If you read my bio, you know I talk for a living. I am a salesperson and that means I spend my time educating and using my voice. We all know the blue surgical masks are not ideal. They hurt your ears and smell, steam your face with your own breath, make you break out, and suck. Suck in, actually, when you talk, which is a major factor in my choice for best mask.

The first batch of masks I ordered were from a recommendation from a blog (like this one). The brand is Buck Mason and I truly had never heard of it. I bought them because they were plain, black, antimicrobial, and I could tie them behind my head. Their official name is Buck Mason Black M1 All-Day Anti-Microbial Mask-they come in a five pack. I ended up liking these for awhile-I wore them untied because I have found that I don’t like a tight mask. They DO end up getting damp after talking through them all day, and that is why this is not my favorite mask-an acceptable mask, yes-but not my fav.

The next is the highly reviewed and constantly sold out 5-pack of masks from Athleta. Their official name is the Athleta Everyday Non Medical Masks. My colleague got them first and was raving about them, so I ordered. They are not what I was expecting. I like the mask to not really be all over my face-like I don’t want to feel it up against my skin that much. The Athleta ones are like two pieces of yoga fabric that are pleated. There are adjustable ear things and a wire in the nose for a snug fit-which is NOT what I am going for. I also felt they sucked into my mouth and didn’t even wear it for more than an hour, but they are cute!

The next one I tried is in fact, the best mask out there. Uniqlo for the win yet again. Their AIRism masks are fantastic-I bought the large because I hate them tight. The Uniqlo AIRism Masks don’t get wet, they don’t suck into my mouth, they are light, I can stand “breathing” through them all day. They come in three colors (white, grey and…), but I wear black.

The last mask I have to review is the latest in my collection. The NFL On-Field New Era players/coaches mask. I actually do like this one-I wore it to the store and although its a really thick material, it works. It doesn’t suck back in and the seams are sewn so that it fits on your face without really touching it. After talking, I did smell a slight odor, but my nose is far stronger than any nose you’ve ever been around and I didn’t wash it yet. Of course I have to mention that my boys are 5-0 and a major GO HAWKS-buy this mask from my old employer right here from Seahawks Pro Shop.

There you have it-I have to either perform public speaking or phone calls non-stop for 8+ hours a day and can attest that the Uniqlo Airism masks are the best I have tried so far with the NFL New Era (Seahawk logo) in a close 2nd. Buck Mason is 3rd and Athleta is 4th. Basic blue beezies from the medical store are last.

I guess it depends on how you prefer your masks-if you want them tight and cutting your face all day, this review is not for you.

Buy Buck Mason Masks Here

Buy Athleta Masks Here

Buy Uniqlo Masks Here

Buy NFL On-Field New Era Mask Here for all teams

Buy NFL Seahawks On-Field Mask from the Seahawks Online Pro Shop Here