Many of us are trying to figure out how to deal with this "new normal".  There are people who support wearing masks and those that refuse to wear one. So can face masks really slow the spread of the virus? It's important to realize that when we are out in public there are many reasons we should be following these guidelines -practice social distancing and wear a mask. Of course, masks can be uncomfortable and surgical masks can't be reused. But all that is about to change, with a washable face mask.

The CDC recommends that people wear masks in public places and to keep 6ft between you and another person. If you were to go to a protest to express your views on something, then this would be a good time to wear a mask.  The mask cannot hold us back from standing up for what we believe in. The reality is that we are still in a pandemic, a very real global pandemic where there is no vaccine or effective treatment available. No matter what you're doing, if you are out in public, think about others and yourself. However, it can be difficult to adjust to having something cover your face. So, what can we do to make it easier to adapt to?

In this post, we are going to look at the best breathable and washable face masks. We will discuss why these are a great way to protect yourself and others.

Let's face it, wearing a mask is definitely uncomfortable for most. It can be hard to breathe and speak. Be that as it may, the CDC states that masks will most likely reduce the spread of COVID-19. Their guidelines state that they are helpful when many people use them in public settings. In fact, the CDC urges people 2 years old and up to put on a face mask when out in public or even around someone who doesn't live in your home. Plus, it's encouraged even more in situations where it's not easy to maintain 6ft between you and other people.

We need to understand that the experience of wearing a face mask is different for everyone. There are options available that could change the way we feel in a mask. The most comfortable, breathable option for a non-healthcare worker is a reusable, washable mask.

When you decide to wear a mask, it's important to find the best reusable masks available. The best, washable mask will need to align closely with the curves of your face. It should also cover your nose and mouth. And of course, it should feel much more comfortable, to save you any frustrations.

In order for a mask to provide you with the most protection, it needs to fit properly. Basically, this means the masks need to create a protective seal. If it's loose around your face, then it won't be effective at keeping droplets in. 

● It should properly fit. This means the mask will extend vertically from the bridge of the nose to just under the chin. And it should stretch horizontally from cheek to cheek, coming close to the ears, comfortably.

● It's also important to look for a mask with a nose-bridge wire. This wire will adjust to dip along the sides of your nose.

● Pleated masks are best for comfort. This is because they allow more space between the fabric and your cheeks. They also provide more leeway to adjust to the bridge of your nose.

● Check for adjustable ear loops. If you pick one that fits too snug, then you will leave marks on your skin. The great thing about adjustable fasteners is that you can secure it to fit right without it being noticeably uncomfortable. 

● Comfort that is balanced because it is made of a breathable fabric. Think Multilayer, well-fitting masks that allow you to breathe while protecting yourself and others.

● Look for a washable mask with a filter pocket. The best masks come with two layers of cloth and a pocket. This will make the mask much more efficient.

Following the physical distancing recommendations along with masks help to flatten the curve of new cases. While this is great news, pandemics tend to return in waves. This means that there is a chance for outbreaks to return later in the year.

So, if we stop following the CDC guidelines to stop the spread, there is a chance that the infection rates could drastically increase. We need to save the N95 and surgical masks for the health care providers. It will definitely help to reduce the spread of the COVID-19. In fact, countries that require face masks, testing, isolation, and social distancing early on in the pandemic have slowed the spread of the virus. In order to protect the general public, the CDC recommends the use of a washable face mask. 

But, let's be honest here, we don't really enjoy the idea of donning a mask. Some of us feel as though it's a form of government control, instead of something that could save a life. Others have complaints that are much more common. They have difficulty breathing or their glasses fog up. So, choosing the right mask is going to be critical for comfort. This is why a cloth facial covering is perfect for most individuals. It's the most breathable option!

As long as you choose a mask that has the qualities and features above, you will be doing your part in the fight against this virus. This reusable face mask is going to prevent you from touching your nose and mouth. This will reduce the chance of spreading germs. Plus, you will get some filtration of air inflow. This will reduce the risk of you inhaling germs. Plus, they are washable. This means that you can wash them again and again.  So don't allow yourself to feel awkward from an ill-fitting mask. Choose to breathe easy, with the most preferred reusable and quality masks.

Evie Mills is an Outreach Specialist at Anoodigital.com. She is also passionate about writing. Her key areas of interest are a lifestyle, business, technology and home decor. In her free time, she loves listening to music and playing with her cute dog.