LIST: Kid-friendly face masks to keep students safe as face-to-face classes return
After two years of staying home and attending online classes, more than 24,000 private and public school students nationwide are expected to attend full face-to-face classes one again this coming school year.
While it's wonderful that hundreds of thousands of kids will finally get quality education in actual classrooms after being cooped up at home due to COVID-19, the threat of the virus is still present.
While vaccination for children is already all systems go, everything still boils down to basics: investment in quality face masks.
Since the regular masks adults have long been using may be too large for children, we've rounded up some face mask options that offer a better fit for kids.
Indoplas Elite Tokyo Japan
The brand offers three-ply masks made of non-woven and melt-blown layers that has high filtration. It has an adaptable nose bar, as well as a soft elastic ear loop.
On Shopee, one may avail of a pack of six pieces (P99), three packs of 18 pieces (P299), five packs of 30 pieces (P599), and a box of 60 pieces (P699).
Medtecs International Corporation Limited
The brand has Type IIR face masks designed for two- to four-year-olds (13.5cm x 9.3cm, ±0.5cm), as well as for five and up (15.5cm x 9.3cm, ±0.5cm).
Type IIR face masks have a four-ply construction and include a splash-resistant layer.
The earloop, meanwhile, is made of nylon.
A box of 50 pieces costs P240. Colors include cobalt blue, green, pink, purple, lavender.
Kleenex Protect KIDS Daily Face Mask
The brand's Protect Kids Daily masks, designed for three- to nine-year-olds, have a five-pleated folding structure with curved design at the bottom for enhanced fit and breathability, as well as three layers of protection.
It also has functional nose support that prevents fogging when wearing glasses, as well as a a soft and elastic ear band.
A pack of five pieces costs P255 on Shopee and Lazada.
Bluna Face Fit Mask for Kids
The brand is no less than a KF94 mask, which originated from South Korea.
It adapts elements of an N95 mask and a cloth mask. It contours close to the face with an adjustable band around the bridge of the nose, and the tentlike shape allows for a little pocket of extra space between the mouth and the mask. The ear loops are also adjustable.
An authorized importer on Shopee sells a pack of one at P455, from P1,000 (55% off).
KF94 MASK Korea Design FaceMask Kids Facemask
KF94 stands for “Korean filter,” and the “94” indicates a 94 percent filtration efficacy. This type of mask is the South Korean equivalent to the N95 mask, with some minor differences.
The KF94 Kid Size face mask promises to provide level respiratory protection, filtering efficiency up to 95%, mesh breathable composite fabric, suitable for all seasons. This type of mask combines elements of an N95 mask with those of a cloth mask, contouring close to the face with an adjustable band around the bridge of the nose.
KF94 masks are available online on Shopee and priced at P39 to P139 depending on the type of design and volume or masks ordered.
Uniqlo AIRism Mask (3 Piece Pack)
The Uniqlo AIRism Mark offers a high-performance filter that keeps users dry from splashes with their washable AIRism mask that has an evolved design to be easier to breath in.
The first layer of the AIRism Mesh is smooth and highly breathable, the second layer cuts up to 99% of particles such as bacteria and pollen, while the third layer uses the same AIRism Mesh as the first layer for improved breathability. To ensure the best fit, make sure to order the smaller sizes for kids and pre-teen students.
The 3-piece pack is sold for P290 at Uniqlo.
Zero Waste Accented Face Mask by Anthill
Want something a little bit more colorful yet sustainable for school use? The Zero Waste Accented Face Mask by local shop Antill is one face mask option for eco-conscious students, with mask sizes availbale for both adults sized at 8 1/2 × 6” and kids sized at 6 1/2 × 4 1/4".
Anthill's face masks are made from commercial offcuts with recommended fabrics like scuba, spandex, neoprene, cotton stretch, cotton knit following standard face mask safety requirements.
The masks come with two washable filters to improve filtration efficiency and use an interior pocket to hold an additional filter such as a tissue or a non-woven fabric. Students should make sure to replace the filters daily before going to school.
Take note that the material used for the masks are not the same as surgical masks, so students might still want to consider double masking.
Face masks are priced at P120 each from Anthill's online shop.
For a full list of face masks approved by the Food and Drugs Administration (FDA), check out this link.
