Face mask test - a wearing test to compare the different types of masks

In all German states, masks are now mandatory in parts of the public space. In local traffic and when shopping, for example, people have largely come to terms with wearing a mouth-and-nose mask. Whether self-sewn or bought is irrelevant - what is important is that the mask fits and protects properly. The demand for masks in the private sector is also increasing rapidly with the introduction of compulsory masks. Everybody tries to equip themselves with a mask as quickly as possible without having to deal in detail with quality and wearing comfort (let alone appearance). However, if the face mask slips constantly, does not close properly on the nose, the glasses fog up and you can hardly breathe, it is difficult to cope with everyday life. Hemden.de has tested different models in a Mouthguard Mask Wear Test and examined them for fabric quality, comfort, fixation and filter function. Go directly to the results.

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Protective masks in comparison: Which mask is the best?

Necessity is the mother of invention - the current crisis shows this very clearly again. A number of DIY projects show how a few stitches from a piece of cotton fabric can be turned into a thoroughly practical mouth-nose mask. But scarves, shawls or other materials can also be converted into a wearable mouth and nose mask in just a few steps. In doing so, we always ask ourselves the same questions: What offers the best possible protection? Which materials are best suited? Which mask is the most comfortable? In which mask can one breathe best? We have an answer to these and many other important questions. Based on our own wearing tests and the feedback of our customers, we were able to gain a very detailed picture of the different mask types, their advantages and disadvantages as well as their functions, and we are happy to pass this knowledge on to you. In the following, we will introduce the different mask types in more detail and give you an insight into fabric quality, comfort, fixation and filter function.

Mask fixation on the head: test how the mask keeps its promises

Face masks are usually fixed by a knot at the back of the head, a fabric band or an elastic band behind the ear. It is important, no matter which variant, that the mask does not slip with every movement and safely covers mouth and nose.
We present you the ways of fixing the masks so that you can find the right protective mask for you.

Advantages Masks with elastic band

The elastic band has a clear advantage. It is stretchy and adapts to any size, does not slip and is comfortable behind the ears. Hold the mask over your mouth and nose and slip the rubber bands individually behind your ears - that's it! Van Laack Mask with rubber band behind the ear An example for this variant is the antibacterial Van Laack Mouth and Nose Mask. If you prefer to wear the rubber band at the back of the head, this is the best choice. There is an extended elastic band at the upper and lower edge of the mask, which holds best in our wearing test, when both bands are led over the upper side of the auricle behind the head. Another advantage of the masks with elastic band was shown in our test - the quick putting on and taking off. With a single movement, the mask can be pulled under the chin or completely removed when leaving a store. This is a practical relief especially for older or physically impaired people and all those who have to put the mask on and take it off frequently. However, all spectacle wearers have to get used to two "disruptive factors" behind the ear, because the rubber bands often collide with the temples of the spectacles. Hearing aids can easily get tangled up in the rubber bands and be torn from the ear when they are taken off. The rubber bands can also slip off quickly for people with very delicate, small ears.

Advantages of masks for tying

The advantage of the protective masks for tying is the easy size adjustment. With a more or less tight knot, the size of the mask can be easily adjusted to the head size. The straps are also more stable and somewhat thicker than the elastic bands, which gives the version with fabric straps a plus in terms of comfort and ease of wearing. The two upper bands are tied together and fixed at the top of the head or back of the head. However, our wear test showed that it is a bit trickier to find the right place for special hairstyles from ponytail to pinned-up hairstyle. The lower loops of the mask are knotted in the neck area. This way the mask should sit relatively tight at the back of the head and may be worn looser in the neck. With a simple cord stopper or a clamp, the straps can be pulled tighter with a cloth strap and give extra secure hold. Conclusion of our test - if you don't want to put on and take off the mask all the time and have enough coordination to quickly tie it behind your head, masks with fabric straps are highly recommended.

The mask must fit: Perfect fit = perfect protection

A mask that does not close properly at the mouth and nose is well-intentioned, but does not help at all. It is therefore important that the mask can be individually adjusted, especially at the noseband. The solution: Elastic nosebands that can be bent into a very individual shape. In our wearing test, the models with elastic, adjustable nose bridge performed best. In this way, the nose-mouth guard adapts perfectly to any face shape, prevents the mask from slipping and you protect not only your own health but also that of your fellow human beings. In addition, a well-fitting noseband for spectacle wearers prevents the annoying fogging of the spectacles caused by the upward flow of breathing air. Especially for employees with glasses, who often switch between indoor and outdoor work, a decisive detail that was also confirmed in our wearer test. At HAKRO you will find pleasantly fitting makeshift face masks made of a mix of piqué and jersey with an integrated metal clip nose clip, which can be adjusted to the bridge of the nose in a few easy steps and fits exactly where it should sit. Tip: The tighter the clip fits the nose, the less air condenses on the lenses when you breathe out. So you always have a clear view.

The right material against infections: Protection and comfort in one

The fabric quality of the protective mask plays an important role, especially in everyday life and at work. If you sit with a mask for eight hours, for example in the office or at the cash register, a well-fitting and comfortable breathing mask is worth its weight in gold. Cotton masks are currently the best-selling protective masks. Their clear advantage over medical operating masks is that they can be washed at high temperature and are therefore reusable. However, cotton masks must be cleaned after each use to ensure that they fulfil their purpose. This saves waste and protects the environment at the same time. Cotton is breathable, hard-wearing, boil-proof, does not scratch, lies comfortably soft on the skin and is also allergy-friendly. So there is a lot to be said for a mask made of cotton. However, they are not a medical or certified product