Where To Buy Face Masks For Kids And Adults In Hong Kong

Keep those masks on Hong Kong (for the foreseeable future at least)! Feel like switching up your mask-game? Or looking for the best face masks for kids in Hong Kong? Here’s what to look for in this everyday essential and where to shop for all the family.

We know that face masks are super important and we wouldn’t want to put ourselves, our loved ones or anyone else in society at risk by going out and about without wearing one. That said, finding one that fits well can make all the difference!

As parents, we need to step out of the house for many reasons and putting on a mask is now second nature, just like grabbing the keys or wallet. As for the kids, those over the age of two are expected to wear face masks in the 852. So what should you look for while buying a mask for different members of the family? Here are some of the best masks for kids and adults and where to buy them.

Disclaimer: Please note that the information in this article should not be treated as medical advice and regular face masks, as mentioned in this article, are not a replacement for hospital-grade personal protective equipment. If anyone in your family is in the high-risk category, please follow your doctor’s or the health authority’s recommendations about masks and protective equipment. Masks are sold out and restocked regularly, check availability for the latest versions. 

Read more: Hong Kong COVID Tests: PCR Tests, RAT Tests And Community Testing Centres

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What To Look For In A Face Mask For Adults?

Needless to say, your top priority should always be safety – for you and those around you. Your exposure to risk will depend on the nature of your job, how much and where you travel to in Hong Kong, underlying health conditions (if any) and more. This will determine what type of mask you might require. Other factors that should influence your decision are:

• Breathability
• Fit: to cover from the bridge of the nose to under your chin (size and comfort)
• Your lifestyle (how active you are)
• Cost
• Environment-friendliness and personal preferences

Fabric masks (even with filters) can be more ventilated and easy on the skin than the disposable, 3-ply surgical ones for running your daily errands. In the COVID-19 era, masks are available in any print and fabric imaginable but when it comes to functionality, not all types of fabric masks are created equal.

It’s kind of a Goldilocks situation. Some cotton masks are too thick which leave you suffocated, damp and sweat absorption even harder. A damp mask equates to more maskne (rather than acne – it’s real, ask your dermatologist!) and more fiddling which defeats the whole purpose of wearing a mask. A mask made in a lighter fabric with perforations to allow a small degree of airflow can feel comfortable, but if you can see daylight through the fibres, it means the weave is too loose and therefore protection is minimal. So you need one that’s just right!

An ideal breathable, protective mask needs to fit like a glove plus have a happy compromise between density and sweat absorption. Do a simple light test – make sure the mask you’re opting for is not too heavy, saggy or too light; preferably a mix of cotton, spandex and moisture-wicking fabric.

For workouts, many people go for the neck gaiters and bandanas to cover their faces but are they effective? Sorry to be party poopers, but when it comes to face masks, breathability is inversely proportional to safety.

Read more: COVID-19 Vaccines In Hong Kong: Your Questions Answered

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What To Look For In A Mask For Kids?

A big worry for many parents is getting smaller children to wear masks and what really works best for them. Neck wraps, K95s, disposable surgical masks, reusable cloth masks, face shields, brackets, the options are plenty. The basics, however, are to make sure the size of the face mask isn’t too large (or tight) for little ones and that the nose and chin are covered comfortably.

For when schools reopen, most have strict instructions on what protective gear pupils need to wear. Some kindergartens have face shield requirements while others prohibit their use, some mandate face masks to be changed every couple of hours, others trust the maturity of (older) children on this. Your best bet is to follow the school rules carefully and then pick a mask that suits your child best.

Size and fit are crucial for little faces. Masks with elastic ties are good because they allow a closer fit. If not, be sure to make a small knot to keep the mask in place. Many kids’ masks also come with ear saver clips that allow the loops to be held together at the back of the head instead of around the ears. This prevents pressure on the ears and the discomfort that comes with a tight ear strap or a toggle that presses down painfully.

If your child is old enough to know how to take off a cloth mask, store it and put it back on correctly, it is a good idea to invest a high-quality reusable one. If your little one is just too little or too excited to be able to handle strict safety protocols, it might be best to use disposable masks and pack an extra one as well. What is absolutely essential is that you prepare your child with proper hand hygiene measures and social distancing protocol.

Read more: Raising A Child With An Immune Deficiency During COVID-19

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Do Face Mask Accessories Help?

Face mask braces or brackets are bendable, silicone structures designed to keep the mask from touching your face and claim to solve a load of mask issues: maskne, foggy glasses, a poor fit, suffocation during a workout and even preserving makeup. Talk about date night saviours!

Sounds too good to be true? It probably is. These brackets have big air vents, a T-shape to cover the nose and mouth and small hooks to keep the mask snug and secure. But practically, when you’re on the move, the brackets shift in its place, creating a gap between the mask and the face and undermines the whole safety aspect.

Face shields can be used with a face mask, but not in place of one. Face shields do not prevent droplets spreading, so a mask will always be more effective, but it may serve as an effective barrier (and reminder) for your little one who has a tendency to rub his or her eyes or nose.

Read more: Pregnant In Hong Kong During The Time Of COVID-19

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Reusable Face Masks For Adults And Kids In Hong Kong

Uniqlo Airism Masks – Sports wear face masks for children and adults in Hong Kong

This face mask has got rave reviews all around the world and launched in Hong Kong back in September 2020. It has everything you could ask for. It’s triple-layered, feather-light, sweat-wicking, odour-drying, washable and even blocks 90% of the ultraviolet rays. Uniqlo has created this mask with the same Airism signature technology used in their sportswear. The mask is available in three basic colours, white, grey and black and a pack-of-3 costs $59 only. It is available in three sizes (S, M and L) and the small one will fit primary school-going children as well.

Available at Uniqlo stores across Hong Kong

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Bamboa – Bamboo fibre masks for children and adults

Bamboa has launched its own collection of 100% bamboo fibre face masks for kids and adults. These are hand-sewn by tailors in Hong Kong to meet the growing demand for a sustainable type of face mask. These use three layers of bamboo fabric and are not made with any toxic substances. Adult masks cost $130 while kid ones cost $110.

Available online and in-store

Bamboa, S304 Block A Staunton, PMQ, 35 Aberdeen Street, Central, Hong Kong, 2291 0285, www.bamboahome.com

Read more: Expert Advice: How Will Social Distancing Affect My Child?

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Saupei – Cloth masks for children and adults

Saupei is well-known in Hong Kong for its recycled and upcycled products. Its cloth masks come in three layers and four sizes. Saupei face masks for kids and adults are available at most eco-stores across the city. 

Available at various stores across Hong Kong and online

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The Wee Bean – Organic fabric face masks for children in Hong Kong

Known for its cute and comfortable clothes for children, The Wee Bean also offers organic kids’ masks. These masks are breathable and ideal for active kids (2.5 years and up). Each mask has a pouch for a filter and you can also buy a set of 10 PM 2.5 filters. For every mask sold, The Wee Bean will donate one to J Life Foundation Limited to distribute to children from low-income families in Hong Kong. Check out our That Mama, Amy Tang, co-founder of The Wee Bean.

Available online

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Casetify Reusable Cloth Mask – Cotton face masks for adults and teens

The cotton fabric of this mask feels like an ultra-soft t-shirt but the size is best suited for people with larger faces or bigger heads. This reusable face mask comes with a built-in pocket with a filter, plus an additional filter. For each item sold, Casetify donates a medical-grade mask to a health worker in need.

Available online

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Malabar Baby – Up-cycled organic cotton masks for kids, teens and mamas

Created by the founder of Malabar Baby because she struggled to find a mask that her five year old son would wear, these offerings are made with up-cycled organic cotton fabric with beautiful prints (taken from the off cuts of the wearable sleep bag range!). The masks will withstand everyday washing, sweaty weather and your little one running around. Shop for kids masks (age 3 to 8), teens and women.

Available online

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Adidas Face Mask – Sports masks for adults in Hong Kong

Need something while out on your daily run? Trust Adidas to come up with the best in the line active mask.Soft, machine washable (added bonus!), sweat-absorbing and fits like a glove. Comes as a pack of three in small, medium and large sizes. It’s sold out on the website (more options coming soon) but available on Carousell.

Currently available on Carousell

Read more: Coping With COVID Fatigue: 10 Practical Tips To Take Into 2022

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Everlane – The 100% Human Face Mask

These masks are the very definition of summer. Available in solid hues for formal occasions and colourful, tie-dyed designs for the fun times, they look and fit like a darling! The double knit layered cotton fabric with stretchy ear loops is as breathable and comfortable as a mask can get. While the masks themselves are inexpensive ($200 for a pack of 5), shipping charges apply. American expats who are monitoring the situation back home will be happy to know that Everlane donates 10% of its sales to the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU).

Available online

Read more: 10 Tips To Help Busy Parents Deal With Forced School Closures

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Disposable Face Masks For Kids And Adults In Hong Kong

Raze – Antibacterial face masks for all the family

With three layers that are, water resistant, antiviral and antibacterial, as well as being sensitive to skin, the Raze face masks tick the boxes. Available in four sizes, perfect for small to larger faces, a pack of 30 will set you back $99.

Available online or in various stores across Hong Kong.

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MaskOn – Hong Kong made, certified face masks for children and adults

Certified by several laboratories in Hong Kong and the USA, MaskOn offer sensitive skin-friendly, 4 ply face masks with high-efficiency filtration that is protective yet breathable. A box of 30 is $140 and they come in a range of colours to suit your mood.

Available online 

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Maskology – Certified masks for adults, with patterned options for kids

With four different face mask sizes from very small children (123mm face masks) to adults, including 3D masks, you’re sure to find the right fit at Maskology. It even sells COVID-19 antigen rapid tests.

Shop online or in-store at Mannings 

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Wise Ever  – Protector Daily Face Masks, EU certified

Made with soft and breathable lightweight material, in a large range of colours, the EU certified face masks come in three sizes (S, M, L). The small might be too big for small toddlers though.

Available online and in-store at Mannings

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Good Mask – Children’s Disney face masks, certified face masks for adults

This Hong Kong manufacturing company came about in 2020 when there was a huge shortage of face masks for all sizes. Here you’ll find certified face masks for all the family, including cute designs for small children.

Available online

Read more: Pregnancy And Birth During COVID-19 In Hong Kong: Baby’s First Year

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More Places To Get Face Mask For Kids And Adults Online Or In-store

masklab™ – Fashion and surgical face masks, in a range of sizes. We particularly like the Year Of The Tiger option for the littles! www.masklab.hk

Enro – Enro – N95 masks, surgical and cloth masks for adults and children. Available from XXS size. www.asia.enro.com

Krak – Reusable cotton face masks for children from Petit Tipi, www.petittippi.com

feat.MASK – This face mask looks stylish and promises to be functional with anti-bacterial yarns (and we love their tree-planting initiative!), www.featfashion.com

Milk Shirts – Available for kids and adults, www.milkshirts.com

Etsy – If you don’t mind the shipping charges, look at some of the face masks available for kids and adults, www.etsy.com

Meo-Air – Face mask for kids (this New Zealand-product is also available on HKTV Mall), www.meoair.com

Under Armour SportsMask – Perfect for working out, www.underarmour.hk

Mannings – large selection of face masks including Maskology, Protector Daily, 3D face mask, face masks for small children and more, www.mannings.com.hk

Watsons – Surgical face masks and other certified face masks for all the family, www.watsons.com.hk

Read more: 11 Health And Wellness Apps For Busy Hong Kong Mums

Editor’s note: This article was originally published by Nikita Mishra in September 2020 and updated in February 2022 by Sassy Mama.