The Best Breathable Face Masks for Kids -- KN95, Cloth, and Disposable with Nose Wire

Mid-Winter Break is happening for a lot of schools around the United States beginning Presidents' Day and whether you'll be traveling for vacation or staying local, you'll still need face masks to protect your child. When the kids return back at school, especially if they're in class for in-person learning, they probably need a hefty supply of breathable face masks to protect them from the coronavirus, especially now with the fast-spreading Omicron variant.
After a short break from mask mandates last summer, many city and local governments are now requiring people to wear a face covering indoors to help slow the spread of COVID-19 and its now dominant strain, the Omicron variant, which is currently causing a concerning uptick of hospitalizations and infections.
Many retailers offer cloth face masks that are an alternative to true personal protective equipment (PPE), but with the speed Omicron is spreading, a lot of people are trading in their cloth reusable face mask for disposable KN95, KF94 and N95 mask options for better protection.
Certain school districts are updating the mask mandate. Los Angeles Unified School District now requires students to wear "well-fitted, non-cloth masks with a nose wire" indoors and outdoors. Surgical mask or higher-grade mask options are acceptable. These masks would be available to students upon request.
If you're a parent looking for PPE guidelines for your children, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends that anyone over the age of two wear a face mask while outside of their home. Whether you're dealing with an adult mask or a kids mask, make sure it fits snugly but comfortably against both sides of the face, can be secured with ear loop, adjustable ear loops or ties, includes multiple layers of fabric (most have two or three), and allows for unrestricted breathing.
Browse ET's picks for the best kids face mask options below, including fabric mask and non-cloth mask styles.
Non-Cloth N95, KN95 and KF94 Masks for Kids:
Cloth Masks for Kids:
100% of profits from sales of these kid-designed cotton masks go to New York City's public hospitals via NYC Health + Hospitals.
Face masks from Manhattan-based clothing site Rocks Off via Threadless are made in the U.S. and can be washed and reused. They are also reversible, unisex and made with a two-ply cotton poly blend. Kids' masks cost $12, with proceeds going to MedShare to help provide medical supplies and equipment to people in need all over the world.
Each pack of these Sanctuary masks comes with two Dino prints, one camo print, one pink camo print and one baby leopard print. With every mask purchase, the company will provide masks to hospitals and organizations in need (learn more via the brand's Instagram Live). Note that orders may require up to 14 days for fulfillment and shipping.
This two-pack of Cubcoats kids' face masks, featuring Kali the Kitty and Bori the Bear, are reusable and can be hand washed and dried. They are made with two layers of cotton and elastic ear loops and have a metal nose clip for a protective fit. These masks are recommended for kids age four and up.
These masks include a stretchy multi-layer fabric exterior, a high performance inner lining and elastic straps. Proceeds from Onzie mask purchases are being donated to the Center for Disaster Philanthropy.
For the most up-to-date news and information about the coronavirus pandemic, visit the World Health Organization website.
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