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Oakley MSK3 unveils fashionably protective face mask that works with sunglasses

oakley face mask front angle view with logo
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The new Oakley MSK3 face mask is clearly designed with athletes in mind, but that should (and probably won’t) stop the masses from checking it out. Built with a flexible silicone outer gasket, it molds to your face while also creating a soft landing pad for your sunglasses.

The important part is the filter, of course, and they include two different replaceable, disposable filters with it. One is merely for larger particulate. The other is the one you want these days, filtering down to 0.3 microns.

interior of oakley face masks with replaceable filters

Fun fact: Coronavirus particles are smaller than that. And Oakley doesn’t make any medical claims about their masks. But, with the Performance filter, they should work anyway, because of physics.

The Coronavirus particles range from 0.06 to 0.14 microns, but researchers say N95 masks’ 0.3 micron filtration size actually works really good at smaller particles. That’s because virus particles are always bonded to something much larger, like water vapor, mucus, etc. Check out this story from USA Today for a deeper dive on the mechanics of how this works.

oakley face mask infographic

Other features include an adjustable nose bridge and adjustable straps, helping you create a secure, comfortable fit. The nose has a recessed groove for your sunglasses nose piece to rest in, so they shouldn’t slide down during activity

oakley face mask uses replaceable filters

The semi-rigid structure keeps the mask from caving in during use. For cyclists (and athletes in general), this should make it easier to breathe hard during intense efforts.

oakley face mask for athletes prevents sunglasses from fogging up with this molded nose bridge oakley msk3 might be the best face mask for athletes

In typical Oakley fashion, it’s expensive, with a retail price of $60. But, can you put a price on looking good? Get it on Oakley.com with free shipping, and replacement filters are $10 for a 3-pack.

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16 Comments
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yogibimbi
yogibimbi
3 years ago

Hmmm, most important question though: Will they keep my sunglasses from fogging up?

IzzyM
IzzyM
3 years ago
Reply to  yogibimbi

My thoughts exactly

VJGoh
VJGoh
3 years ago
Reply to  yogibimbi

I just ordered one, so I’ll let you know. 😀

Kyle
Kyle
3 years ago
Reply to  yogibimbi

Have been wearing this mask for about a week and absolutely love it. Finally, one that truly prevents fogging with nose gasket that is genuinely sealed and comfortably stays in place. The single downside, if it can be called that, if that as you breath in the actual filter of the mask can diaphragm in a bit of the “frame” and be a bit noticeable but i stopped noticing within a day and it’s never truly bothered me for daily activities or moderate workouts.

Rightsadfred
Rightsadfred
3 years ago

Great. Luxotica tax on the filters.

Mr. De Facto
Mr. De Facto
3 years ago

I also would like to know if it will keep my glasses from fogging up.

Astro Kraken
Astro Kraken
3 years ago

Coronavirus particles are usually stuck to water particles which are larger than that, which is one of the reasons even cheap masks help.

Chris
Chris
3 years ago

Review on Oakley says it is good with glasses – no fogging. Makes sense if the rubber makes a tight seal around your nose and upper cheeks.

echtogammut
3 years ago

I’ve gone through a couple expensive masks that proved disappointing. My latest being the OR one. They got some things rights, but the replaceable filter would blow out of place in crosswinds and fall out of place if you moved the mask. This Oakley mask appears to uses the same replaceable filter, so I’m curious if they have a better filter retention system.

Kyle
Kyle
3 years ago
Reply to  echtogammut

The replaceable filter here is held on by a thin piece of Velcro on either side and then nests up snuggly under the nose gasket. I’ve noticed the filter diaphragm in a bit when breathing but the structure if the frame keeps it from being bothersome. I have noticed the filter move or displace out if where I mounted it at all.

Cleo
Cleo
3 years ago
Reply to  echtogammut

Agee completely on the OR – the mask is great, the filter ruins it. If you have stubble, it catches and pulls the filter, also the movement issues mentioned. It also tends to bunch up. Vogmask has been my winner so far, but too much filtration for active use. The Oakley looks very Bane, will be interesting to hear more reviews.

edge
edge
3 years ago

April fools already?????

DirtyTrachea
DirtyTrachea
3 years ago

Early reviews on the Okaley fanboi forums are pretty disappointing. The filter is flimsy, filter doesn’t stay in place, fogging still occurs. The filter is listed as “one-time use” on the website. However, the actual product has a tag that says it can be washed and reused up to 25 times.
https://www.oakleyforum.com/threads/oakley-msk3-is-the-nicest-mask-ive-ever-seen-review.120067/page-14

JV
JV
2 years ago
Reply to  DirtyTrachea

Mine doesnt fog. The mask comes with 2 kinds of filters. The first is the disposable one. The second is the washable one. Information on the two filters are in oakley’s website.

jimbo
jimbo
3 years ago

I got one thinking it would be made to exercise in seeing it was “designed with athletes in mind”. They clearly didn’t spend much time thinking about athletes, athletic activity, or functionality. What the disgruntled fanbois say is true: anything beyond light exercise and you’ll be inhaling a wet filter with every breath. It’s just incredibly poorly designed. The nose bridge area does stop your glasses from fogging up, but I’d rather have an effective mask. It’s a complete waste of money. On the other hand, I’ve found the Serionix masks to be well designed for cycling for 1/3 the price of the Oakley… https://www.colorfil.com/pages/serionix-face-masks

Jim RNBSN
Jim RNBSN
2 years ago

I bought one in Feb. ’21 after seeing an Oakley employee wearing one. I have worn it everyday since. I am an RN and the infection preventalist in my building. After reading the specs on the replaceable filters, I started getting creative. Although the washable boasts N-95 type filtration, I found the price of replacements a little off putting. I solved this easily by taking an N-95, tracing the factory filter on a regular n-95 and cutting to fit. It works like a dream. And, just to ease my mind, I performed an OSHA approved fit test on myself. Despite having facial hair, it passed. I attribute that to the silicone boarder creating a better seal than normal n-95s. I love the feel of it. Its design keeps the filter off my face. As far as keeping glasses fog free, I have never had an issue. Those that have, I would question if they are adjusted correctly. I wear mine with glasses, or goggles at work 10 hours a day. Out of work, I wear sunglasses, and as long as the mask is adjusted right, AND the glasses are resting in the groove, I have never had them fog. My only issue I have ever had is the ear loops wearing out, but again, I wear it 10 hours a day 5 days a week at work, and when I am out in public, so war and tear is expected. I just ordered my second one 2 days ago, and if i can get 6 months hard use out of it, I will be just as happy.

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