We're Talkin' Masks
Awwwwww yeahhhhhh.... this week, we're talking about everyone's favorite topic: Masks.
Yes, you might have sensed a little bit of sarcasm there and rightly so. It's a major bummer that we're back at having to wear masks inside at some places again, and masks have never been anyone's favorite topic to begin with. However, since this is the current reality at Walt Disney World, we're going to offer some tips on the best masks and mask accessories for your Walt Disney World vacation so at least it isn't all as painful as it could have been.
The Current Mask Situation
In case you missed it, the Delta variant is now the dominant COVID variant in the United States, and with it, the CDC has backtracked on some of their recommendations. The new advice is that all people, regardless of vaccination status, wear masks inside in public places in areas where COVID transmission is high. Also, in case you missed it, that's basically everywhere in the United States right now except perhaps some less populated parts of the upper great plains. Which means masks are once again required inside and on attractions (from the moment you enter the queue) at both United States Disney parks.
The only exception to this is for guests under the age of 2. There are no medical exemptions allowed at Walt Disney World, which is in compliance with the ADA which also does not recognize any exemptions for medical reasons to wearing a mask. If you can't wear a mask, or your child 2 or older can't be reliably counted on to wear a mask, then our best advice to you is to visit another time.
Recommended Mask Types
In our mask recommendations, we are going to consider the CDC and WHO advice about masks that are most protective, while also considering comfort when wearing a mask all day in the Florida heat. Let's start with the CDC and WHO recommendations.
While the Delta variant is prominent, it is recommended that you either double mask (with a cloth mask and a surgical mask) or wear a mask with good filtration such as an N95. We're going to recommend against the double masking due to the discomfort we think this will cause in the Florida heat, and that you know the filtration value of a mask like an N95, while you can't truly know the filtration value of your double mask.
Walt Disney World requires that your mask meet the following criteria:
Be at least two layers
Fully cover nose and mouth and secure under the chin
Fit snugly against the side of the face
Be secured with ties or ear loops (as in, you can't be just holding something to your face)
It's also important to note that Disney will not recognize gaiters as masks for this purpose.
So combining these two recommendations, we're overall going to recommend wearing disposable masks with certain filtration values overall. One reason we recommend disposable masks is that your mask is going to get dirty and likely sweaty and you will want to change it out several times a day. Disposable masks are going to overall be less expensive and less maintenance for this purpose.
Recommended Disposable Masks
The N95 has been the gold standard of masks throughout the pandemic, though at times authentic N95s can be in short supply. Additionally, some sellers will market their mask as N95, when in actuality it is not. If you can get a hold of N95 masks and are certain they are authentic, this is a good option. One other drawback of N95s, however, is their breathability. I personally don't mind wearing a facemask, but when I wear an N95, I feel suffocated.
Another option is the closely related KN95. I find these to be really comfortable and am always surprised that they are designed to filter out the same amount and size of particles as an N95, but I can breathe so much better in them. KN95s are widely available and relatively low cost. However, the N95 is the only mask approved for use in medical settings in the United States. The KN95 is the Chinese version. The other nice thing about the KN95 is that it folds and lies flat, allowing you to fit so many more in your luggage (and you will want a few per person per day).
Another valid option is a KF94, which is basically the South Korean equivalent of the N95. These are also widely available, come in a few colors, and as an added bonus coming from South Korea, are less likely to be counterfeit, as long as you make sure your KF94 was made in Korea, not China. They do rate 1 percentage point lower than the other two for filtration value, but it's still a really good value (94% versus 95% of unwanted particles). And one thing I particularly like about them is the shape that protrudes out from your nose and lips so that you have a little space inside.
Recommended Non-Disposable Masks
One major drawback of disposable masks is how bad they can be for the environment. For this reason, people understandably may still want to wear a cloth or reusable mask. When it comes to cloth masks there is so much variety that you may have to try a few out before you find what you personally like. However, there are some recommendations.
Old Navy masks appear to be a fan favorite. Disney, of course, also sells masks, so if you want to flaunt your Disney love, you could purchase a few of these.
Regardless of your choice for a reusable mask, you want to look for masks that are lightweight and breathable, but have tightly woven fabric and are at least 2 ply. Experts recommend holding the mask up to the light. A better mask will let less light through. A mask letting lots of light through might be comfortable, but will not filter as many particles as one that allows less light.
And speaking of filtering particles, we feel compelled to say that a cloth mask is not going to do the filtration job of an N95, a KN95, or a KF94. You wear a cloth mask to protect OTHERS from particles you exhale, not so much to protect yourself. If everyone is masking up, this is a great thing. The masks that are made to protect the wearer, however, are the rated masks like the N95, KN95, and KF94.
Mask Accessories
To improve your comfort, you might want some of the innovative mask accessories below.
Ear hooks - these hold the ear straps on a mask away from your ears for a tighter mask fit and for less friction at the back of your ears.
Ear protectors - If the ear hook is not your jam, the ear protector goes around the loops on a mask to provide additional cushioning.
Anti-fog wipes - These are a must-have for people who wear glasses. Try a few brands out ahead of time to find one that works for your lenses and lens finishes. They can be a lifesaver to prevent you from fogging up.
Mask lanyard - Especially great for kids. If you are going to be taking your mask off from time to time, these are great to attach your mask to, so you can hold your mask close and not lose it.
Mask bracket - This is a silicon insert that fits inside your mask to hold it away from your nose and mouth and allow extra space. While not necessary with an N95 or a KF94, this can be great if cloth masks are the route you are going and they make you feel claustrophobic.
A Final Word...
Anytime masks are mentioned in the United States, there is bound to be some contentious debate. Nobody likes masks. Nobody likes having to wear a mask. Some people will seek to place blame, and some people will seek to debunk the need for masks at all. We are not medical experts here, and that is why we trust the advice of those who are and seek to share that with you. Our aim here is not to promote debate about the necessity of masks, but rather to share information so that you can have the best Walt Disney World vacation you can given the current requirements.
Therefore, if we should see anti-mask, anti-vaxx, COVID-denial, or other alt-truth comments, we will be deleting them. You are entitled to your opinion, but we're here for vacation planning, not politics.
We hope we were able to offer you some advice on the current situation, and requirements of a Disney vacation, and to help you find the most comfortable mask you can should you still need to wear them when visiting the parks. If anyone has other mask or mask accessory suggestions, please do share them on our Facebook page where you can comment on this post, and follow us to receive notifications weekly when we post a new article. Until next time....
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