The Best Cleaning Masks

Your guide to this review today is by Cleaning expert Adam Barker
Published on
March 12th, 2019

Expert BioExpert Bio

Adam has a passion for cleaning from his youth growing up in England, and he has carried it with him to the US. Adam’s formal training and certifications in cleaning include the Advanced System Cleaning specialist (For HVAC cleaning / ductwork), through NADCA (this is the highest certification that NADCA has), as well as several other certifications from the IICRC. Adam has either advised, consulted, or done research with dozens of cleaning and cleaning related business entities. Adam holds an undergraduate degree from Oxford, a Master’s degree from Oxford, and a Master’s degree from Harvard Business School.

The Cleaning Institute

Airborne dangers can be lurking anywhere, from dust to chemicals, to paint particles, etc. Protecting your respiratory system is extremely important to remember no matter what you are working on. Whether you are in the garage at home, doing some deep cleaning, or own a full blown shop, a cleaning mask is a must to protect your lungs from unwanted intruders. Treat your lungs to the best protection available with the Breath Buddy Respirator Mask. It is our top pick for the protection you need at a professional level, at an affordable price. It offers top quality protection against any type of gas or vapor, so you can breathe easy. Also a shout out to our choice honorable mention: the colorful, reusable mask by GUOER, bringing you cost effective protection you need with the personal style of your choice.

Testing Categories

Safety – Just about every mask compared claimed to have the highest level of protection; however, only a few had the evidence to back-up the claim. We picked through the competition with a fine-tooth comb to ensure that the masks chosen would provide the optimum level of protection. We tested each mask against wood dust, metal particles, chemical fumes, airborne allergens, and more. We also checked to see which masks were certified by health and/or safety experts for the extra mile of assurance.

Comfort – How safe the mask is doesn’t matter if it is too uncomfortable to wear. So we tried out each contender over both long and short periods of time to find the sweet spot. We noticed the quality of the bands that held the mask on didn’t have as much to do with the comfort level as the way it rested against the bridge of your nose and stretched around the ears. The tightness vs. the secure feel was also taken into account when trying on different masks, as well as how long the mask could be worn before you noticed it was there.

Breathability -The masks were also measured on how well they blocked out odors and allowed for easy breathing, as well as the percentage of particles filtered out. The best choices were able to keep out the moisture and heat buildup from normal breathing so the mask stayed dry and fresh.

Affordability – Last, but definitely not the least, is the economic value and quality for the cost of the product. This included factors like upkeep, materials, reusability, and how long the mask can be used before needed to be changed.

Top Pick

Breath Buddy Respirator Mask

Professional grade protection, comfortable fit and filters out 94% of all airborne particles. This lightweight mask meets EN 140 requirements and is suitable for up to mid-level toxicity.

Price Check

Most notable upside: The Breath Buddy Respirator Mask was the clear top pick. Out of all other masks tested, it was one of the only quality options for the price. With a super comfortable fit due to its flexible silicone design and adjustable straps, the fit was secure no matter what size head you may have. The product is long-lasting and lasts up to 40 hours with just one filter. Additionally, it has a comfortable fit and comfortable design. One size fits both large and small heads. It is very high-quality and suitable for clearing out mold and plaster. Additionally, it is strong enough to withstand heat, fumes, glasses and fiberglass. It is reusable and includes a standard filter size which makes for easy changing. It is lightweight which makes it comfortable but it is also professional grade and very strong as it filters out 94% of airborne particles, and odors with most projects. The glasses are fog-resistant and have easily adjustable straps. The mask is packaged with safety glasses to limit the number of separate tools you need to buy. Additionally, this company offers a great price and a great customer service department should you need any assistance.

Biggest downsides: If the fresh air vent is not sealed well it can let particles in. Some of the instructions for use may be a little confusing and difficult to understand. It could also put pressure on the bridge of the nose if worn for very long periods of times. This product also causes some sweating to happen within the mask.

Honorable Mention

GUOER Cleaning Mask

The GUOER cleaning mask is a washable, reusable and effective option for your cleaning needs. It also comes in a variety of colors and patterns to appeal to different tastes, personalities and styles.

Price Check

Most notable upside: The GUOER cleaning mask is a five layer activated carbon filter with flexible replacement. It is comfortable and easy to use thanks to the M-shaped nose clip. The fit and structure allow for easy breathability. It is a unisex, one size fits most product making for easy buying. This mask helps filter out dust, smoke, pollution, pollen, gardening chemicals, and other airborne particles. The mask is easy to wear and use. The filter is also easily inserted and replaced. The sides of the mask feature adjustable straps and the nasal splint is adjustable, ensuring a great, snug fit. This mask comes in a variety of colors and patterns which make it appealing to a variety of different tastes, personalities, and styles. It can also help a team of workers or a family utilizing the masks, letting you easily know which mask belongs to each person. If you live in a highly polluted area, this is a good option for outdoor exercise or commuting. This is also an ideal product for chemo patients that need to restrict any illness causing particles. If you are trying to avoid illness when flying, this mask has been shown to prevent all immune system compromising particles and help keep the passenger healthy during airline travel or any travel with many people. This product is also a favorite among nurses both because of the quality and effectiveness as well as the color and pattern options. This is also an effective option for people living in areas with frequent forest or wildfires. It helps eliminate the breathing in of smoke and particles in the air. The adjustable bands around the ears also help ensure a great fit and are very comfortable as opposed to some options. The mask allows for easy, regular breathing while reducing any allergens, pollutants and other airborne particles. This particular comes with 3 filters to use. Thanks to the carbon filter, this particular mask can work much better than a standard typical medical mask. The vendors have had very timely responses to any customer needing to ask a question or get help.

Biggest downsides: Can cause some fogging of glasses if you have to wear both.

Green Pick

Healthy Air Mask

The Healthy Air cold weather protective face mask is a natural fleece mask that protects you from dangerous particles in the air, such as allergens, germs, smoke, pollen, dust, pet dander, and more.

Price Check

Most notable upside: The natural fleece Healthy Air protective face mask works great while also being stylish. This mask is ideal for protecting people against airborne particles, such as allergens, germs, the flu virus, cold germs, smoke, pet dander, pollen, dust, and more. It also helps eliminate any particles that will cause or irritate bronchitis, respiratory illness, weakened immune systems, COPD, and asthma. These masks also provide hypoallergenic and antibacterial qualities that many other masks do not offer. This mask also includes a M.E.R.V. 11 advanced pharmaceutical grade filter between the inner and outer layers, which adds very necessary filtration of microscopic-sized pollutants, as these can be some of the most dangerous types of particles. These masks can be used both indoors and outdoors. Many people utilize these when traveling, doing yard work, when they are in public areas, remodeling, painting, cleaning, doing construction, sweeping, pet grooming, and more. This mask is very comfortable, eco-friendly, washable, reusable, and made in the USA. Because of the natural fleece materials, this mask is great for cold weather.

Biggest downsides: For those who may be using it while they wear makeup, it can remove the makeup.

All Our Picks

Tips for Effective Cleaning Masks

A respirator or cleaning mask is one of the best ways to prevent respiratory infections. If you are using a reusable mask, it is important to clean it one to two times per week. Disposable filters cannot be washed or reused. You must utilize a new clean filter each time you utilize the mask. When cleaning and washing the mask, always air dry.

A Note About Safety and Storage

It is critical to not wear masks or respirators for extended periods of time. Ideally, you should wear the mask up to two hours and then remove it and breathe in fresh air for thirty minutes which will allow for natural easy breathing. If you notice you’re having to force your breathing while wearing the mask, you should stop wearing it. Stop using the mask immediately if you notice any difficulty breathing at all. Children’s use of masks or respirators should always be under the supervision of adults.

The Best Cleaning Masks

Your guide to this review today is by Cleaning expert Adam Barker

The Cleaning Institute

Testing Categories

Breath Buddy Respirator Mask

GUOER Cleaning Mask

Healthy Air Mask

All Our Picks

Breath Buddy Respirator Mask

GUOER Cleaning Mask

Healthy Air Mask

Tips for Effective Cleaning Masks

A Note About Safety and Storage

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