There are many types of masks in the market these days, unlike at the start of the pandemic when there was a shortage. The situation was so dire that even frontliners had to reuse their masks and protective gear despite being in the throng of all the chaos.
In this article, we review headloop masks – basically your regular surgical mask, except that the elastic band goes around your head.
Headloop masks came into the picture when manufacturers realized that these were more appropriate for hijab wearers. You can opt for a headloop mask if you find earloops uncomfortable or if you don't get a secure fit.
Remember, the mask must fit tightly atop your nose and mouth with no space at the sides! Check out our favourites below.
Table Of Contents
Editor
Table of Contents
Top 6 Headloop Masks in Malaysia
- Iconic Medicare 4 Ply KF99 Headloop
- Yukazan KF94 Headloop 4 Ply
- Fabric Mask Missmilla Full Tie Back
- BioCare KF94 Mask Adult Hijab Headloop
- Missmilla KN95 Head Loop Face Mask 5 Ply
- Jovian Disposable 3Ply Monogram Headloop Mask
Why It’s Our Top Pick:
KF99 masks are the most recent upgraded version on the KF94 – which stands for ‘Korean Filter 94’. We love them because they promise a BFE of 99%, almost total filtration! It comes in a rustic nude colour which will match any outfit, and has the Korea 3D slim face-cutting design that provides a pocket of air at the front of your face and nose to facilitate breathing.
Features:
For RM30, you get 10 individually packed masks that prevent cross-contamination. Each mask has a BFE of 99% and the Most Penetrating Particle Size (MPPS) is 0.3 microns, filtered out by a 4-layer structure. It is water-repellent, so you needn't worry about sweating onto it.
Testimonies:
People buy Iconic Medicare’s masks because they are very soft and comfortable, especially if you need to wear them for long hours. Women who don the hijab find these handy as they need not purchase the extension to keep their masks intact.
- Material: Double melt-blown
- Bacterial Filtration Efficiency(BFE): >99%
- Most Penetrating Particle Size (MPPS): 0.3 MICRONS
- No. of layers: 4
- Sizes available: Adult only
- No. of masks per pack: 10
Though KF99 masks are now available, the KF94 remains a popular choice as they have been on the market longer and are tried and tested. Despite the KF94 classification, Yuka Zan still advertises their masks to have 99% BFE and PFE, so they should not be vastly different from the KF99. These masks are duly certified by the Medical Device Authority.
Features:
One box comes with 50 masks; 25 in Barley Yellow, 25 in Peony Pink. Similar to KF99 masks, it has up to 99% BFE and PFE and 4 protective layers of protection. Its 3D fit Airy- tech makes it suitable for different face shapes.
Testimonies:
Users found the mask to be very comfortable. Some even commented that it is the only mask that does not cause 'maskne' or mask acne. A couple of users wish that it comes with a broader range of colours.
- Material: Melt-blown fabric
- Bacterial Filtration Efficiency(BFE): >99%
- Particle Filtration Efficiency(PFE): >99%
- No. of layers: 4
- Sizes available: Adult only
- No. of masks per pack: 50
While we do not recommend users to wear only a cloth mask when you guys leave the house, this mask is ideal for double masking. The reason why cloth masks are insufficient on their own is that they are not water-resistant, which means that if someone sneezes or coughs in your face, you would practically have no protection at all. Additionally, it does not have as many layers as a regular surgical mask which has at least 3 plies.
Features:
Made of breathable fabric, it is good for double masking as it allows the user to breathe well even with two masks on. You can choose from their range of 7 colours, and the mask goes all the way around your head, providing a snug fit. Each mask is RM15.
Testimonies:
People love the multiple colours available as this means that they can buy one to match every outfit. The material is soft and comfortable, and customers found the pricing very reasonable, purchasing a few at a time.
- Material: Fabric
- Sizes available: Adult only
- No. of masks per pack: 1
Biocare has been producing various medical-grade equipment for some time now, and masks are also within their range of products. If you just want a plain white one, opt for their KF94 mask.
Features:
Made of non-woven and melt-blown cloth, it's advertised as environmentally friendly and non-irritating. With 10 masks in a packet, you get 4-layer protection and the mask can filter up to 0.4um of particulate matter.
Testimonies:
Many find the mask to be of good quality and comfortable. However, some report that it is thinner than your regular KF94 mask while others found themselves feeling quite hot when wearing the mask. It is great value for money.
- Material: Melt-blown, Non-woven
- Particle Filtration Efficiency(PFE): >94%
- No. of layers: 4
- Sizes available: Adult only
- No. of masks per pack: 10
What’s interesting is that this mask has 5 plies. KN95 is the China version of the N95 masks, and are said to be as effective as the former. They have a sharp beak-like design compared to the KF94 and KF99, which have a more tent-like structure. These come in black and white and even has an earloop option if you don’t need the headloop.
Features:
One can get 10 white, 10 black, and 5 free random coloured masks in one package. Each mask is individually packed and has 5 layers of protection. It boasts up to 95% of BFE and PFE and has an adjustable nose clip so you can fit it to your face.
Testimonies:
This mask is thick, with no one reporting signs of it tearing even after a full day of wear. Packaged in a nice box, these masks are worth the price, considering that the seller also offers 5 free masks.
- Material: Non-woven polypropylene (PP), Spunbond, Melt-blown, Non-Woven
- Bacterial Filtration Efficiency(BFE): ≥ 95%
- Particle Filtration Efficiency(PFE): ≥ 95%
- No. of layers: 5
- Sizes available: Adult only
- No. of masks per pack: 20+5 FOC
It is always safer to wear disposable masks so that you do not face the risk of contamination. Another reason why you should not reuse disposable masks is that these masks are not washable (unlike your cloth masks). Thus, bacteria and viruses can remain on the mask.
Features:
A box contains 30 pieces of 3-ply Jovian masks. These are non-medical masks but have a BFE of 95% and a PFE of 98%. The materials used to make the masks are hypoallergenic. Users should know that the length of the loop is 30cm, so measure yourself before purchasing.
Testimonies:
People find the mask sturdy and breathable, with no wear and tear even when worn for a long time. Available on a pre-order basis, it does take some time to arrive. You may want to buy them in bulk so you can receive them all at once.
- Material: Polypropylene Spunbond Non-Woven Fabric
- Bacterial Filtration Efficiency(BFE): 95%
- Particle Filtration Efficiency(PFE): 98%
- No. of plies: 3
- Sizes available: Adult only
- No. of masks per pack: 30
Headloop masks vs earloop masks
The public is advised to wear masks with earloops with a surgical mask classification – the standard operating procedure for the Malaysian public as generated by Kementerian Kesihatan Malaysia (KKM). However, the headloop mask became popular due to its ease of use for hijab wearers.
There is insufficient data to prove that earloop masks are better than headloop masks. Generally, both are usually made of the same material and possess the same filtration efficacy, with the difference simply being the way one wears it.
If your mask can cover the entirety of your face and nose (many still do not cover their nose!) snugly without any gaps at the side, you should be well-protected.
Take good care of yourself and those around you by wearing a mask. We’re all in this together!