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5 Face Shields You Can Buy On Amazon Right Now

There’s no question that face masks help prevent the spread of the novel coronavirus, not to mention the flu, the common cold, various adenoviruses and so on. But what about plastic face shields? Are they also effective at preventing contraction and spread of airborne viruses like the one that causes COVID-19?

While there’s currently not enough evidence to support the effectiveness of a face shield alone in providing protection from respiratory droplets, face shields can provide an additional barrier to limit an infected person’s likelihood of spreading the coronavirus by blocking aerosols ejected during a sneeze, cough or deep exhalation. Because of the gaps around the sides and bottom of a plastic face shield, though, the level of protection you get from a face shield alone is not as high as with a cloth face mask over the nose and mouth.

“[Face shields] protect you, the wearer,” says Dr. Frank Esper of the Cleveland Clinic’s Center for Pediatric Infectious Diseases. “But if you cough, because the face shield is away from your face, those droplets can still get out better than if you have a mask on.” In situations where social distancing from others is possible, like on a walk or jog, face shields are sufficient protection. In other situations, such as communicating with those with hearing loss, for teachers working with young children (or special needs students) and for anyone else whose face simply must be visible, clear plastic face shields are all but imperative, though other safety precautions taken are up to the individuals in question.

While not as effective as face masks, face shields do add another layer of protection that greatly increases your safety and lowers your chances of transmission to others. Whereas masks only cover airways, those aren’t the only potential inroads for a virus. “Because it also covers your eyes, a face shield provides more protection to the mucus membranes of your face where you might be getting infected,” says Dr. Amesh Adalja, a pandemic expert from the Johns Hopkins Center for Health Security.

MORE FROM FORBESHere's Where You Can Buy A Face Mask Online Right Now

So while face masks are most important to have right now, consider adding one of the below face shields to your own personal protective gear — for when you are outside and distanced or when you need an extra layer of protection. Just make sure to wipe down your face shield with an antibacterial solution or isopropyl alcohol after each use.


WET Design Reusable Face Mask

WET Design Reusable Face Shield

Originally designed for front line workers, this face mask is now available to the general public and is a fine choice for people who want maximum coverage. The shield is long and broad, sticking well below most peoples’ chins and wide outside the cheeks. The Lexan plastic shield also extends about an inch above its headband, offering a bit more coverage from airborne particulate or aerosols. The material is also a UV protectant, so your skin will be safer against damage caused by ultraviolet light.

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Dynatomy Full Coverage Face Shield

Dynatomy Full Coverage Face Shield

Entirely American made, these disposable face shields are long and broad enough to offer ample coverage for the face down to the neckline. They’re also built with a large forehead pad that holds the shield 1.5-inches away from your face to comfortably allow for the wearing of eyeglasses (or sunglasses).


WeFidget Reusable Full Face Shield

WeFidget Reusable Full Face Shield

Unlike many of the face shields out there today, these from WeFidget are designed to be reused. They come wrapped in a protective film that, once removed, reveals a crisp, clear shield. They can be wiped clean easily, and the padding on the forehead section is made from a thick, closed-cell neoprene rubber instead of the foam common in throwaway shields, so sweat does not absorb into the pad and begin to cause odor or even bacteria issues.


Bjorn Swensen Protective Face Shield

Bjorn Swensen Protective Face Shield

When you order this German-made face shield, you will get three semi-disposable clear plastic shields and one reusable head band notable for two reasons. First, the headband’s size can be adjusted to fit heads of varied circumference without relying on elastic band, so it won’t be putting pressure on your brow and temples all day long. Second, the shield can be raised away from the face without removal of the headband, allowing for easy adjustment of glasses, putting on or removing of a mask, or anything else you need to do in a moment when it’s safe to raise your shield.


Sunzel Reusable Glasses Face Shield

Sunzel Reusable Glasses Face Shield

Rather than being held in place by a headband, this clear anti-fog face shield is donned like a pair of glasses, with arms that extend back over your ears and a Y-shaped support for the bridge of your nose. That design not only allows for quick and easy removal or positioning of the face shield, but also leaves you free to wear a hat, hood, or other head covering without a headband getting in the way (or vice versa).

MORE FROM FORBES11 Face Masks You Can Buy On Amazon Right Nowforbes.comAmazon Promo Codes | 10% Off In November 2020 | Forbes
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