to make 100% organic cotton masks with adjustable straps. Cost – $49 for a six-pack.
VIDA
These masks come with adjustable straps as well as filters and that can be replaced every 7 days. They have sizes for adults and kids ages 5 and up. Ten percent of the profits are going to support the San Francisco-Marin Food Bank and Food Bank NYC. Cost – $10.
The Collective at Indigo Style
With African-inspired print, this vintage Brooklyn company has transformed their clothing to mask production. Their ear loops are made of comfortable fabric lining. For every eight masks bought, 50 are donated to essential workers, including laundry, grocery store, and transit workers in New York City. Cost – $15 for a kids mask, $25 for an adult mask.
Victoria’s Secret PINK
Victoria’s Secret now has reusable face masks available. There’s a limit of two per customer; masks are expected to ship on or around May 23. PINK bandannas are also on sale. Cost – $9.50 for masks and $6.95 for bandannas.
Related post:
How to Make A Face Mask
Enhanced Disinfecting Protocols to be used by Airlines & Hotels
Free Things for Healthcare Workers & First Responders
