Copyright Chicago Tribune
Which face shield is best? When it comes to protecting your face from dust, debris, splashes or harsh elements, a reliable face shield can make all the difference. Whether you’re tackling a home improvement project, working in a medical or industrial setting or spending hours in the workshop, a face shield is a great piece of personal protective equipment. With so many options on the market, it’s important to consider a few factors before deciding which one to get. What to know before you buy a face shield Choose the right type of face shield for you Face shields are usually either attached to a headband or glasses. If you already wear glasses on a daily basis, you need to make sure that your face shield is compatible with your glasses. If you choose a headband-style face shield, then you should make sure that the shield doesn’t sit too close to your face, to ensure there will be enough room for your glasses to fit under the shield. Find the correct fit for you Face shields can typically be adjusted by loosening or tightening the elastic straps or adjusting the notch like you would on a baseball cap. Look for proper coverage Your face shield should start about 1 inch above your eyebrows and come well past your chin to offer the most protection. The shield should also wrap around the side of your head and stop just in front of your ears. What to look for in a quality face shield Rigidity The rigidity and thickness of the plastic face shield should not be an issue for most people. A lightweight or thin piece of plastic should be acceptable for most people. That being said, you might need a more rigid face shield that meets particular specifications for your work environment. In that case, you should look for a rigid face shield model. Coating You can treat the plastic on a face shield with a coating to improve safety and durability. Some face shields are coated to be glare-resistant or scratch-resistant, while other face shields are tinted or provide UV protection. Comfort Many face shields provide a small piece of foam that rests on your forehead for extra comfort. Look for a face shield with softer foam or hypoallergenic foam, especially if you have any sensitivities. How much you can expect to spend on a face shield You can typically spend anywhere from $3-6 for an individual face shield, but the price per face shield decreases when you buy them in bulk. If you want a more stylish face shield or something more durable, you might spend $15-20 for each face shield. Face shield FAQ What is the purpose of a face shield? A. A face shield is meant to protect the face and eyes of the person wearing it from infection and other possible hazards. Face shields are mainly worn by healthcare professionals, including dental hygienists, who are prone to splatters and splashes on the job. Many painting and cleaning professionals also wear face shields to protect their faces and eyes from hazardous substances. Are there any disadvantages to wearing a face shield? A. The advantages of wearing a face shield outweigh the disadvantages for many people, but there are a few problems to consider. Face shields are bulkier and larger than safety goggles. Some face shields don’t provide enough clearance if you need to wear one over a respirator. Some face shields also have a glare or fog, which makes it harder to see clearly through the face shield. What are the best face shields to buy? Top face shield TCP Global Salon World Safety Face Shields with Glasses Frames What you need to know: Considered the best of the best, this professional reusable face shield offers full-face protection to shield your eyes, nose and mouth, backed by a lifetime guarantee. What you’ll love: The pack contains 25 face shields with glasses frames. The shields are made of ultraclear, thick plastic and antifog coatings. Each mask covers from the chin to the eyebrows. What you should consider: They come with a glasses frame rather than a headband. Top face shield for the money TCP Safety Face Shields What you need to know: This budget-friendly face shield option offers excellent visibility and is crafted from high-quality plastic. What you’ll love: This crystal-clear face shield is perfect for protection and use in most work environments. It comes with a pack of 10 lightweight, yet durable face shields, and the PET plastic is antifogging. What you should consider: The fit of this face shield is not customizable. Prices listed reflect time and date of publication and are subject to change. Check out our Daily Deals for the best products at the best prices and sign up here to receive the BestReviews weekly newsletter full of shopping inspo and sales. BestReviews spends thousands of hours researching, analyzing and testing products to recommend the best picks for most consumers. BestReviews and its newspaper partners may earn a commission if you purchase a product through one of our links.
