The top five reusable face masks revealed

Independent lab tests by Which? reveal the face coverings best for superior filtration, breathability and comfort ...

Score: 81%

NEQI Reusable face masks - typical price £15 for three

This Best Buy face covering filtered 80% of particles, but was also really easy to breathe through. The soft fabric is comfortable to wear, but the ear loops aren’t adjustable - nor does it have a nose wire, which might explain why it fared less well in our glasses user test. It does come in three different sizes, though, and it’s good value at £15 for three.

Layers: Three Filter pocket: No Attachment type:

Ear loops Nose wire: No

Size adjustable: No, but comes in three sizes - S/M, L, Kids

Glasses-compatible: 1/5

Where to buy: Boots, Ocado

Score: 72%

Step Ahead face mask - typical price £2

The Step Ahead mask is an impressive cheap option - filtering around 80% of bacterial particles both on first use and after five washes. It’s a three-layer face covering made with a mix of different polyester fabrics and cotton, with a nonwoven inner layer for filtration and water repellent outer layer. It was also easy to breathe through. The downside is that it doesn’t have a nose wire and the ear loops aren’t adjustable, so it’s not great for people who wear glasses, and our testers had mixed opinions about how comfortable it was to wear.

Layers: Three Filter pocket: No

Attachment type: Ear loops Nose wire: No

Size adjustable: No

Glasses-compatible: 1/5

Where to buy: Tesco, Iceland, Wilko, Savers

Score: 73%

AB Mask Reusable Antibacterial Mask typical price £10

This AB two-layer mask (with five-layer disposable filter) scored highly in our filtration tests, capturing nearly 100% of the particles that came into contact with it. It did less well on breathability, though, and the disposable filter means it’s less sustainable than a fully cloth mask. It has a silver-based antibacterial coating, which the brand says will help remain effective for up to 100 washes. Replacement filters are £5 for a pack of 5 (£1 each). Our testers found it really comfortable and easy to adjust, and it scored joint-highest for people who wear glasses.

Layers: Three (including filter)

Filter pocket: Yes Attachment type: Ear loops

Nose wire: Yes

Size adjustable: Yes Glasses-compatible: 5/5

Where to buy: Boots, Superdrug

Score: 80% Bags of Ethics Great British Designer face coverings - typical price £15 for three This pleated cotton Best Buy face covering strikes a good balance between filtration and breathability, being the most breathable mask that still scored highly on filtration – but it only has two layers. The ear loops are adjustable, but somewhat fiddly, and there is a nose wire for fitting it to your face. It’s also good value at £5 each in a pack of three.

Layers: Two Filter pocket: No

Attachment type: Adjustable ear straps Nose wire: Yes

Size adjustable: Yes

Glasses-compatible: 4/5

Where to buy: Waitrose, John Lewis, Boots, Sainsbury’s Asos design

Score: 78%

Palm Print face covering - typical price £12

This 100% cotton three-layer face covering did pretty well on our filtration tests fresh out of the packet, but it improved markedly after washing. So it’s worth washing it before using it. Our testers found it really easy to breathe through, and though one-size it fitted well thanks to easily adjustable ear loops and a nose wire. If you wear glasses, this could be a good choice, as it scored joint highest for comfort with glasses. There are a couple of different patterns available, and it comes with a handy drawstring cloth pouch for storage.

Layers: Three

Filter pocket: Yes Attachment type: Ear loops

Nose wire: Yes Size adjustable: Yes

Glasses-compatible: 5/5

Where to buy: Asos