Searching for the perfect face covering can be a frustrating and overwhelming endeavor. There are SO many styles of masks out there, with all different sorts of materials, straps, and patterns imaginable.
Cast Members
Disney is no longer requiring face masks for guests in Disney World in most locations. The only place guests might need to wear masks is in certain areas of first aid centers. Disney does note, however, that “It is recommended Guests who are not fully vaccinated continue wearing face coverings in all indoor locations, including indoor attractions and theaters and on enclosed transportation.” If you’ll be bringing a mask to Disney World, let’s make sure you get comfortable masks that you’re happy with to take to the parks!
What face-covering material is the most comfortable and/or effective?
The CDC explains that different kinds of masks offer different levels of protection. “Loosely woven cloth products provide the least protection, layered finely woven products offer more protection, well-fitting disposable surgical masks and KN95s offer even more protection, and well-fitting NIOSH-approved respirators (including N95s) offer the highest level of protection.”
But, whichever type of mask you choose, it is most important to have a mask that fits properly — snugly over your nose, mouth, and chin.
Masks on the Monorail
The CDC recommends NOT wearing masks that have gaps around the sides of the face or nose, have exhalation valves, vents, or other openings, have only a single-layer of fabric or are made of thin fabric that doesn’t block light. You also should never wear a mask that is wet or dirty.
Look for masks with a soft ear loop material
Whether it’s disposable or not, if you opt for a mask with ear loops, the material of the loops is just as important as the material of the face covering itself!
The traditional elastic material commonly used for ear straps can cause discomfort for some if worn over a prolonged period of time. Those elastic straps can wear on your ears and cause irritation, especially in the heat if you start sweating. We found these masks on Amazon that use softer material for the ear straps!
© Amazon
This pack of three is multi-layered and features a soft ear loop material. They’re $7.99 on Amazon.
Shop for this three-pack of face masks here!
These next masks come with a nose bridge wire, offering a closer fit around your nose so those with glasses do not need to worry about fogging up!
© Amazon
These masks also have two layers of fabric, providing more protection for those around you! You can pick up a set of two for $8.99.
Shop for these two-layered face masks here!
If you would rather disposable face masks, there are a ton of options on Amazon that have good reviews about comfort. These masks have 3 layers protection and have wire on the nose for a snug fit.
©Amazon
You can get a pack of 100 (!!) for $8.99.
Click here to get these disposable face masks!
But don’t skimp on the style!
If you’re looking for something a little cuter and more colorful than basic black, we’ve added a bunch of new Disney-inspired face masks to our Disney Food Blog apparel line! Here’s our beautiful Orange Bird Mask which will help remind you it’s time for a Citrus Swirl anytime!
DFB Orange Bird Mask
But if you’re more in the mood for a Pineapple Dole Whip, we’ve got a face mask for that classic Disney World snack as well!
DFB Pineapple Whip Face Mask and Sticker
We’ve made sure all of our one-size-fits-all cloth face masks will provide full-coverage for your nose and mouth. Each style has elastic ear straps and costs $14 — some are even customizable! Plus, for every mask you buy from us, we’ll be donating $1 to No Kid Hungry!
Click here to shop our Disney Food Blog online store for all your face mask needs!
Invest in some ear hooks
If the masks you currently use have those traditional elastics, you can purchase a set of ear hooks that take the pressure off of your ears! There are two types of hooks we looked into. The first hook sits on the back of your head and features several “knobs” that the elastics loop around.
©Amazon
These have decent reviews on Amazon and allow the wearer to adjust to three different sizes! You can shop a pack of five for $6.78.
Shop for these ear hooks here!
The next set of ear relief is these ear protectors that go around the straps themselves, giving your ears a more “cushioned” fit.
© Amazon
You can get a pack of five on Amazon for $9.99. This is a fairly inexpensive way to make your masks comfier around your ears without having to invest in a new set of masks!
Stock up on a pack of ear protectors here!
Shop for masks with adjustable ties
Regardless of how comfortable the ear loop material is, if it doesn’t fit, it can still cause irritation and provide for a less-than-stellar experience. Many masks come in one standard size, and even some masks with elastic earloops don’t exactly fit a “one-size-fits-all” model.
Vera Bradley Face Mask
If you have a mask that is too small or too large, you may run into some trouble if you cannot adjust the size of your mask! One way to avoid an ear catastrophe altogether is to wear a mask with ties that go around your head. The benefits of masks with ties are that you can adjust the tightness of the ties to your liking, plus it removes all of the discomfort around your ears.
© Amazon
You can pick up this face mask with long ties to fit around your head and neck on Amazon for $14.99.
Shop for this face mask with ties here!
What types of face coverings should you AVOID?
The CDC had previously said not to use surgical masks or N-95 respirators, but now, they have clarified that people can choose respirators such as N95s and KN95s without worrying about supply shortages for N95s. However, “surgical N95s” are a specific type of respirator that should be reserved for healthcare settings.
Another type of face masks that have been seen in public are those with “breathing valves.” The CDC still recommends NOT wearing these types of masks.
© Amazon
While they may seem appealing due to the increased breathability, research indicates that the valves allow air and particles to be exhaled out, and if the wearer is an asymptomatic carrier, pathogens could easily escape through the valves of the mask. This makes these types of masks less effective at protecting others, which is the primary reason for the face-covering protocols.
Mask Signs in Disney World
Previously, Disney World specifically prohibited the use of neck gaiters, open-chin coverings, triangle bandanas, and face coverings containing valves, mesh material, or holes of any kind. They had indicated that face masks must have 2 layers of breathable material, fully cover the nose and mouth and secure under the chin, and fit snugly but comfortably against the side of the face.
Be sure to check what the rules are or have been updated to ahead of your next trip.
Even Rizzo wore a mask!
No matter what mask you choose to wear, experts recommend that you wash your mask after every use. So if you are visiting Disney World for a week this summer, be prepared to hand-wash or machine wash your mask every day, or bring enough masks to last the week! You can also just bring disposable masks, so you can throw them away when you’re done using them. It’s also always a good idea to bring more than one with you each day, in case the one you’re using gets wet, lost, breaks, etc.
American Threads Face Masks
When it comes to comfort, you may need to try several masks to see what will work best for you! You can also bring different kinds to use throughout your trip in different scenarios. Whichever you choose, just make sure you’re comfortable in the mask so you are able to wear it when and where you want to. And definitely bring more masks than you think you need! Stay tuned to DFB for more Disney World news and updates.
Click here to get a look at masks no longer being required on Disney World transportation
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Have cancelled our Disney vacation for this year. The masks were the final straw.
Meal Plans cancelled, all character dining cancelled, all FastPasses that we worked so hard to get are cancelled. Now Face Masks – In the dead of Summer Heat and Humidity, on pavement, in Orlando…No.
You are exactly correct about the valved face masks. Those are made for construction workers who are working in high dust and debris areas so that they don’t breathe in those pollutants, however it does not filter the air breathed out which makes them inappropriate for reducing Covid transmission.
Whatever you choose, please get masks that can be washed either by hand or machine. Either hot or cold water and soap will clean your masks. If you want to sterilize it, all you need to do is dry it on high heat in the dryer. This is the
recommended protocol for cleaning scrubs at my job. Just make sure the masks you buy are preshrunk if made of cotton if you plan to blast them in the dryer. The best of course are the disposable surgical masks we use at the hospital, but those are not really widely available to the public.
The effectiveness in preventing spread of viruses and bacteria by the masks available to the general public is marginal, at best, and that’s with strict adherence to infection control protocols. As they will likely be used, they will be useless, and worse, likely to increase the spread of infection.
Any time the mask is taken off, it must be disposed of as biomedical waste, or stored for sanitizing in an approved container, i.e., biomedical blue bag made for contaminated laundry. Before donning a new mask, hands must be thoroughly washed. Once donned, the mask must not be touched. The mask should only be touched on the loops or ties for donning and doffing. The mask must be changed every two hours, at a minimum.
To sanitize cloth masks, they must be washed in 200 degree F water in strong detergent and bleach, and dried on high heat, or sanitized in an autoclave. This kind of cleaning will be difficult to perform in a hotel or resort setting.
One will need to carry with them enough masks to last throughout the day, taking into consideration that they must be replaced every time it is removed, even just to take a sip of water. So count on taking 4 or 5 for every hour spent in the park, plus a few extra, just in case.
Otherwise, it’s just window dressing and utterly useless.
This article is a great start and informative. Does the author have any experience in wearing any of these types of masks for extended periods or is this speculation? Anyone know of any real-world reviews? Thanks!
“Which face masks are the most comfortable to wear all day?” THAT’S an easy answer. The nonexistent ones! It’s all SO unnecessary. I hope when we look back on this whole debacle we will realize our foolish behavior.
Two points:
1) Regarding Disney, although neck gaiters should be fine, the signs I have seen seem to indicate the need for a mask with loops or straps, so who knows how gaiters will go over.
2) Regarding masks with valves, for places other than Disney that do not require masks (for whatever reason), the protocol changes from “everyone should wear a mask to protect others” to “wear a mask to protect yourself.” In that case, the filter masks with valves are fine since it is no longer about “you protect me, I protect you.”
MaskedThemeParkGoer, thanks for writing! We specifically asked about gaiters yesterday because of that language about straps/loops, and we were told as long as it covers the mouth and nose, it’s acceptable. The cast member we spoke with said the only time they’ve seen a rejected mask is because it didn’t cover the person’s nose.
I still can’t believe some supposed, learned people. Apply sterile protocols to the reasons the CDC are recommending masks is rediculous. They talk like they know that it is intended to protect other, but put a protect themselves spin on it.
No one has ever said face covering is 100% effective all the time. Distancing AND mask significantly REDUCES THE RISK of a carrier passing the virus to someone else. To trap the now mucus laden virus in your mask as you exhale Then you wash the mask. Again, it amazes me that prevalent opinion with some people is that if it doesn’t work 100%, then it’s totally useless. I guess 1% to 99% effective isn’t enough to wear one.
With all the restrictions decided not to go a lot of money to pay and not have a full fun experience
Stop pushing the “Look at these ADORABLE face masks you should get for your Disney trip!” nonsense. It comes off as propaganda. I understand Disney is your livelihood and all, but it’s a bad, bad look.
In an era where front line health care workers are expected to wear a single surgical mask for a 12-hour shift, negative comments about masks from fellow healthcare workers is frustrating.
Wearing a mask helps to protect everyone, along with social distancing and handwashing. That being said, find a mask that works for you, so you actually wear it.
You have shown here that using a gaiter or a fishing buff is acceptable.
However if you read Disney’s official information on face coverings allowed it says :” That are secured with loops or tied.
A buff/gaiter does not comply with these rules, you need to clarify and get an official ruling from Disney !!!!
Robert, we have spoken to multiple cast members on site about gaitors, bandanas, and other types of face coverings. We have been told that as long as it covers the mouth and nose, it’s acceptable.
wanna sterilize a mask on vacation? use the iron on the steam setting and steam it liberally and set out to dry. Yes wash it and all even use sanitizer or bleach, but the steam setting will do it too.
I have a few things to add to this conversation.
Disney store mask meet the requirements but they are very hot, as I wore them long term. So bring a few mask for your day
Gaiters were allowed in the other central Florida parks but found them to make you hotter just because your neck is covered. They also will not stay on during rides with s lot of movement.
The best mask we have found have been some of our homemade mask and the disposable blue mask.
If your mask gets wet they are ineffective so have extras.
Ps. Yes I can verify Gaiters were allowed at Disney Springs and CMs said the rules will be the same at the parks and resorts.
I won’t be visiting Disney until this policy is reversed. I’m not against wearing masks. I wear one when I have to. It’s just that I can’t survive 20 minutes in Walmart with the glasses fogging and the sweating. There’s no way I could get through a day at MK.
I keep seeing ear loops are ties, are the masks with elastic around the head allowed?
Gale, I would think yes, but I hesitate to say 100% because it seems like we’re getting a lot of different answers these days.
The masks I prefer and found very comfortable come from Charlies Project. The have cute patterns and LOTS of Disney patterns. They have adjustable, soft straps, a spot for filters if you choose and a nose clip. They are affordable plus 20% of the proceeds go to charity. You can pick your charity from the choices listed. It’s a great site. And yes, we were just there and I did wear them all day in the Florida sun and they worked well!
Last I read Disney said no neck gaiters so be careful wasting money on these. Also if you plan on being at the park all day you will need 2-3 masks per day per person. This is with a cotton mask. I also have ones with antimicrobial wicking. It’s hot and humid so plan on swapping masks out a lot. Once you remove a mask to eat plan on your swap then and one for just in case.
We found the valve masks that also come with disposable filters are the most comfortable. We previewed the Park before it opened and wore those all day. The weather temp was over 90 degrees that day too. Too bad Disney doesn’t make something similar. They are also adjustable.
We’ve tried *many* types and styles of masks, looking for a “Goldilocks” mask with the best balance of breathability, filtration, and comfort. The best we’ve found are handcrafted with care in Washington state by RNThread, an Etsy seller. The owner, Sarah, is an RN, and a joy to work with. Buy the soft cotton model that has a filter pocket (we use w/o a filter) and get the optional nose tab for best fit to your face. BTW, all of her masks have woven stretchy ear cords that are very comfy. Hand wash as needed, and hang to dry.
I would like to know of sellers that are making face masks in the USA. I’ve ordered a couple from Etsy. Would like to continue ordering from US for granddaughters and the rest of the family.
I found a lifesaver for my masks and want to share this tip!
Since I wear glasses (sun and regular, both Rx) AND hearing aids, the cloth mask loops are great until I add the hearing aids, then this triple play is a disaster for my ear lobes and knocks off the hearing aid behind my ears.
I found a solution — my ENT doctor gave me an ear hook (I’ll buy more via Amazon) and I purchased those rubber band ties for women’s hair. One end of the band attaches to the 2nd ear hook, the other end around the mask and then hooks on the 1st ear hook. Perfect fit!! Others can choose other hooks depending on head size. Now, the mask loops are BELOW the ears so my ear lobes support both hearing aids and glasses.
Reply to Clark19:
I’ve purchased 3 pairs of cotton 2-layer cloth masks on Amazon and all of them are made in the USA! You have to read the product description. The disposable ones are usually made in China (and specifically, Wuhan). There are plenty of mom and pop manufacturers who have converted their shops into mask factories. I have a great mask from the Purple Mattress company (made in Utah) and two others made in California. One even has printed on the side “Made in USA”. Good luck and happy shopping!
Thanks for sharing, Steven!
Thank you, Steven!
Reply to Steven S
Re: face masks made in the USA
Thanks for sharing. I will definitely check out your suggestions. Especially the ones with MADE IN THE USA printed on the them. Much appreciated.
Does any known brand make a high-quality, super-breathable mask like a mesh but more stealthy, so no Karen will give me a hard time and it will satisfy these ridiculous rules? I’m leery of these no-name masks because they may be quite breathable but I imagine cheap straps could be uncomfortable. Obviously, I think wearing a mask for this Covid-19 is complete nonsense, and I couldn’t give a flying fox how “effective” it is. I just want to breathe with the least amount of difficulty.
Going over Christmas and New Years last minute. Didn’t get many dining reservations only 25 days out (understandable). What masks we are taking and wearing has been the hardest decision this trip.
H; just came back to Canada from Disney vacation where I stayed at a friends house. I wore a KN95 disposable mask at both parks I visited with a visor. I did not eat or drink during the visit to studios as too crowded but I did eat at Epcot , the American pavilion, as I was alone and therefore the risk was decreased. There are multiple studies out there indicating the blue surgical masks are the best at preventing infection but they must be properly adjusted to receive full efficacy. There is a great show called Marketplace that put all face coverings to the test and i recommend watching it as it shows the efficacy off all types of face masks and some are no better than wearing nothing. Stay safe everyone!
“The number of layers does not seem to be a factor in effectiveness when you have a mask that is made out of these tighter-woven materials (though many still advocate for 2-layers at least).”
The CDC says that masks with two layers provide the most protection, so there must be evidence that two layers are more effective.
My wife and I are thinking of taking our daughter to Disney World, but are unsure if we would be wasting our time and money. Our daughter, almost 23, is severely disabled with a rare genetic syndrome. Part of this syndrome is the chewing on non-food items like towels and such. Does Disney not even consider face shields? We know that she may tolerate a mask for a short period, but she’s going to chew something, either her towel, or the mask. But making her not chew for the entire time we are at the park seems just mean.
We most likely wouldn’t be going until next year anyway. Hopefully the Railroad will be running by then. That, Pooh’s Hunney Pots, and It’s a Small World are pretty much the rides she can go on. Those and the River Boat.
Maybe she’ll surprise us and be able to keep the mask on.
If you’re worried about the heat of a face mask sitting on your face while in the park, 4Ocean sells a frame you can use with any face mask that suspends the mask above your face. I’ve been using mine in NC for the past few weeks in warm & cool weather (still waiting for hot), & they make masks MUCH more comfortable! As a bonus, when you buy a set of 4, it pays to have 1lb of plastic pulled from the ocean! I think they’re even made from that plastic.
CDC’s current guidance is echoed in the Disney policy: 2 layers of cloth or paper mask material (or more). Exhalation ports continue to be a no-no. The current guidance is found at: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/prevent-getting-sick/cloth-face-cover-guidance.html
Masks do make a difference, as does social distancing. As an example, the number of flu deaths is down dramatically from even the 2019-2020 flu season. The mask and distancing measures are credited with helping here.
Thanks for the great update!