CHOOSING THE BEST MASKS FOR CHILDREN
Like it or hate it , mask wearing is likely to remain a mandatory requirement for children and students in the foreseeable future . It ’ s a small price to pay if it means avoiding school closures and attending more collective Zoom classes . Remember the PE classes via Zoom — is there anything more 2020 than that ?
Choosing the best mask for your children can make such a difference to their comfort and safety . This choice can easily become overwhelming as there is a lot of technical jargon , quite a few options and very little standardised information to help guide your decision .
Here ’ s our guide :
Transparency Don ’ t
• fall for the marketing slogans on the box . Most of the time the filtration levels mentioned refer to the filtering material , and not the mask itself .
Do
• your homework and check out the manufacturer ’ s website before your purchase ;
• seek out manufacturers that use raw materials from Europe , Korea or Japan — these are usually the best in terms of quality .
Affordability Don ’ t
• go for the cheapest option . It ’ s never a good idea , least of all when dealing with protective equipment ;
• overpay based on hype and marketing campaigns . Colourful designs may look great , but a mask is not a toy .
Do
• spend time finding the best balance of quality and price ;
• seek out mask manufacturers that offer their product via a subscription model . This will protect your wallet from any unexpected spikes in the future .
Availability Don ’ t
• choose a mask simply based on popularity . That popularity may make it more difficult to secure a steady supply in the future ;
• buy solely from one source . It ’ s always good to have options !
Do
• sign up to a mask subscription service , ideally locally based . This will give you peace of mind and save a lot of running around ;
• stock up when you get the chance . In a COVID-19 world , logistics and transport are under huge stress , so it pays off to have one month ’ s supply tucked away .