The CDC has new COVID recommendations: Stock up on face masks. Check out these best selling options

Aug 07, 2023

By Carolin Lehmann

Updated on: December 15, 2022 / 6:18 PM / Essentials

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The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends indoor masking when your community COVID-19 level is high. And unfortunately, the community level is high in more than 10 large counties right now:

Top products in this article:

iHealth COVID-19 antigen rapid test (5 pack), $36 (reduced from $45)

Evolvetogether Milan face masks (7 pack), $9

Oura Active Mask, $39 (reduced from $65)

With holiday travel and gatherings just around the corner, you will want to do everything you can to protect yourself and those you care about. N95 face masks continue to be your best protection against COVID. Fortunately, there are plenty of face masks on sale now -- plus sales on COVID-19 test kits ahead of your holiday gatherings.

Below, some great face masks and COVID-19 test kits to pick up. Find deals on Lucira, Oura, Asics and more brands. You can't go wrong stocking up on these winter health essentials. And don't forget to request a refund from your health insurance for the purchase of these COVID tests.

Find masks from Oura, Asica and more, some of which are on sale now.

Makeup stains are a problem of the past with these disposable, unisex face masks from Evolvetogether. Celebrities from Ariana Grande to Hailey Bieber have been spotted wearing them, and the brand offers options for children as well. These face masks, with an adjustable nose bridge, have a water-resistant exterior, meltblown filter and moisture-absorbing interior, plus they're hypoallergenic and latex-free.

Evolvetogether Milan face masks (7 pack), $9

This popular face mask from Oura offers multiple levels of protection. Its moisture-wicking fabric has been embedded with silver oxide and titanium oxide, two materials that resist odor and have anti-bacterial and virus-inactivating properties. The Oura Active Mask has a four-layer construction and includes a pocket for a replaceable N95 filter. Each Active Mask purchase comes with 30 pieces of Active Tape to better secure the mask to your face while exercising.

Oura Active Mask, $39 (reduced from $65)

For a more lightweight option that works best for lower-risk settings, the Lite Air Mask from Airinum is made with a lightweight 3D air mesh material. It has elastic ear loops, a detachable head clip and a bendable, memory-foam nose bridge for a custom and comfortable fit. This mask comes with three replaceable filters, and the mask's antimicrobial skin is washable, making it great for everyday use.

Airinum Lite Air Mask, $29 (reduced from $49)

These affordable, 4.3-star sports face masks available on Amazon come in a variety of colors. Pick from a two-pack, three-pack or five-pack. They're made of a quick-drying fabric, have adjustable ear loops and are designed with two layers of fabric. Because they lack the advanced filtration of other masks on this list, these are best for low-risk situations, such as exercising outdoors.

Borgasets breathable sport face mask (2 pack), $8 after coupon (reduced from $10)

Borgasets breathable sport face mask (5 pack), $13 after coupon (reduced from $16)

This well-reviewed athletic face mask by Asics wraps around the back of your head so it won't budge while you run. It's made of a quick-dry fabric and doesn't get too close to your face, making it easier to breathe. It has an adjustable fit and water-repellent exterior.

Asics Runners mask, $10 (reduced from $40)

The reviewer-loved Athleta Activate reusable face mask two-packs come in a variety of colors. They mold around the nose and cheeks and have adjustable ear loops. They're made of a breathable fabric that's quick-drying.

Athleta Activate face mask (2 pack), $5 (reduced from $15)

This Under Armour face mask has a bendable nose piece and stretch ear loops. Its material prevents moisture build-up and has an anti-microbial treatment. This water-resistant mask, available in three sizes, puts space between it and your face for easier breathing during workouts. (Price varies by size.)

Under Armour Sportsmask, $20 (reduced from $25)

Get the most protection from one of the N95 masks below.

If you're willing to purchase 50 masks, these from Kimberly-Clark have a large breathing chamber for comfort and soft but strong headbands.

They're on sale now.

Kimberly-Clark professional N95 pouch respirator (50 pack), $42 (reduced from $86)

These NIOSH-approved masks have four filter layers and feature an adjustable nose clip.

The double elastic head straps eliminate pressure on the ears and is meant to make wearing the mask more comfortable.

Benehal N95 Mask Particulate Respirators (20 pack), $22

These 3M masks prevent eyewear fogging and have a foam cushion for maximum comfort on your nose. They're currently on sale at Amazon for 75 cents per mask if you buy a 20-pack, making this one of the lowest per-mask prices we've ever seen for N95s.

3M N95 8210 respirator (20 pack), $15 (reduced from $19)

Find tests from Flowflex, iHealth and more, some of which are even on sale.

These 4.6-star-rated Flowflex COVID-19 tests come in a pack of five at Amazon.

Flowflex COVID-19 home test (5 pack), $34

iHealth COVID-19 antigen tests were once distributed by the federal government for free. Now that the program has ended, iHealth tests are one of the most cost-effective, 15-minute tests you can buy -- but you do now have to buy them.

iHealth COVID-19 antigen rapid test (5 pack), $36 (reduced from $45)

The Lucira's Check It COVID-19 test is a molecular test that uses a nasal swab to produce results in 30 minutes or less. Molecular kits are designed to detect the presence of COVID-19 earlier and more accurately than the antigen tests above.

This kit contains one test. It's authorized for ages 2 and up.

Lucira Check It COVID-19 Test Kit, $29 (reduced from $75)

Carolin Lehmann is an expert in health, fitness, furniture, apparel, gift guides and books for CBS Essentials. She's always testing new products to recommend. Some of her current favorites include Stanley cups, Alo Yoga workout sets and the Cuzen matcha maker.

First published on December 15, 2022 / 5:46 PM